Orders start for the new Austral and Rafale versions in Romania

Renault's offensive in Romania: The new Austral and Rafale are now available for order. Here are the prices and technological innovations

Renault takes a decisive step in consolidating its position in the compact and medium (C and D) segments in Romania, officially opening the order lists for the updated versions of the Austral and Rafale models. The two SUVs, which share the same advanced technological platform CMF-CD, come with a new visual identity, high-performance hybrid engines and technologies that promise to redefine the driving experience.

Renault Austral facelift: Style and efficiency from 31,750 euros

The Austral, the model that replaced the Kadjar, receives a major aesthetic update just two years after its launch to align with the brand's new design language, imposed by Gilles Vidal. The new front look is dominated by a much more generous grille and the luminous signature in the shape of a "half-arrow", which gives it a more aggressive and modern appearance.

For the Romanian public, the Austral facelift is available in three trim levels: Evolution, Techno and the sporty Esprit Alpine variant. A new color is the introduction of the "Slate Blue" shade (satin Slate blue), which highlights the sculpted lines of the body.

Under the hood, customers can choose between:

• Mild Hybrid 150 HP: A balanced solution, with a starting price of 31,750 euros (VAT included).
• E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 HP: A system that allows up to 80% electric driving in the city, with a price starting at 35,400 euros.

Renault Rafale: The 300 HP flagship enters the scene

If the Austral targets modern families, the Rafale is positioned as an avant-garde SUV coupé, being the new flagship of the brand. The model starts at a list price of 40,750 euros (VAT included) for the 200 HP Techno version.

The big news for the Rafale is the introduction of the top-of-the-line Hyper Hybrid E-Tech 4x4 300 HP version. This Plug-in Hybrid system not only offers impressive power, but also comes with all-wheel drive and a total range that can reach 1,000 km (WLTP).

The most exclusive equipment, Atelier Alpine (53,950 euros), brings cutting-edge technology, such as predictive active suspension. The system uses a video camera to "read" road irregularities and adjust the shock absorbers in real time, offering ride comfort worthy of the premium segments.

Top technology: From Google integrated into the Solarbay ceiling

Both models benefit from the OpenR Link multimedia system with integrated Google services (Google Maps, Google Assistant and over 100 applications available in Google Play). Among the technological innovations are:

• Smart driving mode: Automatically adapts to driving style and traffic conditions.
• Solarbay panoramic roof: Available on the Rafale, this glass roof can be selectively opaque at the touch of a button or by voice command, eliminating the need for a classic blind.
• 4Control Advanced system: All-wheel steering that offers city car handling (turning radius similar to that of a Clio) and increased stability in curves at high speeds.

How does it compare to rivals?

Renault seems to have relied on a very competitive price-performance ratio. In its segment, the Austral (31,750 euros) manages to undercut rivals such as the Citroën C5 Aircross (32,350 euros) or the Peugeot 3008 (34,200 euros), while offering faster acceleration (0-100 km/h in 9 seconds compared to over 10 seconds for the competition).

In the case of Rafale, the price of 40,750 euros places it in a favorable position over the Citroën C5 X, offering a more powerful hybrid engine (200 HP vs 145 HP) at a slightly lower price.

The new models can already be configured and ordered in the Renault dealer network in Romania, with the first deliveries expected in the coming period. With this double launch, Renault confirms its ambition to no longer be just a volume brand, but a major technological player in the upper segments.