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2026 Renault Austral

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After expanding its fleet a few years ago with the new family-friendly Austral, Renault has decided to launch a refreshed version of this model. The new Austral is Renault’s compact SUV that brings a visual change but also greater passenger comfort compared to the current model.

The design changes are inspired by the Rafale model, and include a new front end, a new hood, a new multi-angled radiator grille with the Renault logo, narrow headlights, while the DRL lights in the shape of an airplane wing are located in the bumper. The rear lights are smaller despite the trend of long light lines.

The cabin features more ergonomic seats with additional cushions, a 12.3-inch dashboard and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which will be familiar to anyone who has been behind the wheel of the current SUV. However, more apps are available via Google’s media system.

“Renault Austral has a key role to play in our C-segment market offensive. Unique on the market, it is a compact car that thinks big, with the exceptional interior space provided by the sliding rear seat, the highly efficient full hybrid E-Tech 200 hp powertrain, as well as onboard equipment rivaling higher market segments with 4Control Advanced, driver recognition with automatic profile loading and OpenR Link with Google built-in. Ultra-versatile and even more desirable with its contemporary looks, New Renault Austral has all the qualities to reach even more buyers,” said Bruno Vanel, VP Product Performance, Renault Brand.

When it comes to the powertrain, the Austral is powered by a 1.2-L gasoline engine combined with electric motors, with a total power of 200 hp, paired with a clutchless multi-mode automatic gearbox. Outside France, the range also includes a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (160 hp) assisted by a starter-alternator, and a 12V lithium-ion battery mated to a CVT-type automatic gearbox.

Renault claims that the new Austral is quieter thanks to the Alpine equipment package, which includes laminated glass for the front doors, which further reduces noise, and new engine mounts that reduce vibrations in the cabin.

Source: Renault

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2026 Renault Austral
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Hundreds of Jaguars ended up in a scrapyard

In August 2024, Jaguar recalled 2,760 vehicles due to a high risk of thermal overload from the high-voltage battery, which could lead to a fire. The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace has already been recalled four times since May 2023 due to the same issue, and now someone on Threads posted a photo showing a large number of Jaguars, no older than 6 years, in a scrapyard.

Following the recall, Jaguar advised dealers to update the software to reduce the maximum battery charge to 80 percent while the company’s engineers worked to find a cure for the problem. Owners were also advised to park and charge their vehicles outside until a fix was implemented. However, the problem was never fixed.

Three Jaguar I-Paces caught fire in the US after the software update, but fortunately no one was injured. This negatively affected the brand’s position in the market, so the company decided to buy back all affected cars. The cars in the photo have just been purchased from their owners and are ready to be dismantled.

All of the affected vehicles are equipped with lithium-ion battery cells manufactured by LG Chem. The company has received negative attention after fires involving examples of the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV.

Source: Threads

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The VW VR6 engine has come to an end

The VR6 engine debuted at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show in the third-generation Golf and has since been installed in 1.87 million cars. 34 years later, it has come to an end. This was confirmed by Andreas G. Schleith, PR manager for Volkswagen passenger cars on his LinkedIn profile.

Over time, the VR6 engine has powered numerous models, including the Passat, Corrado, Touareg, Phaeton, Transporter, Sharan, CC or Beetle, but also cars from other brands in the Volkswagen Group such as the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Seat Leon and Škoda Superb. Even Mercedes-Benz has used this engine in its Vito model, with certain modifications.

Since 2010, the VR6 engine has only powered cars produced for the North American and Chinese markets, as it has stopped being installed in new cars in Europe due to stricter environmental standards.

Source: Andreas G. Schleith via LinkedIn