Renault Austral - Kadjar No More (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

Renault Austral is the replacement for the Renault Kadjar. The success of Renault's compact crossover was so overwhelming that they decided to can it.
Launched in 2015, the Kadjar was a logical move to reap fruits from the alliance with Nissan, and it’s popular and well-liked Qashqai. But while the Qashqai continued to sell well, the Kadjar in a good year in Europe recorded sold maybe half of what the Japanese model did.
Also the press car I got squeaked and rattled just from looking at it. Renault tried to explain it was a pre-production model, but I recall all press Renaults around that time shouldn’t have left the factory.
Thankfully a few years later Renault significantly improved quality, with well-known models like the Clio and Megane benefiting, and lesser-known models like the Kadjar being replaced by the new Austral.
Subscribe to my newsletter and receive new video updates by e-mail:
marekdrives.tv/eng
↔ Renault Austral dimensions:
✔ length: 4510 mm
✔ width: 1825 mm
✔ height: 1644 mm
✔ wheelbase: 2667 mm
✔ boot/trunk: 450-1525 L
💲 Renault Austral starting price: 30 450 euro
💲 Renault Austral MHEV Esprit Alpine price as tested: 47 000 euro
🎯 Do you like my channel? Subscribe here: bit.ly/SubMarekDrivesENG
💥 Follow me here:
www.wieruszewski.com
/ marekdrives
/ mwieruszewski
/ marek_drives
📢 I started a new channel - bit.ly/MareksGear, where I'm talking about the gear I use to make my shoe-string budget car reviews. Check it out, and please consider subscribing: bit.ly/SubMareksGear
🚙 Also watch:
Citroen C5 Aircross • Citroen C5 Aircross - ...
Hyundai Tucson • 2022 Hyundai Tucson hy...
KIA Sportage • 2022 KIA Sportage AWD ...
Mazda CX-5 • Mazda CX-5 - If It Ain...
Renault Kadjar • Renault Kadjar (ENG) -...
Nissan Qashqai • 2021 Nissan Qashqai - ...
Skoda Kodiaq • Skoda Kodiaq Laurin&Kl...
Subaru Forester • 2022 Subaru Forester -...
Toyota Corolla Cross • Toyota Corolla Cross -...
#MarekDrivesENG #RenaultAustral #Austral
📌 Thanks for watching Marek Drives reviews. If you liked it, here are several other channels you may enjoy: Autophorie, Autogefühl, Bob Flavin, Carfection, Carwow, Doug DeMuro, Driven Car Reviews, Fully Charged, TheSmokingTire, TheStraightPipes, VINwiki.
Chapters:
0:00 intro
0:30 history
1:50 what does Austral mean?
2:35 boot
5:05 rear seat
5:55 cockpit
9:15 driving position
10:45 engine lineup
11:55 performance
12:35 hybrid powertrain
12:45 driving impressions
14:10 pricing
15:00 conclusion

[@stefanc4873]

This is the best car Renault has ever produced and a game changer in its segment. Just drive it, and you'll see. Quality is top, and the Google integration is second to none.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Literally second to none :)

[@stefanc4873]

The Renault Austral has earned the title of Autobest - Best Buy Car of Europe 2023. A jury of 31 members, including Complete Car's Dave Humphreys, cast their votes following an intensive testing programme amongst the finalists, which included the Opel Astra, Peugeot 308, Toyota Aygo X, Dacia Jogger and Honda Civic. Renault also picked up the Smartbest award for its integration of Android Automotive OS into its latest generation of cars.

[@dandimobile]

One of the best auto journalists if not the best. I have already seen 3 reviews of this vehicle and none have mentioned most of the problems he mentioned in the video. I recommend following him to get objective car reviews. As if most automotive journalists are afraid of car manufacturers to publish real reviews. continue on your way. you are excellent

[@BrateTebra123]

His reviews are not objective but rather very negative no matter the brand (OK he hates Dacia very very much, but I guess that is because 2 decades ago Poland and Romania were on pair with car production and now Romania is very successful with Dacia while Poland does not have any successful car brands, and he is Polish so you the get the point...) Other then this detail, all of his reviews are nagative and that is far from objective. Nevertheless it is worth watching this channel to get known with the negative aspects about each car but don't expect for Marek to point you the positive points for any car, and sometimes that is more important then car negatives

[@PriitKaru]

@@BrateTebra123 I don't think so. He has very positive reviews. The overall tone is sarcastic and there's usually one or two punches at questionable design choices in all the reviews, even the positive ones, but that's just Marek's style. Sarcasm isn't for everyone.

[@oris247]

When you pick on a wrist rest for so long, a helpful feature for operating a touchscreen, it's fair to say the car can't be that bad. Oh and don't forget Google's podcast disaster! Very negative approach to a fresh, well thought out, highly efficient and individual vehicle.

[@Sip342]

I just felt oh no why did i watch this 😮

[@Sip342]

He ruind everything 😮

[@extreme8808]

I know the story about that dreaded lever. Renault engineers have done the sensible parts of the interior, then the designer team came. They saw everything, thought that there is nothing truly unique and then someone yelled "I KNOW! WE'LL PUT A LEVER WHERE NO ONE EXPECTS IT!". There was a wave of applause 🤣🤣🤣

[@vladgaitan5879]

Dude just asking is there any car on this planet that you like ? Because it feels like every review that you do you are just making fun of these cars... which I dont get. The sarcasm is not that funny and it feels like in each review that you make you tell the potential buyer that its a shit car. I mean I dont get... if you want to be subjective its ok but just tell us what you like and dont. Its just stupid to make mildly funny reviews in which you only tell people these cars are bad.

[@DenisTheMenaceMMA]

I actually like this content because 99% of car reviews just look only on the bright side of the things, which the buyer is already mostly aware, it's these small lackings that we need to know when we consider buying a car and Marek does amazing job at describing them even though he does sound a bit cynical

[@g00dfeeling]

I appreciate objective car reviews but here I think you were too harsh on Austral. Lever does something. It is actually hand rest that makes using the multimedia screen more comfortable. In Renault promotional material it is named cruising console and it is mentioned that it also includes a phone slot with inductive charging. I really like it and it makes interior more interesting. I didn't understand what's wrong with Android Auto. What you mentioned is minor detail but general impression for me is really good.

[@nad199]

Just been to Renault dealership for a test drive in the Renault Austral I have to say full hybrid and petrol is brilliant. The drive is absolutely bang on. It's got power 197bhp compared to other hybrid models this totally out plays it's rival

[@oris247]

Good to hear. I'm considering it seriously. But, wait, that wrist rest. ...oh no!!!! First world disaster.

[@predragvucetic3546]

My respect, good car test and two words about the car... In my family, the 2nd car brands are loved and respected - Renault and BMW, and to be honest (someone will say that they are not comparable), Renaults have always been of high quality, with a bold and avant-garde design and high quality (of course, the middle and upper class in strong equipment) and always gave much more than a stingy VW, for example, where every dot and comma is paid extra, and this is one of the most beautiful ever Renaults with timeless design and the most beautiful cockpit (1.m2 of screen with head up display incl.) and the most beautiful and modern environment for a driver of all brands in the world at this moment and for this money, because we are not talking about EQS Mercedes...

[@gigachad6301]

dad recently just told the whole family that we’re getting rid of our Bmw for this car. at first i hated it but now i’ve genuinely started to like it.

[@MikeKay1978]

The lever is quite genius actually as it act as a support for your hand when entering in an address to the satnav.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

You must have a very long hand. Also, what about the contents of cupholders?

[@MikeKay1978]

@@MarekDrivesENG you move the lever all the way forward and you rest your hand on the lever while typing, so normal arm length. you want to lean your hand palm on something especially typing on an un even road, that means all roads. well it is a trade off if you want to have a cup or hand rest. but i still liked it.

[@igoridol]

A lot of people are used to rest their right hand on the gear lever while driving. Therefore, you Will find similarly shaped lever in previous model Espace (16-23). It makes cruising more relaxing & helps ti stabilize a hand while typing to the infotainment screen. Marek obviously doesn't drive this way, so he missed the purpose of it.

[@bertpetit]

Good to see your high level of excitement! 😂 all jokes aside, thank you for the honest review!

[@bokichko]

besides it's small over exaggerated flaws i still think it's best in the segment

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I don't feel I over exaggerated water being absorbed in every cavity or the the lever that does nothing :)

[@Oklm23]

@@MarekDrivesENG lol my VW has the same issue with the water but you would never mention it in any of your reviews and the lever is designed so that people of different sizes can adjust it to rest their hand on it but you’re making such an over exaggeration out of it. The google infotainment is currently the best on the market and miles ahead of anything that VW has to offer, but for you it’s just meh. You clearly just hate French cars haha and that’s your right, but you have to be the least objective reviewer I’ve ever seen 😂

[@davel9359]

@@MarekDrivesENGmy Mondeo and new Tucson drips water on me when I open the tailgate. I just open it and stand back. Agree the lever is an odd thing, but when the cup holder is in use it covers the wireless charger, which is fine as you should be hands free when driving anyway.

[@richgl31]

@@Oklm23 Arguably you clearly prioritise infotainment. Car manufacturers love this - as they only have to bolt on a couple of screens rather than actually design a dashboard cluster ; so cheaper for them- but can charge a premium because of people’s obsession with screens.

[@cristimezdrea9528]

I really respect your way of reviewing this car and maybe others, there's definitively no such perfection in any car. But, we are speaking about a car worth 40k euro nowadays when other cars from premium brands are asking more than 60-70k for the same technology inside. Ok, of course the quality will be different but also the amount of money and I see lots of problems as you are showing them, I have problems even also with my Audi A4 2013 still, but as I said I do respect your way of doing reviews even in the sarcastic way. I bought the car anyway, I did few drive tests and from my perspective it fits my needs and I really like the interior especially but the exterior it's also looking really nice in comparison with the the brands around the same prices.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

As long as you're pleased, my opinion is irrelevant. Happy motoring!

[@trevorcalder550]

nice to see an honest review

[@donaldstokes.3014]

Great review as always. Nice looking car with a nice looking interior and lovely big infotainment screen,but to be honest I don’t trust Renaults build quality and reliability after owning a Captur and then a Kadjar,went over to Hyundai and a Tuscon much improvement on the Kadjar all round.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

I see the Renault Espace has turned from a minivan into an SUV. We won’t get the new Espace in the UK. The Espace nameplate was axed for the UK market in 2012.

[@Archemeial]

Seriously? The areas you have pounded the Austral on are pathetic. There is no car that allows for the behaviour of all drivers. The car is a beauty to drive. Has a lot of torque and handles potholes well.

[@doriangray8032]

If you have Renault you would know, have it and there are a lot of small annoying solutions. That car proxy thing, loading in the back is 100% accurate, then there is that water after rain and when it dries... No idea about trim lv. have normal manual lower spec... I'm glad, no idea why the column shifter, that is something that died in the 80s and almost every car switched to a central position... Ok that mid lever is to place arm while touching screen (waste of space if you ask me)

[@AR-1806]

@@doriangray8032The column shifter is also in Mercedes and I like it very much

[@doriangray8032]

@@AR-1806 I'm from Europe, at this moment in Germany, my whole country is crazy about Mercedes, even we are having a statue of THE Mercedes... Never in my life saw one

[@AR-1806]

@@doriangray8032 Then you haven‘t been in a Mercedes, I‘m from Europe too, go to a Mercedes dealership, sit in a Mercedes, you won‘t find one new Mercedes without the column shifter, my dad has a Mercedes from November 2018, which has it

[@doriangray8032]

@@AR-1806 please read my first comment, I was talking about how in the 80s column shifter was almost fully abandoned for central and don't get it why are we getting it back

[@ChiriacCatalin]

Super nice Intro

[@ianstewart2723]

Don’t think the designers have thought this one thru for €47k. Very Good Honest Review.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Sometimes I feel the French automakers live on a different planet :)

[@BrateTebra123]

​@@MarekDrivesENG Why? I own 2022 Peugeot 208 after owning 2019 VW Polo that are basically direct competitors. 208 is much more though out car, and other then the bit bigger trunk and double floor in the Polo, 208 is of a better build quality and value (you get more for the same money) No wonder it is 2020 car ld the year and best selling car in Europe for 2021 and 2022 in a row.

[@Oklm23]

​@@MarekDrivesENG The first 2 best-selling cars in Europe in 2022 are French (Peugeot 208 and Dacia Sandero) but yeah French automakers clearly live on a different planet lol. How are the Polish automakers doing these days? 😂

[@MarekDrivesENG]

@BrateTebra123 t.z. Streptomicin za muski rod Polo is overpriced, 208 is over-styled. Corsa is the safe middle ground here (I know it's the same PSA parts underneath). If I were to overpay for a supermini, I'd go with a Honda Jazz, which is THE most car in this segment IMO.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

@Oklm23 Polish automakers are doing great. The government spent a small fortune designing Polish National Electric Car (without a specific platform in mind, because there's no money for that), which is now going to be built on a Chinese platform and redesigned by Pininfarina to fit the said platform. As for sales figures, Dacia is the cheapest, so no surprise there. Today Dacia costs as much, as B-segment cars used to cost 5-7 years ago, so the same people, who once bought Polos and Fiestas, can now barely afford a Sandero. Interestingly the Clio (which happens to be from the same stable as the quirky Austral) dropped from #1 to 6th position? What happened there?

[@thetad1242]

This guy is overly negative it's hard to watch the review and the car.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

The review I understand, but why the car?

[@andrazlogar861]

Agreed on the overly negative review.

[@sokiee]

We needed a hybrid for our business lease, I think the Austral is a very respectable crossover, with a better than average performance over similar competition ( mainly Peugeot here ) I like the bigger boot, and the Android auto has the most fluid map compared to other in house map software. And when the alternative is buying a 1.5ton car with barely 100 horsepower, this is well appreciated

[@principsus]

This Google system in Austral is miles ahead of system in VW or Audi. Not sure why you blame it so much. Just try to compare it with other car systems

[@MarekDrivesENG]

As I said in the video, it doesn't add much to the experience. It's not difficult to use, but the integration of Google services barely scratches the surface of what this system could do. And it's been in this state for ages now.

[@niprbmw_210]

The side profile of the Austral is like a Renault Kadjar if it had a 2nd generation, there's some things I like about the car like the rims, the interior and such but I wouldn't buy one to be honest... Your reviews are always spot on Marek.

[@TheNaturalVibration]

this pretty much what I wanted to hear, this car seems to not be good for twisty road?

[@kevinn1158]

There should be a "level that does nothing" delete option. I've noticed that the main screen is "the everything" in cars now. If you give the vehicle a crap screen it's going to date your car very quickly. Those 3 control stocks behind the steering wheel is funny... oh those French. At least the exterior is nice. I think Renault should hire a French ext design team and a German or English int design team. Oh Nice socks Anna... 😉 and nice review Marek!

[@freestick19822000]

What a high level of quality in car reviews 🎉should be sent to other car reviewers so they could learn something👍👍

[@Dazzaisaac]

Love the design

[@nad199]

Sorry to say your complaining too much these minor of hings don't matter. Every car has a positive and negative. There is no car out there that is perfect in every way

[@Gilotopia]

You sure it doesn't have driver profiles like the normal megane? There you only save on seat position but each driver can save a profile that contains all their settings.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

This is what I found. If there's something more, it's well hidden.

[@Da_StormtroopeR]

French music at the beginning sounds like Yelle. Great review as always. 👌

[@Stefan-xw8mq]

Really like Marek's critical reviews, very valuable. As it seems my current Captur 2 is much more elaburated and mature than this new Austral, though, getting showered by the trunk door seems to be a Renault standard 🙂

[@dancooper2072]

Had VW's and Peugeot that are just the same

[@RaduB.]

You have the same thing with Mégane.

[@dancooper2072]

@@RaduB. You have it with most cars lol. It rains so water will drop on your head. 😂

[@peetrutzPNZ]

Good review. But a bit harsh this car is very cheap on entry level and comes with lots as standard

[@nusibusi4728]

And with water inside. No thank you.

[@dragosaxinte4929]

nice review but what is with vidwo editing at the begining? is a little bit too much

[@dominicr4740]

It’s worth noting that every product in the Stellantis brands have the same proximity lock without the option to turn off. At least here you can do that! I really hate these systems as someone who checks the car is locked by pulling a door handle, see my problem!

[@dominicr4740]

Would be interesting to see a comparison review with the Quashqai!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

The new Qashqai e-Power is coming in June (probably a couple of weeks earlier for channel members). In short: Qashqai is the sensible, no-frills choice.

[@leecasford8275]

We have a Kadjar and love it. May replace with a Austral. We don't find the Kadjar noisy?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

How do I put it in a way that's inoffensive? The Austral is good upgrade from the Kadjar :)

[@bojarski3927]

waiting for review of new espace

[@AR-1806]

My Renault unfolds the mirrors when I pass it and don‘t wanna drive it, but it only really unlocks when I pull the handle and even if you don‘t enter it, it‘ll lock when you‘re away again, don‘t understand the issue. Don‘t understand the issue with the tailgate either

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I think Renault has different iterations of its handsfree system depending on the model and year. Some unlock on approach, some just start the welcome sequence, and wait for you to pull the handle. I tend to turn it all off, but then I have to unlock the car by pressing a button on the fob. What's wrong with a sensor or a button on the door handle?

[@andersemanuel]

full hybrid.. what does that mean? I love your reviews but you need a plan here. Just to confirm -this is not a PLUG IN hybrid. Just a electrically assisted petrol car. Right? ;)

[@MarekDrivesENG]

OK, MHEV, HEV (full or regular hybrid), PHEV.

[@andersemanuel]

@@MarekDrivesENG Could I have it in swedish please? Just kidding ;) I think its too early in this electric progress to remember these acronyms. I even think some manufacturers want to hide what their vehicles really are. (expensive petrol cars with a tiny electrical assistant) Like Toyotas slogans "an electrical car that charges itself.." So I trust you to pull their pants down :) Keep up the good work!

[@podge5555]

3 stalks on the right hand side of the steering wheel is ridiculous

[@Sznfctm]

It's the same lever as in the Milennium Falcon, it probably allows specific (future) models to jump to hyperspace. :D

[@MarekDrivesENG]

That would be an optional extra worth paying for :)

[@pushystyzajchyk6535]

Jak miałbym sobie teraz kupować nowe auto, byłby to Renault Austral...

[@AliHijazi]

frech cars will remain french fries the black logo in the front reminded me of Turkish tv series in which they hide the cars' logos so that it doesn't appear like they are promoting for a car brand

[@markprior2278]

Thanks for a very well informed review. Was looking for something to replace my Mazda CX30 next year. Was thinking about the Austral but you have definitely put me off buying one.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I'm sorry if you liked the car, but I'm pleased I helped you avoid a potential mistake. What's the next car on the list? Assuming you still want to replace your Mazda.

[@markprior2278]

@@MarekDrivesENG Toyota Corolla cross or Rav 4. Looking for a mid size SUV preferably self charging hybrid.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Skip the Corolla Cross (watch my review if you haven't already), and go for the RAV4.

[@davel9359]

Maybe you should just test drive it. What suits one person doesn’t suit another, otherwise everybody would buy the same car.

[@GameWinner85]

Nissan Xtrail E power how it compares against Renault? :)

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It's bigger, than the Renault, but uses more fuel. Good AWD though. Worth the high fuel consumption, if you have some tricky access roads to deal with.

[@SD-cs1ti]

This guy rolls for the Germans, but for once he is right it looks the same hearse design as vw, even if the interior is more pleasant

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

Great... Now I don't even care about the car (I don't like SUVs, anyway) I just want to know what was that song at the beginning? Something from Yelle, maybe?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I wish :) Some sort of stock music from Artlist.io. I don't keep track.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

@@MarekDrivesENG thanks. I know not everyone likes Yelle (French music is like French cars....not for everyone...) But I do! 😅

[@leemuggeridge1392]

Such a shame this won't be hitting the UK market until 2024 😥

[@leemuggeridge1392]

@Roger Please point me in the direction of where it's available in the uk? I currently have a Renault Capture with RRG in bolton and according to the team there it's not available to be ordered until 2024..

[@imrankhan-cb6ui]

why there is no Fog lights

[@MarekDrivesENG]

www.nytimes.com/2017/06/29/automobiles/wheels/why-fog-lamps-are-starting-to-disappear.html

[@takuan650]

'And how do You like the Renault Austral'? Well, it bored me sh!tless! Yaaahhwnn.

[@rc666]

What an intro.

[@odracirsotam]

I like the exterior styling, but not much the interior styling. Nevertheless, it wouldn't make me choose another model. On the other hand, the negative points highlighted in the video DO make me look else where for a compact family SUV! And the price?! Completely nonsense! 😮

[@cubular3000]

So many crazy things about this car and it's 2023, Renault has had more than enough time to make their silly mistakes. Maybe it will still sell in Europe but in the rest of the world, especially in Asia, people are very alert to ergonomics and will write off the car based on them - before we get to Renault's reliability record. Even Toyota - yes, Toyota - are catching up to French cars in comfort and ride quality these days. The new 2022 Toyota Sienta, for example, is easily a match for any European compact 7-seater. Given all of this plus Renault's relatively weak standing in the car market, I'm not sure if it will still exist in a few years.

[@vasileioscharisopoulos7662]

Well done mate. Objective and thorough Nice car, but as usual with renault in this segment, too little too late. Not to comment on the price.

[@andrazlogar861]

Delay in trunk opening is present in hyundai ionic 5 too. Annoying.

[@sasicuomo3973]

Renault❤️🔝

[@laupakhin]

I'm not sure if Renault want to be competitive in this segment or if they're there to make up the numbers. This seems a bit underwhelming compared to some of its competitors. I'm also rather upset that the Espace, a vehicle that began life as such innovative and forward-thinking product is now a rather generic crossover. My first guess was that the 'nothing' lever was a handbrake like the big butt Megane. Definitely seems like quirky French thing to do.

[@BrateTebra123]

It cuts the competitors in the segment in prica by a fair margin. I predict a success for this model

[@zijadjasarspahic5275]

Always a joy watching your videos, especially when you roast french cars 😂

[@MarekDrivesENG]

😁

[@CodeWithZee]

C5 aircross vs Austral vs Sportage vs any other SUVs below 35000

[@patmat.]

10:50 Dan Zeitune - Oú Allons Nous d'Ici

[@raysmith1971]

When they want $47,000 for one and a Tesla model Y costs the same! 😅

[@HyBy]

I don't understand why most french cars feel like they are designed by a commitee that only did one meeting during development. I had to use once my mom's Citroen C2 when my car was in the shop and i remember there were three-four little things that kept annoying me. It's frustrating cause they are sooo close every time nailing it down, yet so far.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

What Doug DeMuro would call weird quirks are normal French car features :)

[@BrateTebra123]

I can't really agree with you. Driving the 2022 Peugeot 208 1.2 as a french representative in the B segment after driving VW Polo 1.0TSI 2019 (basically direct model competitor from at the time) I must admit 208 is a better car overall. Yes the Polo is a bit more practical and had a better paint job but all od the other aspects of the car like comfort, equipment, value for money, longer warranty insulation, engine power and flexibility, safety features and even small things like better door closing, double seal on the doors, aluminium hood, rear door trims, better lights etc, overall a very complete car even better then the Polo which very strong competitor in the first place. No wonder Peugot 208 got the 2020 car of the year award and was the best selling car for all segments in 2021 and 2022 in a row. I can't disaagree more that French don't know how to make a car, especially small cars I ca

[@PriitKaru]

Feels underwhelming. Is all of their budget now going towards the cheeky EV concepts we've been shown?

[@michealkelliher8428]

What a load of absolute bollocks of a review this is. Never gets into technical specifics at all. Cuts everything, seems to need a reason to judtify his job as a reviewers. I drive 50,000 km per year, im looking to change. Ive driven 12 different SUV's from 12 different brands. This is the best ive come across, by a considerable distance, if yiu pardon the pun. Yes, its very hard going over those bumps, yes the boot is short, but its google, infotainment screen, interior is UNRIVALLED. Im a designer and an artist myself, so i know my design. It's also the most silent SUV out there to drive. Not perfect, but its also the most economical etech SUV out there.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

What were the other 12 that this stood out? I mean everyone's got an opinion, but why would you like to spend time in this particular car? Beside the looks in/out, which are OK. Silent it is not.

[@michealkelliher8428]

@MarekDrivesENG Really? You want to know? Lexus, BMW, Hyundai, Toyota, Ford, Kia, Opel, Peugeot, Land Rover, Audi, Volvo, Citroën, Nissan. Now, how is about that for a list? Can't better that. I don't know about you, but maybe it's different in England or wherever your from, maybe a different variant, but over here in Ireland, the RENAULT AUSTRAL WAS ALSO THE MOST SILENT SUV FROM THAT LIST OF 12 IN IT'S CLASS. Now how's about that.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Your opinion. I have trouble believing most of the brands you mentioned, unless you've driven absolute base spec, to stay within the price range. The Austral is good looking (in higher trim), but that's it.

[@michealkelliher8428]

@MarekDrivesENG I've driven them all in specs appropriately to all the same price range. I've kept them all for 1 day each. No good. The Renault beats them all hands down on techspec, the top spec, the Iconic, has an UNRIVALLED SOUND SYSTEM, better than anything else out there in its class. FACT. Its infotainment system is UNRIVALLED too. It's not perfect, but in comparative to vehicles in it's class, it offers way, way, way more. Remember, it's in a car a person spends most of their time, not admiring it outside all of the time. I wouldn't go for anything except the top spec, Iconic Alpine.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pojHlWmVj92LbsU

[@adrianromero92]

I think that it is one thing to make an assessment of the vehicle and another to talk about it as if Renault were stupid, there are things that you say that happen in all cars (tray, water from the gate...) and when you talk about the central lever it is absurd It's a sliding handrest.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I can't recall many cars that take water INTO the tailgate.And the sliding wristrest is also useless, which you'll find out as soon as you try to use it.

[@adrianromero92]

@@MarekDrivesENG In all the cars that I tried or drove for work or for rent, whenever it rains the water wets that area of the gate. The problem would be if it goes inside, but it only wets the tires. I'm sorry to tell you that the palm rest seems comfortable to me, I already tried it. But it's one thing not to like it and another to say it's useless, because it's not.

[@StefMK47]

Think I’ll stick with the Arkana, not a fan of the interior, arm rest is king

[@RaduB.]

Ah, les Français, tu dois les aimer!... Ils ont toujours un certain 'je ne sais quoi'. Like that faux lever and the quirky controls behind the wheel. This review kind of reminded me of you busting the Kadjar a few years ago. 🙂 The Austral might be a Renault intended mainly for the southern hemisphere... At least that's what crossed my mind when I first heard this name.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

This is miles better, than the Kadjar. But quirky :)

[@j.v.f.8736]

Time for a restyling already

[@romariossoossoiramor150]

Thanks a lot. I really like how it looks from outside. However, all the teeny-tiny unthought aspects of inconvenience couldn't attract me to this car

[@kubilayylmaz1716]

Regarding your car reviews i have antipathie any car models 😅

[@dancooper2072]

Do you ever have anything good to say ? Haha

[@EV6-Gear]

Thank you for review. Cancelled my order on Austral. To many bad points plus boot is tiny

[@Bigmojo75]

Basically, there’s no way. KIA Niro

[@principsus]

Boring Kia Niro

[@0verspeed]

You have said nothing good about the car!

[@nemanjapudar201]

I love Austral. I gave you a dislike, because your review was unnecessarily over-criticizing.

[@MG3-Hybrid]

Disappointing about the boot. Not sure how Renault got it so wrong.

[@startlane]

Excellent review and to be honest the Austral seems a backward step compared to my 21 plate Akana full Hybrid. I wouldn’t buy an Austral for reasons shown in the video and why don’t Renault add some oomph the range… though performance is bearable the acceleration on all models is slow …even on my Akana it’s 10sec 0-62… Come on Renault start producing a range of engines that can match the Germans…As for Austral I think they need to go back to drawing board, the potential is there to create a great car but this first attempt

[@startlane]

To add ….this first attempt isn’t for me

[@user-rv5jb4hw8c]

Someone wants to do a review on Renaults customer service. Shame about Renaults customer service absolutely shocking. If you get a problem you get told lies and assurances and they dont materialise

[@zaneverovati]

The review is top notch as we've gotten used to by now, but the car itself is one big "meh", to say the least.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

The crossover is what hatchbacks used to be in the day. Bland.

[@YalokIy]

Doesn't look like much car for 47k. I would rather go for a rav4

[@John2710]

Another expensive half usable car

[@skemsen]

😂

[@vit_tam]

As a kajar owner, I'd definitely not buy anything as noisy as it. Pity that a car for 50k is as noise comfortable as cheap daewoo matiss

[@michealkelliher8428]

There is no noise in this lad. I've test driven ALL SUV's, and this one is the quietest out there.

[@konsen6149]

I feel that the interior designers for the dashboard panel, rear seat, boot lid opening and steering wheel may be eating the wrong foods and drinking wrong coffee that make their designs below par and illogical without attention to details refinement. If I were Renault management , I would FIRE those irrelevant designers immediately before they cause any damage to Renault every new models.

[@RaduB.]

It's not their fault, it's the environment they are working in. You should restructure the company, I'm afraid...

[@michealkelliher8428]

This is the best interior of any SUV out there. I've test driven them all.

[@igordjurdjevic3072]

I watched Marek review's about last 5 years and don't have any idea what new car is for me. Every car is crap.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Most new cars are these days. But what's important for you in a car?

[@Volta24]

Renault..😅😅😅😢

[@markozivanovic117]

Damn this car has too many design flaws, what were they thinking? Marek is one of the only reviewers talking about car flaws that matter.

[@0verspeed]

You are so biased, that is why you have QQ in UK.

[@0verspeed]

Stop making weird faces!

[@30marko]

50k for a Renault? 😂😂😂

[@colinrenfrew48]

Overdesigned and overpriced. Great video!

[@BrateTebra123]

Overpriced? The car is literally the cheapest car in the segment considering it's starting at 29k for a 4 cilindar petrol engine and a manual. Are you maybe living in 2017 car prices?

[@pavlaras1982]

You are literally unbearable to watch. Your sarcasm about literally everything and your constant nagging just kill the mood. You have spent no time to discuss the looks of the car (which is amongst its strongest points and a bold new direction for the brand), yet you've spent ages talking about cupholders and the central lever. Not to mention the sarcasm about the French culture and the making fun of the French accent. Enough with this sadness...

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Yes.

[@davejones538]

awful 😂 cheers

[@FhatuwaniManyane]

French car are always different, in a wrong way

[@RustyPWNZ]

Crap

[@jonthorne4326]

All the Renault interior designers needs to demoted to brushing up the garage, than designing .what a load of garbage all the money spent on that car,I’m embarrassed for them.

[@nathanwolf5547]

Depressingly Mumsy. You can almost smell baby vomit and dirty nappies coming through the screen. It’s for mothers with sensible hair and the school run to do.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

What's sensible hair these days? :)

[@terjoe4729]

Ridiculous review. You began with the "issue" of the car unlocking as you walk past it with the key in your pocket. You walk further past and it locks! Your point? I stopped watching after that.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It depends on how your driveway is positioned in relation to your door. Also, I wouldn't complain, if I could customise how the system works (for example only automatic locking, but not unlocking). In this iteration of Renault's infotainment you can only turn off hands free completely, which is no good either.