Renault Austral

The C-segment SUV marketplace is where Renault has had previous success with the Nissan Qashqai-based Kadjar - until it was discontinued last year. The Austral is its replacement, but it's much more than that, as it is its first model built on the third-generation CMF-CD platform, and in hybrid form, is unique to the Renault at the moment, with its aspiration to conquer the segment with this model.

Outside, although the Austral carries on styling cues first seen on the Megane EV last year, the design is more evolution than revolution. At the front, the heavily sculpted bonnet catches your eye first, followed by the large, mouthy grille with the new Renault badge in the centre and then there's the curvy, C-shaped matrix LED headlights. 

The upswept window line at the side is unusual, plus the distinctive lower cut-out (which is shown off best with the Austral's matt paint finishes) and almost blistered arches which are home to wheels up to 20in in size. At the back, there's a high-set rear window, rear lights and light bar that stretch across the full width of the car and are a similar C-shape design to the headlights.

Inside, if you liked the Megane EV's style, you're going to feel right at home in the Austral. The dashboard is made up of screens, the biggest being a 12.3in upright OpenR one, which runs Google's Android Automotive software. It is certainly easy to use and supports Apple Carplay. This links with the smaller 12in screen for instruments. There's also a busy multi-function steering wheel, plus what looks like an elbow rest where the gearchange used to be on the centre console. 

The Austral is available in Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine (which we're covering here), and Iconic Esprit Alpine equipment grades. All are powered by the same E-Tech hybrid drivetrain that Renault says is ideal for a C-segment SUV. It is made up of a 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine, with an electric motor and a 400v lithium-ion battery and a gearbox combining two speeds in electric mode and four for the combustion engine. Together, they equal 200hp and 409Nm of torque. 

All the hybrid models in this article have similar BIK figures, but the Renault finishes first with its 26%, 2% below the second-place car - the Nissan. With the Kia next and the Hyundai in last place. 

Hybrid models capable of almost 50 miles to a gallon, are at the top of their game in our opinion. So, the fact that the Renault boasts more than 60mpg is how the Austral finishes in first position for consumption. This is more than 6mpg better than the second-place car, again the Nissan, with both the Kia and Hyundai sisters having the same 49.6mpg figure. 

French marques have tended to struggle against their Korean counterparts. Well that is the case with the Austral, when it comes to residuals. Renault can take some comfort that all the models had very close RV figures, but according to ours sourced from Kee Resources, its 40.63% figure is only good enough for third place, proving the fact that being the newest model here isn't enough to secure victory. 

The Austral finishes in last place for depreciation, with its £21,649 figure, which is disappointing as it is the second most expensive car here with a P11D figure of £36,465. Although the Renault does have the lowest NI figure at £3,988.

Renault Austral 1.2 E-Tech 200 Techno Esprit Alpine 

P11D: £36,465

CO2 (tax): 106g/km (26%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £158/£316

Fuel consumption: 60.1mpg

National Insurance: £3,988

First year VED: £175

Subsequent VED: £170

Engine size/power: 1,199cc/200hp

AFR: 13p

Residual value: 40.63%

Depreciation: £21,649

Fuel costs: £6,528

SMR: £2,563

Cost per mile: 51.23p

Hyundai Tucson

The Tucson is the also Korean sister car to our current Business Car of the Year, the Kia Sportage. Like the Kia, the Tucson has its own distinctive look, although it's less shocking now more than two years after launch.

Inside, the interior of this Hyundai is dominated by the 10.3in touchscreen for the infotainment. Whilst the instruments in front of the driver are taken care of by another 10.3 screen for the instruments. Leg and head room in the back of the Tucson is excellent and there's a practically shaped 620-litre boot.  

Price dictates that we focus on the Premium equipment grade. This has all the standard kit you'd expect, with 18in alloy wheels, heated front seats and a Krell Premium sound system included. 

The Tucson in this spec has the highest P11D figure here at £36,885, and also the highest CO2 emissions, while fuel costs are joint-highest. It does however reclaim some ground with the second-strongest expected residual values.

Hyundai Tucson 1.6h T-GDi Premium 

P11D: £36,885

CO2 (tax): 130g/km (31%)

BIK 20/40% a month: £190/£381

Fuel consumption: 49.6mpg

National Insurance: £4,797

First year VED: £255

Subsequent VED: £170

Engine size/power: 1,591cc/230hp

AFR: 15p

Residual value: 44.79%