Renault's new hybrid powertrain for Austral and Espace crossovers
Renault testing new E-Tech Full Hybrid 160 for Austral and Espace
Renault's new hybrid powertrain for Austral and Espace crossovers
Renault is developing a 160-hp hybrid powertrain with a 1.8-liter engine for Austral and Espace crossovers, aiming for 4.5-5 L/100km fuel efficiency and up to 1,000 km range by 2026.
2026-03-14T13:21:34+03:00
2026-03-14T13:21:34+03:00
2026-03-14T13:21:34+03:00
Renault is preparing another update for its Austral and Espace crossovers. The French automaker is already testing a new E-Tech Full Hybrid 160 powertrain, which is expected to join the model lineup by 2026. This development is being carried out with HORSE, a joint venture between Renault and Geely focused on engine development.Prototypes of the updated crossovers have been spotted during road tests. Externally, the vehicles look nearly identical to the recently refreshed versions, but the changes are hidden under the hood. That's where the new hybrid unit is being tested, designed to expand the powertrain options beyond the current 200-horsepower E-Tech hybrid.The new system centers around a 1.8-liter HR18 gasoline engine with four cylinders. It operates on the Atkinson cycle and produces 108 horsepower. An electric motor adds another 68 horsepower, bringing the total hybrid system output to 160 hp. Power comes from a 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery weighing about 36 kilograms, positioned under the front passenger seat.The hybrid setup also includes a transmission without a traditional clutch, with electronics selecting the optimal gear based on load, temperature, and driving mode. With the powertrain weighing around 100 kilograms, the new Austral and Espace versions should deliver better fuel efficiency.Early estimates suggest average fuel consumption of about 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers for the Renault Austral and around 5 liters for the larger Espace. Maximum range between refueling could approach 1,000 kilometers.This new engine reflects a shift in automakers' approach to hybrid technology. Instead of downsizing engines, companies are increasingly returning to larger displacement motors. This strategy enhances efficiency and smoothness, which is particularly important for next-generation hybrid systems.
Renault Austral, Renault Espace, E-Tech Full Hybrid 160, hybrid powertrain, fuel efficiency, 2026 update, HORSE joint venture, Geely, 1.8-liter engine, Atkinson cycle, crossover updates
2026
Michael Powers
news
Renault testing new E-Tech Full Hybrid 160 for Austral and Espace
Renault is developing a 160-hp hybrid powertrain with a 1.8-liter engine for Austral and Espace crossovers, aiming for 4.5-5 L/100km fuel efficiency and up to 1,000 km range by 2026.
Michael Powers, Editor
Renault is preparing another update for its Austral and Espace crossovers. The French automaker is already testing a new E-Tech Full Hybrid 160 powertrain, which is expected to join the model lineup by 2026. This development is being carried out with HORSE, a joint venture between Renault and Geely focused on engine development.
Prototypes of the updated crossovers have been spotted during road tests. Externally, the vehicles look nearly identical to the recently refreshed versions, but the changes are hidden under the hood. That's where the new hybrid unit is being tested, designed to expand the powertrain options beyond the current 200-horsepower E-Tech hybrid.
The new system centers around a 1.8-liter HR18 gasoline engine with four cylinders. It operates on the Atkinson cycle and produces 108 horsepower. An electric motor adds another 68 horsepower, bringing the total hybrid system output to 160 hp. Power comes from a 1.4 kWh lithium-ion battery weighing about 36 kilograms, positioned under the front passenger seat.
The hybrid setup also includes a transmission without a traditional clutch, with electronics selecting the optimal gear based on load, temperature, and driving mode. With the powertrain weighing around 100 kilograms, the new Austral and Espace versions should deliver better fuel efficiency.
Early estimates suggest average fuel consumption of about 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers for the Renault Austral and around 5 liters for the larger Espace. Maximum range between refueling could approach 1,000 kilometers.
This new engine reflects a shift in automakers' approach to hybrid technology. Instead of downsizing engines, companies are increasingly returning to larger displacement motors. This strategy enhances efficiency and smoothness, which is particularly important for next-generation hybrid systems.
