Renault Austral Hybrid (HEV) 2025: The French SUV that redefines real-world efficiency

The new Austral, powered by a 1.2 full hybrid engine with 200 hp, proves more efficient than ever while improving comfort and equipment.

The Renault Austral Hybrid (HEV) 2025 has just arrived at dealerships, and we’ve already put it through our real-world fuel consumption test. Under the bonnet lies a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, paired with two electric motors to deliver a total of 200 hp, front-wheel drive, and a multi-mode automatic transmission. During our test, the French SUV achieved an impressive average fuel consumption of 4.10 litres per 100 km (24.39 km/l), spending just €21.96 in petrol for the entire trip.

The most efficient full hybrid SUV in its class

In the current real-world hybrid SUV ranking, the Renault Austral HEV sits at the top with its 4.10 l/100 km average, outperforming key rivals such as the Hyundai Kona 1.6 GDI HEV (4.25 l/100 km), Dacia Duster Hybrid 140 (4.30 l/100 km) and Honda ZR-V e:HEV (4.40 l/100 km). Only three models managed lower figures: the Toyota C-HR 2.0 Hybrid (4.00 l/100 km), the Renault Symbioz full hybrid E-Tech 160 hp (3.80 l/100 km), and the Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 Hybrid (3.55 l/100 km). These numbers confirm Renault’s outstanding work in energy optimisation and real-world hybrid efficiency.

The test car, in the esprit Alpine trim, is the top-of-the-range version, featuring 20-inch alloy wheels, a hands-free power tailgate, matrix LED headlights, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and four-wheel steering. This configuration delivers exceptional levels of comfort, technology, and driving stability, with a catalogue price of around €45,000. On the road, the Austral feels quiet, spacious, and extremely well-balanced, making it equally at home in the city or on long motorway journeys.

A comfortable, efficient SUV with remarkable range

Throughout our test, the Austral delivered consistent performance across all driving conditions. In mixed urban and rural driving, it averaged 5.2 l/100 km (19.2 km/l); on the motorway, 6.0 l/100 km (16.6 km/l); and in eco mode, just 3.8 l/100 km (26.3 km/l). Thanks to its 55-litre fuel tank, the Austral can cover between 900 and 1,400 km on a single fill-up, an impressive figure for a full hybrid SUV.

Ultimately, the Renault Austral Hybrid (HEV) 2025 proves that Renault has fine-tuned one of the most well-balanced SUVs on the market, blending power, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology without compromising on comfort or driving pleasure. Its refined handling, low fuel consumption, and outstanding range make it one of the most complete and efficient hybrid SUVs available today.