Renault Austral Leasing Review UK: In-Depth Guide

Introduction

The Renault Austral Leasing is Renault’s mid-sized SUV offering in the UK market, positioned between models like the Captur and larger Espace, aiming to combine style, comfort, technology and efficiency. For many buyers, it sits in that sweet spot of “just big enough for family life” while being compact enough around town, and the Renault Austral Leasing market makes it a viable choice for both private drivers and businesses. In this review we cover everything: from key features, performance, charging / hybrid behaviour, running costs, safety, and where the Austral stacks up against rivals. If you’re considering Renault Austral Leasing, this should help you decide whether it’s right for you.

At a Glance

Specification	Detail
Model	Renault Austral Leasing Full Hybrid E-Tech (UK spec)
Powertrain	1.2-litre 3-cylinder petrol + electric motor; full hybrid (no plug-in)
Power	~200 hp combined output
Transmission	Automatic, intelligent multimodal gearbox
Fuel efficiency	Up to ~58.9 mpg (WLTP)
CO₂ emissions	~104-110 g/km depending on trim/spec
0-62 mph	~8.4 seconds for full hybrid versions
Boot space	Around 657 litres
Trim levels / options	Techno, Esprit Alpine variants etc.

Key Features

The Renault Austral Leasing brings a rich spec list. Key features include:

Hybrid E-Tech powertrain: full hybrid (non plug-in), meaning no need to plug in; battery charged via regenerative braking and the engine. =
Multimodal gearbox: designed to manage the petrol + electric drive smoothly.
Advanced infotainment: openR Link multimedia system with Google built-in, large screens (instrument cluster, central display)
Driver assistance: up to ~30 advanced driver assistance systems across trims including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, lane-keep assist, rear collision avoidance, parking aids and more.
Comfort and design touches: new grille, updated lighting signature, ergonomic seats with better support, premium trim options like Esprit Alpine which may include Harman Kardon sound etc.

Range & Batteries

Since the Renault Austral Leasing UK offer centres around a full hybrid E-Tech system rather than plug-in EV versions, there is no external charging required. Instead:

The battery is charged via regenerative braking and deceleration.
Electric driving capability is limited to certain speeds or conditions (for example in city driving you may spend a large portion time running on battery, but higher speeds will engage petrol engine)
The battery capacity is modest (≈2 kWh) since it’s not a plug-in type.

Because it is not an EV, “range” in miles purely on electric is minimal – but overall range on a tank is very good thanks to efficient hybrid behaviour and fuel economy. For many users, this hybrid range (fuel + electric assist) means long journeys with fewer stops and better MPG.

Performance & Drive

Acceleration: The full hybrid Austral gets from 0-62 mph in about 8.4 seconds.
It feels composed in mixed driving (city + motorway), with electric motor helping to smooth out starts, reduce noise at low speeds. Some users report that the transition between electric assist and petrol engine is smooth, though at high speeds the petrol engine is more audible.
Handling: body roll is reasonably controlled for its size, though the steering is sometimes described as light in standard mode (unless in a sport- or dynamic-style mode). Ride comfort is generally good.

Charging

Since the Renault Austral Leasing UK version (at least in current trims) is not a plug-in or fully electric:

There is no external charging requirement. You fill up petrol as usual. Battery replenishment happens through regenerative braking and the hybrid system.
For drivers who hoped for EV-style home charging, that is not applicable here. The benefit is simplicity: no planning for charging station or home charger required.

Running Costs & Emissions

Fuel economy: Up to ~58.9 mpg in many trims under WLTP test conditions. Real world will vary depending on driving style, load, traffic etc.
CO₂ emissions: In the region of 104-110 g/km for various trim levels. This is moderate for its class, better than many purely petrol SUVs, but not as low as plug-in hybrids or EVs.
Road tax / VED: Because it is a hybrid and emits CO₂ in that moderate range, expect mid-level VED; likely cheaper than large petrol SUVs but more than zero emission vehicles.
Maintenance & servicing: Hybrid systems tend to reduce wear on brakes (due to regeneration), but complexity is higher than a simple combustion engine. Long-term reliability will depend on usage and service regularity. Warranty from Renault will help in early years.
Leasing cost factors: For Renault Austral Leasing, monthly payments will depend on trim, annual mileage, contract length. Because fuel consumption is relatively strong, running costs of fuel will be lower for many users compared with non-hybrid competitors. Leasing deals often include maintenance options, warranties, etc., which helps total cost of ownership predictability. From data: deals for the Austral full hybrid “Techno 5-door Auto” start from around £281/month in some offers for private leases.

Interior & Technology

Cabin quality: The interior feels well built; materials are generally high quality, with good soft touches in trims such as Esprit Alpine. Ergonomic support for front seats has been improved in recent updates.
Infotainment & displays: Large screens — a large central touchscreen plus digital instrument cluster, plus what some sources call a head-up display (though note: one article said “9.2-inch head-up display” but check precisely what spec you want)
Connectivity: The openR Link system, Google built in, apps, voice control etc.
Comfort features / trim-based extras: Heated / massaging seats in upper trims, premium audio (Harman Kardon) in top versions, adaptive cruise, LED lighting, 19-inch wheels standard in many trims, 20-inch in higher ones.

Practicality & Boot Space

Boot space: ~657 litres with seats up; very good for its class.
Interior space: Ample room for passengers in front; second row has good shoulder and headroom. Comfort in long journeys is strong.
Modularity: Seats layout is fixed (not folding to flat like some MPVs), but rear seats do fold to expand luggage space. Door apertures, loading lip etc are user friendly.
Visibility and usability: Good visibility from driver’s seat, decent rear camera and parking aids on higher trims, though in tight urban situations size may be a downside. Frequent parking sensors help.

Safety

As with many recent Renaults, the Renault Austral Leasing includes a suite of safety and driver assistance systems: blind spot warning, lane keep, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, rear collision warnings etc.
Lighting is LED and adaptive in many trims which helps visibility.
The structural design, airbags, etc., align with current European / UK safety standards. (As always, checking specific Euro NCAP rating for your trim is advised; at review time, Australs are considered to have strong safety credentials.)
Safety options increase with higher trims – cameras, 360-degree view, park assist etc.

Options

Trim levels: From base “Techno” up through “Techno Esprit Alpine”, “Iconic Esprit Alpine” etc. Higher trims get more luxury and tech.
Wheels / aesthetic packs: Choices of alloys (19″, 20″), paint colours, maybe optional panoramic roofs or sunroofs in some trims.
Sound / comfort upgrades: Premium audio, massaging and heated seats etc in higher trims as options.
Driver aid / assistance packs: In some markets or trims, extras like 360-degree camera, advanced parking aids, possibly lane-keeping or semi-autonomous drive features.

Rival Cars

When considering Renault Austral Leasing, you’ll want to see what else is in the mid-sized hybrid SUV market. Some rivals include:

Nissan Qashqai (hybrid versions) — well-known, broad service network, strong resale value.
Kia Sportage (hybrid / mild-hybrid) — often with generous warranty and strong equipment levels.
Hyundai Tucson — similar size, strong hybrid options, good tech.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid — reliability, fuel efficiency, strong brand in hybrid tech.
Peugeot 3008 Hybrid / Mild-Hybrid — stylish interiors, strong ride comfort.

Each of these has strengths: perhaps better electric-only driving (if plug-in versions), more brand familiarity, wider dealer networks etc. Renault Austral Leasing strengths lie in its comfort, spec levels, hybrid efficiency without needing to plug in, and style.

Verdict

Pros:

Excellent hybrid efficiency without the hassle of charging or plugging in.
Strong overall specification even in mid trims (good tech, driver aids, infotainment).
Boot space and passenger comfort are very good for the class.
Leasing options are competitive: for those wanting Renault Austral Leasing, the monthly costs are reasonably attractive against rivals, especially considering fuel savings through hybrid behaviour.
Strong brand, good warranty and service back up in the UK.

Cons:

Since it’s not a plug-in, you lose out on pure electric range benefits; no zero-emissions for full journeys.
Hybrid complexity could lead to higher servicing or repair costs down the line vs simple ICE or fully electric vehicles.
Some steering lightness reported, especially off-mode or at high speeds; noise at motorway speeds can be more noticeable in certain trims.
Trim levels matter: many desirable features are reserved for higher or premium trims, raising costs.

Overall, if you are looking for a hybrid SUV that strikes a good balance between cost, running efficiency, comfort, and tech—with minimal fuss—then the Austral is a strong contender, especially via Renault Austral Leasing. If you do a lot of city driving, or short hops, or you have access to home / workplace charging, you may also want to consider plug-in options or EVs; but for most mixed usage, the Austral makes sense.

Next Steps (for Anyone Considering Renault Austral Leasing)

Check your usage / mileage: Leasing costs are highly influenced by how many miles per year you drive. If you drive more than average, go with higher allowance or negotiate.
Choose trim / options carefully: Decide which features are must-haves (e.g. 360-degree camera, premium audio, heated seats) because they can bump up the cost.
Compare leasing deals: Get quotes from several UK lease providers. As of now, deals for Austral hybrid Techno trims are around £280-£330/month for standard mileage (e.g. 6,000-10,000 miles/year) — but this depends heavily on deposit, mileage, and whether maintenance is included.
Factor in running costs: Fuel, insurance, road tax, servicing. Even though hybrid helps with economy, make sure to model realistic use (motorway + city).
Test drive: Especially in different conditions—town, highway, with load—to judge comfort, noise, visibility and ease of use.
Inspect warranty / dealer network: Renault has decent support in the UK; ensure leasing includes warranty, servicing options, and check local dealer quality.
Watch resale / residual values: When leasing, this matters a lot for costs at the end of lease. Austral is newish, so keep an eye on how its market value holds up.

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