Renault’s appropriately-named ‘Active Driver Assist’ accurately indicates the system’s functionality and the promotional material and the handbook correctly indicate the limitations of its capabilities. Status information is clear, and the Austral offers a head-up display showing the system status in the driver’s direct line of sight. Renault did not equip the Austral with an internal camera and the system relies only on steering wheel input for Driver Monitoring. The system balances driver steering input with lane guidance, promoting co-operative driving.

Renault combines map-based speed limit information with real time camera inputs to manage fixed, variable and temporary speed limit signs. The system can adapt speed for upcoming road features such as curves and roundabouts, but not for approaching junctions. The Austral avoids a collision with moving vehicles in the ACC test scenarios and responds also to stationary cars, with AEB interventions providing additional support in critical situations. The driver is supported through the S-Bend, staying within the lane at all but the highest test speed. The vehicle has an Active Blindspot system designed to prevent lane changing into adjacent vehicles. A lane-change assist function is not available. In the case of an unresponsive driver, the Renault Austral performs a controlled stop in lane. If the radar or camera are blocked the Austral provides a timely warning and prevents system activation.

The Renault Austral provides a good, balanced level of driver engagement and driving assistance. Combined with excellent safety back-up, the system offers a Very Good level of highway assistance overall.