The brand-new Renault Austral is being tested. The standard model and the long-wheelbase version were both released for the European market in 2022. Although the long-wheelbase Austral is actually known as the Espace, the two vehicles share a platform underneath. Spy images now show an Austral coupe variant hidden by camouflage and fake panels intended to distort body lines. So, we’re hoping those are just fake panels.
We say this because our trusted sources believe this swoopy small crossover will resurrect another brand from Renault’s past – Avantime. Everyone remembers this curiously designed minivan touted as a grand touring machine combining the spaciousness of an estate with the sportiness of a coupe. That was before sloped-roof coupe-SUVs were a thing, and while it only lasted a couple of years, it surely left its impact on the automotive industry, for better or ill.
Whether the camo-wrapped crossover seen here is dubbed Austral Coupe or Avantime, we’re pretty sure the doors will not have elevated U-shape elements. In addition, we feel it will have a distinct face when compared to the Austral and Espace. Slim headlights appear to be commonplace components, although we could be looking at placeholder lenses here. The sides of the fascia also have varied design. Vertical elements could be at work, and we can definitely see LED lights of some kind through the vent perforations in the camo.
This people mover, unlike the original Avantime, will feature four doors on the sides. The belt line has a small up-kink at the C-pillar, similar to the regular Austral. The elevated U portions on the doors could be concealing the Austral’s distinctive horizontal body crease down beneath. Everything is different in the rear because we have a slanted roof that dips down rather dramatically. The taillight designs may be comparable to the Austral and Espace, however the camo cover obscures this.
At this time, our reliable sources believe the hybrid powertrain of the existing Austral options will remain identical, with up to 280 horsepower. A diesel option seems unlikely.
This is a first-generation prototype sighting. We don’t anticipating a reveal until 2024, based on the amount of camouflage and several non-production elements (such the exhaust pipe).
tyres.
The retractable wing in the back is manually adjustable. The car’s flanks are hidden by the huge taillamps. The diffuser and twin-pipe trapezoidal exhausts are housed in the lower section.
