This compact crossover was launched in 2022, so a mid-life refresh wouldn’t have been expected until next year or 2026. However, the diamond brand has already applied a new corporate look to the Rafale, Captur and Clio, so it’s time for Renault Austral to follow in their footsteps, featuring a new face and several updates, including in the powertrain department.
Our spy photographers have caught a prototype testing in the Sierra Nevada mountains of Spain. The test car is fully camouflaged and isn’t willing to give away any exterior secrets just yet. But we already know what to expect from the facelifted crossover: a new front fascia and some tweaks to the rear, as well as possibly new wheels and livery.
The new daytime running lights have a smaller horizontal angle, giving an overall sharper look. The car also gets new headlights, which have new graphics. The grille also appears to have been revised, and the corporate logo remains when the camouflage is removed. The bonnet no longer has a central cutout for the Renault badge, so it’s completely new, as are the front quarter panels, which are shaped to fit the new lighting units.
Photo: SH Proshots
There’s also a new front bumper, and the side vents seem more subtle and less aggressive. But maybe that’s just the camouflage fooling us. The central air intake looks narrower and the one-piece apron looks softer. The door handles have been carried over without any plastic surgery. The same can be said for the entire profile, including the door line, side skirts, side windows and door mirrors.
Renault has spent a lot of time hiding the rear, so we can only assume that the taillights will be new, or at least have new graphics, and the bumper will be changed as well. The tailgate will remain the same, with a recess for the license plate holder, and we expect the Austral emblem to still be visible above and below the diamond logo. FYI, the roof-mounted spoiler appears unchanged, but is wrapped in a quirky sticker that seems to be misleading our eyes.
The current-gen Renault Austral’s cockpit is still very modern for a mainstream compact crossover, with a vertical infotainment system, horizontal digital gauge cluster, simple centre console, clever air vents and a beautiful steering wheel. It remains to be seen what components the French automaker has updated here, but we’re guessing the software for the two main screens has probably been updated to some extent, as well as the steering wheel and centre console. Look for the same generous equipment and likely improved tech and safety features.
The Renault Austral is available with a variety of mild hybrid engines, including a 1.3-liter unit and a full hybrid with the E-Tech suffix. Rumor has it that the 1.3-liter engine will be discontinued and replaced with an updated version of the 1.2-liter engine. Transmission options include a 7-speed automatic, a 6-speed manual, and a 2.0-liter 2.0-liter. CVTAnd because this is still a facelift and not a new generation, it also rides on the same CMF-CD platform shared with the Espace, Rafale and Nissan Qashqai.

Photo: SH Proshots
It’s still unclear when the facelifted Austral will be unveiled, but given the amount of camouflage applied to the current prototype, it’ll likely be a while before we see it. An official reveal will probably come in 2025, possibly in the first half or first quarter of the year, but rumors are also suggesting it could be unveiled within the next few months, with deliveries starting around the winter break or in early 2025.
So we have plenty of time to find out more about this facelifted compact crossover and it would not be surprising if we get to know most of its aspects before the grand presentation. Hopefully, the biggest mystery for now – the powertrain family – will also be revealed, especially since rumors suggest that the 1.3-liter engine will be discontinued and replaced by an updated 1.2-liter unit, possibly with 48-volt assistance.
It also wouldn’t be a surprise if the 2025 (or 2024?) Renault Austral gets a bit of a price bump with a mid-life update. Currently, in France, customers have to pay at least €35,800 (equivalent to $39,135) for the Evolution and €38,500 ($42,085) for the Tecno. Prices start at €40,200 ($43,945) for the Tecno Esprit Alpine, €44,700 ($48,860) for the Iconic, and €46,100 ($50,395) for the Iconic Esprit Alpine.