Compare performance (148 HP vs 150 HP), boot space and price (29,900 £ vs 19,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Renault Austral or VW Taigo?
In the fiercely competitive world of compact SUVs, the 2024 models of the Renault Austral and the VW Taigo stand as prime contenders. Both vehicles promise innovation, performance, and practicality, but which one truly excels? Let’s dive into the technical intricacies and novel features of these two models to help you make an informed choice.
The Renault Austral offers a choice between two distinctive engine types: a petrol mild hybrid (MHEV) and a full hybrid. This makes it an appealing option for the eco-conscious driver looking for versatility. The Austral boasts power outputs of either 158 HP or a more robust 200 HP, with corresponding torque figures reaching up to 270 Nm. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in 9.7 seconds for the MHEV and an impressive 8.4 seconds for the full hybrid. This, combined with a top speed of 174 km/h, caters to drivers who prioritize both performance and efficiency.
On the other side, the VW Taigo comes with a petrol-only option, offering multiple variants ranging from 95 to 150 HP, and maximum torque of 250 Nm. The Taigo accelerates from 0-100 km/h in as little as 8.2 seconds, with a top speed reaching 212 km/h. These figures highlight the VW’s focus on dynamic performance combined with a relatively efficient fuel consumption rate.
The Renault Austral delivers power to the front wheels through either a CVT or an automatic gearbox, depending on the engine choice. This setup ensures smooth power delivery and enhances the driving experience during urban commutes or on long highway drives.
The VW Taigo provides the flexibility of a manual gearbox or a dual-clutch automatic, appealing to both driving purists and those seeking convenience. Like the Austral, it features a front-wheel-drive configuration, which balances performance and economy effectively.
Fuel efficiency is a critical factor for many buyers, and here, both models perform commendably. The Renault Austral’s fuel consumption ranges from 4.7 to 6.1 L/100 km, placing it in the favorable CO2 efficiency classes of C and E, corresponding to CO2 emissions between 105 and 139 g/km.
The VW Taigo displays slightly varied figures, consuming between 5.4 and 5.8 L/100 km with CO2 emissions spanning 123 to 132 g/km. Rated with a D class efficiency, the Taigo offers decent eco-conscious credentials while maintaining performance.
For families and adventure enthusiasts, interior space is crucial. The Renault Austral is slightly longer and wider, measuring 4510 mm in length and 1825 mm in width, providing a trunk capacity of up to 500 liters. This makes it a perfect companion for those with ample cargo needs.
The VW Taigo, at 4266 mm in length and 1757 mm in width, prioritizes a compact footprint that excels in city maneuverability. Despite its size, it offers a generous 440 liters of trunk capacity, demonstrating excellent space utility.
Renault has integrated a range of tech features into the Austral, enhancing driver assistance and infotainment systems. While specific features aren’t detailed here, Renault’s reputation for innovation ensures a suite of modern conveniences.
Similarly, the VW Taigo is expected to include the latest from Volkswagen's digital and connectivity solutions, which could potentially rival those of Renault. These features, combined with a sleek design, position it as a stylish choice in the compact SUV market.
Both the Renault Austral and VW Taigo present compelling options in the compact SUV segment for 2024. Renault’s approach highlights eco-friendly versatility and cargo space, while the VW Taigo brings in a blend of performance enthusiasm with urban practicality. Your choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs—whether you value flexibility and roominess or desire a balance between power and city-friendly dynamics.
Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.
VW Taigo is substantially cheaper – starting at 19,900 £ , while the Renault Austral costs 29,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,994 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Taigo uses 5.3 L/100km and is markedly more efficient than the Renault Austral with 6.4 L/100km. The difference is about 1.1 L/100km.
Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.
When it comes to engine power, the VW Taigo offers marginally more power – delivering 150 HP compared to 148 HP. That’s roughly 2 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Taigo is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 8.2 s, while the Renault Austral takes 9.9 s. That’s about 1.7 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Renault Austral delivers marginally more torque with 270 Nm compared to 250 Nm. That’s about 20 Nm more.
Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, VW Taigo is markedly lighter – 1,229 kg compared to 1,548 kg. The difference is around 319 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Renault Austral offers noticeably more boot space – 555 L compared to 440 L. That’s a difference of about 115 L.
When it comes to payload, the VW Taigo carries barely more – 457 kg compared to 455 kg. That’s a difference of about 2 kg.
The VW Taigo stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.
The Renault Austral is a stylish, well-built crossover that blends a comfortable ride with a spacious, modern cabin. It combines everyday-friendly refinement and contemporary technology with a focus on safety and practicality, making it a sensible choice for drivers who want an all-round family car.
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The VW Taigo blends a coupe-like roofline with crossover practicality, giving it a stylish presence on the road while remaining easy to live with for everyday driving. It delivers a comfortable ride, intuitive tech and smart use of space, making it a good choice if you want SUV looks without the bulk of a larger vehicle.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
29,900 - 34,100 £
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Price
19,900 - 31,800 £
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Consumption L/100km
6.4 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 5.8 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
145 g/km
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co2
120 - 132 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,548 kg
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Curb weight
1,229 - 1,302 kg
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Trunk capacity
555 L
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Trunk capacity
440 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,825 mm
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Width
1,757 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
455 kg
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Payload
448 - 457 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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Engine Type
Petrol
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
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Transmission Detail
CVT
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Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
148 HP
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Power HP
95 - 150 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.2 - 11.1 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
270 Nm
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Torque
175 - 250 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
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Power kW
109 kW
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Power kW
70 - 110 kW
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Engine capacity
1,332 cm3
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Engine capacity
999 - 1,498 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D
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Brand
Renault
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Brand
VW
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
Česko
España