(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – For the new model year, the Renault models Austral, Espace, and Rafale are receiving a technical overhaul with expanded connectivity functions, new assistance systems, and additional equipment options. The update particularly affects digital functions, comfort features, and the personalization of the driving experience.
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The three models have established themselves for Renault in the upper market segment. In 2025, 444.000 units were sold worldwide, including 158.000 vehicles in France. Compared to the previous year, this represents a growth of 7,9 percent.
Demand for higher-quality equipment lines is also above average: For the Rafale, 85 percent of sales are for the Esprit Alpine and Atelier Alpine variants. For the Espace, 66 percent of buyers choose the Esprit Alpine or Iconic lines, while for the Austral, almost every second vehicle is delivered as an Esprit Alpine. Options such as the electrochromatic Solarbay glass roof and the HiFi audio system from Harman Kardon are also frequently ordered.
In Germany, new registrations of the three models in 2025 totaled around 16.000 vehicles. Of these, approximately 10.000 units were for the Austral, around 3.500 for the Rafale, and about 2.500 for the Espace. Thus, the three models accounted for around 27 percent of all new Renault registrations in the German market. Also striking is the high proportion of new customers: For the Rafale, more than half of the buyers are new to the Renault brand, with almost half of them previously switching from a premium brand.
Photo gallery: Renault Austral (2025)
Technically, the Austral, Espace, and Rafale continue to be based on the Full Hybrid E-Tech drive with 200 PS. The combined consumption for the Austral and Rafale is 4,8 l/100 km, and for the Espace 5,0 l/100 km, each with CO₂ emissions between 109 and 113 g/km. With one tank of fuel, all three models allow ranges of up to 1.100 kilometers.
Additionally, the Rafale is also offered as a Hyper Hybrid E-Tech 4×4 Plug-in with 300 PS. This variant features a 22-kWh battery and allows an electric WLTP range of up to 105 kilometers. The weighted consumption is 2,0 l/100 km plus 16 kWh/100 km electricity consumption with CO₂ emissions of 43 g/km.
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Among the most important innovations is a wireless smartphone charger according to the Qi2 standard, which enables magnetic fast charging and is compatible with current and older devices with a corresponding case. Additionally, Renault is integrating a data package for the Open-R-Link infotainment system: for three years, 2 GB of data volume per month is available for using apps from the Google Play Store, such as for music or video streaming.
Via over-the-air update, the AI-based voice assistant Google Gemini also replaces the previous Google Assistant. The system allows for more natural voice interaction and can process more complex commands. Also new is the “Smart” mode, which automatically switches between the Eco, Comfort, and Sport driving programs and adapts the vehicle’s behavior to the respective driving situation.
Visually, Renault complements the model update with the new exterior color “Satin Slate Blue” for the Austral and Espace, as well as a new interior option made of black coated textile with a grained surface in the Rafale.
Prices in Germany start at 39.450 Euro for the Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 Evolution. The Espace starts as a five-seater at 44.000 Euro, while the Rafale is available from 44.000 Euro. The plug-in hybrid version Hyper Hybrid E-Tech 4×4 300 costs between 53.500 and 58.000 Euro depending on the equipment.
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