Apparently there is room for another SUV offering in Renault’s range – especially if it comes with coupe styling traits
5 hours ago
by Thanos Pappas
This story contains independent illustrations that are neither related to nor endorsed by Renault.
Renault already has the Austral and the Espace covering the compact and midsize SUV segments in Europe, but there is another mechanically related model on the horizon. The Austral Coupe – or Avantime – is set to arrive in 2024 adding sexier styling into the mix while sharing the electrified underpinnings of its siblings.
Rumors about a compact coupe-SUV by Renault were circulating the web for a long time, but camouflaged prototypes only made their spy debut in April 2023. Those photos proved that the new model would be more than just a coupe-SUV variant of the Austral, adopting the new design language of Renault.
Read: New Renault Espace Debuts As A Longer Austral SUV With Seven Seats
The rendering we created integrates the new style of LED headlights that was recently introduced by the facelifted Renault Clio. Vertical DRLs reach lower into the front bumper, merging with the intakes while being thicker than those found in rival Peugeot models. The flagship Esprit Alpine trim will likely feature sportier bumpers, larger-diameter alloy wheels, and special badging.
Other styling cues and the surfacing could be shared with the Austral, although the tail will be fully redesigned to support the coupe-SUV stance. From the camouflaged prototypes, it is evident that the SUV has toned-up shoulders and a heavily inclined rear glass. Expect elongated LED taillights pointing to Renault’s emblem and dual spoilers.
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As for the interior, we would be surprised if Renault didn’t use the digital cockpit found in the Austral and the Espace since it already has the latest tech from the automaker’s parts bin – a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the 12-inch OpenR Link infotainment touchscreen, and a 9.3-inch head-up display. Furthermore, the 48-color ambient lighting and the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system would enhance the premium feel as with the Alcantara patches on the Esprit Alpine.
The Austral Coupe is expected to ride on the latest evolution of the CMF-CD architecture which underpins several models from the Renault Group. Chances are that the model will share the 2,738 mm (107.8 inches) wheelbase with the Espace, giving the designers more freedom to create a sexy profile, and allowing for a roomier interior. As a result, the overall length of the coupe-SUV would be somewhere between the 4,510 mm (177.6 inches) of the Austral and the 4,722 mm (185.9 inches) of the Espace. This size would allow it more breathing room above the Captur-based Arkana which measures 4,570 mm (179.9 inches) long.
Electrified But Not Fully Electric
In terms of powertrain options, we expect a heavy dose of electrification and enough power to justify the sporty looks. Options could include the E-Tech self-charging hybrid producing a combined 197 hp (147 kW / 200 PS) and 205 Nm (151.2 lb-ft) of torque, as in the Austral / Espace. This setup comprises a turbocharged 1.2-liter engine, an electric motor, a high-voltage starter-generator, a 2 kWh lithium-ion battery, and an automatic gearbox sending power to the front axle.
Baldauf
There is a high chance Renault will also offer a more powerful and more efficient plug-in hybrid, with a decent zero-emission range and more than adequate performance. Unlike Peugeot which offers hybrid and fully electric variants of its models, Renault uses a different platform for EVs, similar to the strategy of the VW Group. This means that the Austral Coupe / Avantime will most likely miss out on a zero-emission variant, leaving other models to cover this gap.
The Renault Austral Coupe, or Avantime if the company chooses to revive the nameplate of the two-door minivan, is rumored to debut sometime in 2024. From what we understand, the French model will rival both the next-gen Peugeot 308 which is set to transform into a coupe-SUV, and the larger 408 fastback, possibly moving closer to the latter.