Thinking like a customer behind the wheel of the All-new Renault Austral
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The All-new Renault Austral is already on the road. The trials are coming to an end. At the wheel, Renault vehicle assessment experts – like Frédéric and Benjamin – are perfecting the final adjustments in real-life conditions. Read on for a behind-the-scenes look at their role before the launch of this new SUV, crucial to enable Renault to regain its C‑segment foothold.
BY STEPHANE LAROCHE
Experts already behind the wheel of the All-new Renault Austral for a number of months

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When I get behind the wheel of a prototype, I really put myself in the customers’ shoes – I feel and see what the customer would.

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To carry out our assignment, we deliver our take, which is based on our subjective feelings but formulated in a highly analytical way. We must be able to explain our opinions and back them up with facts from every area tested – roadholding, suspension, steering, breaking and performance, to name just the main characteristics.
We get into a lot of debates, that’s for sure. But that’s part of the job – you can’t do it any other way. And the main thing is that we all look out for the customer’s best interests. We always end up not only finding common ground but, most importantly, the right solutions. It’s not always easy, but it is very rewarding,
Constantly high standards
if the vehicle we’re testing isn’t on the right track, we can express a negative opinion at a specific checkpoint. This means the project doesn’t go to the next phase of its development and the Engineering teams have to adjust their prototype.