The All-New Renault Austral lifts the veil on its elegant and muscular silhouette. Gilles Vidal, Renault Design director, explains the intention behind the design of this latest SUV that is the next step in Renault’s C-Segment offensive line-up.
Gilles Vidal, describes the brand’s latest C-Segment SUV, All-New Austral, as ‘elegant and technological’. In embracing the hallmarks of the current line-up, the design teams have sought to create a truly modern and refined, high-end vehicle.
DESIRABLE AND QUALITY DESIGN
Designers have built on the fundamental features that draw so many people to SUV models including proportions, size ratios, overhangs, wheel size and focussed on giving the shoulder lines a more muscular look. It is sharp, athletic, and modern with remarkable proportions that make it feel robust as well as agile.
The design of Renault vehicles is entering a new era. As such, the lines that cross over the top of the wheel arches create a renewed sense of structure. They provide a strong, precise under current to the car’s profile. The strong, dynamic lines of Austral directly reflect Renault’s new language.
“Renault Austral combines strong stylistic elements that give it a dynamic and elegant design. Its quality is visible at first glance. We have reduced the bodywork gaps, refined the flushes so that it develops an immediate high-quality feeling,” says Gilles Vidal, Renault Design Director.
The hallmark stylistic features of the All-New Austral include a clear, structured crease that runs along the lower section of the body. Angled towards the front of the vehicle, it gives the silhouette a dynamic edge.
This new language of shape and form differs from the more traditional horizontal lines that once ran parallel to the ground in a static manner. This creates the illusion of motion when viewed from the side, as the Austral appears to leap forwards even when stationary.
A MODERN AND TECHNOLOGICAL SUV
The most striking technological features on the Austral are the front and rear lights. The two large C-shape rear lights merge into the car’s logo and the front design offers similar eye-catching lamps and grille features.
First seen on the All-New Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric, the surface of the car uses micro-optic technology made from plexiglass, featuring lines and patterns that are engraved directly into the surface and inside of the glass. This means that when the surface is lit by LED lights, the engraved lines shine creating an identifiable and lively look.
The use of modern technology and desire for excellence has been a common theme in the design of the All-New Austral.
