Trunk comparison: Fiat Panda vs Renault Austral

Key Differences

The Renault Austral offers a significantly longer cargo length: with the seats folded down, the trunk is +19.3 in (±44%) longer, and with the first row of seats upright, it is even +12.6 in (±59%) longer compared to the Fiat Panda. The trunk opening of the Renault is also wider (+4.7 in / 12%). In contrast, the Fiat Panda features a noticeably higher trunk opening (+5.9 in / 21%) and a greater depth between the loading edge and the trunk floor (+3.9 in / 125%). Additionally, the loading edge in the Renault Austral sits higher above the road (+3.5 in / 13%). The narrowest trunk width differs only slightly (+0.8 in / 2%) and is therefore not a relevant factor.

Implications for Usability

The longer loading surface of the Renault Austral makes it better suited for long items (e.g., skis, boards, furniture) and for larger overall cargo with the seats folded down. The wider opening facilitates loading and unloading bulky widths such as moving boxes or strollers. At the same time, the higher loading edge of the Austral makes lifting heavy items into the trunk more difficult, especially for people without lifting assistance. The Fiat Panda scores when loading tall or bulky items due to the higher trunk opening: bulky, tall cargo fits more easily inside. The greater depth between the loading edge and the trunk floor means that the cargo lies deeper and thus more stably, which can result in a volume advantage; however, this can also make lifting heavy loads more difficult because more force is required to lift items over the loading edge. In short: Those who want to transport many and/or long items benefit more from the Renault Austral (more length, wider opening). Those who value easy insertion of tall items and a deeper, more stable loading surface will find advantages in the Fiat Panda.