Renault Austral AUS vs Volkswagen Tiguan CT1

Renault Austral

AUS · 2022 – 2026

The Austral (AUS), a modern compact SUV on CMF-CD3.

Volkswagen Tiguan

CT1 · 2024 – 2026

The third-generation Tiguan (CT1), on the MQB Evo platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Renault Austral

Pick the Austral for a modern compact SUV with an efficient E-Tech hybrid.

Best engine: The 1.3 TCe (petrol) or E-Tech Full Hybrid 200.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volkswagen Tiguan

Pick the Tiguan for a roomy, practical family SUV with strong towing and a wide engine range.

Best engine: The 1.5 eTSI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

1.2 E-Tech 200 · Hybrid vs 1.5 eTSI 150 · Petrol

	Renault Austral	Volkswagen Tiguan
Power	200 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	—	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,4 s Winner	9,1 s
Top speed	175 km/h	210 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	128,2 hp/t Winner	101,4 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	108 g/km Winner	128 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	4,7 L/100km Winner	5,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Renault Austral	Volkswagen Tiguan
Boot	430 L	652 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.525 L	1.650 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,67 m	2,68 m Winner
Length	4,51 m	4,54 m
Ground clearance	—	19,5 cm
Turning circle	10,9 m Winner	11,7 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	2.000 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	Renault Austral	Volkswagen Tiguan
Platform	CMF-CD3	MQB Evo (transverse)
Drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · E-Tech Full Hybrid 200	EA211 Evo 1.5 eTSI · EA888 2.0 TSI · EA288 Evo 2.0 TDI · eHybrid PHEV
Transmission	E-Tech automatic	7-speed DSG
Fuel	Hybrid	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6e
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Renault Austral

Infotainment software needs updates
Electrical gremlins on early cars
E-Tech hybrid: 12V battery drain

Volkswagen Tiguan

New-generation software (MIB4) may need campaigns
Higher weight/reinforced suspension on eHybrid
4MOTION diesels: AdBlue/DPF on short trips

Pros

Renault Austral

Modern interior with a big screen
Efficient E-Tech Full Hybrid 200
Roomy, modular boot (430–527 L)

Volkswagen Tiguan

Even bigger boot (652 l) with a flat load floor
Modern MIB4 infotainment and driver assistance
eHybrid with ~19.7 kWh battery and low CO2

Cons

Renault Austral

No diesel offered
Infotainment takes getting used to

Volkswagen Tiguan

eHybrid loses boot space (490 l)
Touch-slider controls take getting used to

Driving experience

Renault Austral

A refined long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car, helped by optional rear-axle steering (4Control) that tightens the turning circle in town. Steering is light but accurate enough for daily use, with Sport mode adding more weight. The ride is firmer than many rivals, especially on larger wheels, and can feel unsettled over sharp bumps, though body control is reasonable. The E-Tech full hybrid feels responsive in mixed driving and can cover short distances on electric power alone, while the 1.3 mild hybrid is adequate once moving. Low-speed transmission behaviour can show hesitation or judder on early hybrid examples.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Comfortable, quiet and more car-like than the old Tiguan. The CT1 rides with better body control and noise isolation than the AD1, steers accurately, and feels lighter on its feet despite similar dimensions. Front-drive versions are easy; 4Motion adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 eTSI is smooth and efficient with its 48-volt assistance, the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance pick, and the eHybrid covers short trips on electric power. The DSG is smooth; there is no manual. It is a more polished, more digital version of the same formula — comfortable and competent, if still not exciting.