The Renault Austral is one of the main novelties in 2022 in the segment of mid-size SUVs, while the Hyundai Tucson is one of the sales leaders in this category. We analyze the strengths of each of them.
In the segment of medium-sized SUVs, the Renault Austral is one of the most recent innovations, an unprecedented model that replaces the Kadjar in the range of vehicles of the diamond firm. For its part, the Hyundai Tucson is confirmed as one of the best sellers in the category and its provisional second place as the best-selling vehicle in the first four months of 2022 attests to this.
In this article, we analyze the main strengths of the French brand’s car compared to those of the South Korean manufacturer’s model, two vehicles called to be two of the “fighting cocks” among mid-size SUVs.
Renault Austral: the New Medium Suv Made in Spain
In the same production site where the Kadjar was manufactured until now, the Renault factory in Palencia is the place chosen for the assembly of the new and interesting Austral, a vehicle whose arrival at European dealerships is scheduled for next autumn.
In the Austral, we appreciate a great qualitative and quantitative leap compared to the model it replaces (Kadjar). Inside, the 100% digital environment has many similarities to that of the electric Renault Mégane E-Tech, where the attractive and eye-catching arrangement of the different “L” elements combines the digital instrumentation behind the steering wheel and the large vertical touch screen stands out.
At 4.51 meters long, 1.62 meters high, and 1.83 meters long, the new Austral is positioned at the “heart” of the medium SUV segment in Europe, with exterior dimensions very much in line with many of its various rivals ( Peugeot 3008, Kia Sportage, Citroën C5 Aircross, Hyundai Tucson itself, VW Tiguan… ).
The technical platform on which the French firm’s new SUV has been developed is the CMF-CD architecture of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, so this new car shares many of its technical genes with another of the prominent players in this category, the Nissan Qashqai.
The mechanical offer of the new Austral eliminates diesel from the beginning and among its different alternatives, it is committed to gasoline associated with different hybridization systems. First of all, as a version of access to the range, you can choose the unprecedented 1.2 Turbo 130 CV combined with 48V micro-hybrid technology. On the other hand, this 48V mild-hybrid technology will also be available with the 1.3 4-cylinder engine in power levels of 140 and 160 hp. At the top of the range, we can find the new E-TECH Hybrid version, with a new 1.2-liter 3-cylinder petrol engine, with a 96 kW turbocharger and a torque of 205 Nm (two power levels of160 and 200 CV) and associated with a 50 kW and 205 Nm electric motor, a 1.7 kWh capacity lithium-ion battery and a 7-speed gearbox.
Another technical characteristic that distinguishes this model from its rival competitors of the general brands is that it can incorporate the steering system in the rear wheels 4CONTROL Advanced (the rear wheels can also turn a few degrees depending on the driving circumstances and the type of maneuver being performed).
Hyundai Tucson: The Great Rival to Beat
In autumn 2020, Hyundai presented the new generation of the Tucson, a vehicle that became the new benchmark in the category (along with its “brother” Kia Sportage, they are two of the most technologically advanced models among their direct competitors).
aesthetic solutions both outside and inside that are the most surprising and striking. In its cabin, the ample space for cargo is one of the attributes of the Asian firm’s vehicle, with an available volume in the boot that can range between 620 and 1,799 liters when the rear seats are folded. Another of the “gadgets” on board this model is its three-zone air conditioning system, two areas for each of the occupants of the front seats and another independent area for the passengers in the rear seats.
Another of the most striking features onboard the new SUV of the South Korean brand corresponds to the new 10.25-inch AVN-T screen in the center of the dashboard, a full touch screen where physical buttons and controls are dispensed with. This digital technology is also continued through the casings 10.25-inch instrument panel positioned behind the steering wheel.
The mechanical variety is another of the strengths of this car. First of all, the 48V light hybridization mild-hybrid technology is offered with three alternatives: in gasoline, the 1.6 T-GDi engines in power levels of 150 and 180 hp and, in diesel, the 136 hp 1.6 CRDi version. . For those who opt for non-plug-in (or self-charging) hybrid technology, the 1.6 T-GDi HEV version with a maximum power of 230 hp is also available. On the other hand, plug-in or plug-in hybrid technology is also available with the 1.6 T-GDi PHEV version of up to 265 hp. Finally, those other drivers who demand the “lifelong” propulsion technologies, that is, gasoline and diesel variants will also be able to have a 150 hp Tucson 1.6 GDi and a 115 hp 1.6 CRDi diesel.
