A TOP selling car brand has accidentally leaked the bold new design of a popular model ahead of its release.
The car only came out two years ago but is already slated for a facelift.
Renault debuted the Austral SUV in 2022 as a successor to the highly popular Kadjar.
A close cousin of the new Espace, it is currently only available in mild or full hybrid spec using the E-Tech platform.
At the time, company design director Agneta Dahlgren heralded the car’s “combination of generous shapes, curved shoulders, projecting sides and the integration of subtle technical details”.
However, the company is already planning to release an updated version with several design tweaks.
The new variant is not scheduled for release until next year but Renault accidentally spoiled the surprise when a photo of it leaked online.
The image was briefly available for customers to view on the Renault website in the online configurator.
This tool allows prospective buyers to see how their car will look, for example, in different colours or with added extras.
But the brand accidentally loaded the new Austral into the app, meaning those looking to buy one were greeted with the snap of the redesigned car.
The overhaul includes a new grille, changes to the headlights and a reconfigured nose.
While the changes may seem minor, it’s still unusual for a manufacturer to facelift one of its models so early – with most waiting at least three years before tinkering with the design.
And the changes go deeper than just the superficial, with Renault set to upgrade the suspension and refine the engine to comply with the latest EU emission standards.
Engineers will also look to improve the gearbox and ride quality, which have met with early criticism for occasionally feeling a little clunky.
The biggest change, though, is that it is rumoured that a first-ever plug-in hybrid version of the model could be introduced under the new design.
The tech is expected to be borrowed from the similar Rafale model, developing up to 296 horsepower.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but the Austral currently retails from £34,695.
It comes after Renault revealed it would be reviving one of its more unusual motors for the first time in nearly 40 years after it was discontinued.
THIS mind-boggling optical illusion has puzzle fanatics stumped and struggling to find the answer – but do you have what it takes?
If you can spot the hidden alien in this funky brainteaser within eight seconds, you may have 20/20 vision and the high IQ of a professor.
Everyone can see the man, two women and a boy queue for the supermarket – but only those with a high IQ can solve the taxing illusion and find the supernatural being.
It may look simple – a colourful supermarket scene full of fed up shoppers keen to get their items as soon as possible.
However, the colour makes it hard to distinguish what could be lurking inside the image.
Are you able to work out where the alien lies in the image?
It might seem a bit daunting at first, but the key is to carefully examine each section of the scene.
Be quick, the clock is ticking! Scroll down to reveal the answer if you’re still stumped.
Meanwhile, why not try some other optical illusions while you scroll?
Test your brain power and solve the questions in this test to reveal if you have a high IQ.
This picture will surely leave you baffled – and you might scratch your head trying to find the correct solution.
Although it may seem like an ordinary image, this is no easy feat, and the average person gives up after a minute.
Engaging in activities like solving optical illusions and brainteasers can have many cognitive benefits as it can stimulate various brain regions.
Some benefits include:
If you look thoroughly, you’ll spot a small blue tail peaking out of the boy’s khaki shorts.
But don’t panic if you didn’t spot the mythical creature that almost passed off as a human – scroll down below to find the solution.
Psychologists at The University of Glasgow found that staring at an optical illusion can improve eyesight by allowing you to see small print.
Escape London says puzzles can also give your mind a great workout and may “boost your brain’s activity” which “reduces the risk of dementia.”
And according to ZenBusiness: “These visual puzzles can give you a good mental workout that can, in turn, help you think more efficiently and solve problems more easily.”
NETFLIX boss Ted Sarandos has confirmed the streamer has done a deal with Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd to make his next work.
It comes after The Sun revealed they were in talks following the success of his debut series on the streaming site earlier this year.
Comedian Richard, 35, scooped three Emmys on Sunday for his popular series, which was based on his real-life experience with stalking and sexual abuse.
It led to him signing a deal with Netflix for another series – with the streamer’s co-CEO Ted announcing the news at The Royal Television Society convention.
It’s thought that the deal talks began after Baby Reindeer received its mammoth 11 nominations from the Emmys last month.
Ted said: “We finished our first look deal with Richard Gadd – he’s a brilliant storyteller and told a brilliant story.
“I’m very proud of Richard and very proud of the story that he told – Baby Reindeer is his story, and he told his story.”
Baby Reindeer spend eight weeks at the top of the Netflix Top 10 most watched programmes after its release in April.
It amassed an impressive 88million views in its first few months of release, seeing it grace the Top 10 most popular series ever uploaded to the site.
Richard said of his new deal with Netflix: “I’m beyond thrilled to be continuing my creative journey with Netflix.
“They took a chance on me when I wasn’t proven in the television space for that I will always be grateful.”
Richard has previously teased details of his upcoming project, Lions, a BBC drama – that was revealed in February.
It follows estranged ‘brothers’ Niall and Ruben, who are reunited at a wedding and find themselves catapulted back through their difficult past together.
Richard said at the time: “It is a dream come true to be part of such a historic broadcaster with a reputation for bringing the best comedy and drama (and comedy-drama for that matter) to our screens.
“A dream which will likely wear off when it comes to tight writing deadlines and rainy shooting days on the streets of Glasgow. #
“Just joking. I have never been happier to work on anything in my life.”
DAYS after the announcement of the eye-wateringly expensive PS5 Pro, a huge discount for Steam Deck models dropped.
Valve announced its own mid-gen refresh for its handheld gaming PC, the Steam Deck, in November 2023, and has been phasing out the original model ever since.
The new Steam Deck comes with more memory and a flashy OLED screen, and is available in 512GB and 1TB models.
While Steam will continue to sell the 256GB LCD model, the 64GB and 512GB versions are being phased out.
The 512GB LCD model is notably cheaper than the OLED version with the same storage, but people still love the upgrade to a better quality screen.
In an aim to shift the remaining stock of the 64GB and 512GB LCD Steam Decks, Valve has discounted the two models.
The 25% off the 512GB model is the biggest discount for the handheld to date, while the 64GB model sees a 15% price drop.
Thanks to the sale, these versions of the Steam Deck have already sold out in some regions, including the UK.
The 64GB model was reduced from £309 to £263, while the 512GB version dropped from £389 to £292.
According to the website, these Steam Decks will not be restocked and customers in regions like the UK will now have to opt for the 256GB LCD model or one of the OLED versions.
However, the deal is still available in regions such as the US until Thursday, September 26, 2024.
In the US the 64GB model can be purchased for $297, down from $349, while the 512GB version is available for $337, reduced from $449.
As mentioned, these Steam Deck variants are no longer being produced, and once the remaining units sell out, they will be gone for good.
The LCD versions are perfect for those who want a handheld gaming PC at a great price, and are not too worried about the screen quality.
Also, if you use Steam to mostly play smaller games or indies, then the versions with larger storage are probably unnecessary.
As these Steam Decks have already sold out in other regions, it’s a good idea to purchase the cheaper models before they’re gone, particularly as these are their deepest discounts to date.
If you want to read more about Steam, check out how you can share your gaming library with Steam Families.
Get the lowdown on more of the latest Xbox releases from our expert reviewers.
For PS5 and Nintendo Switch, check out our full game reviews section.
JAME Theakston has bravely revealed that he has been diagnosed with stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
By the radio presenter’s side during his health battle is his wife, Sophie Siegle.
Sophie Siegle and husband Jamie Theakston live together in Chiswick, west London.
Unlike her celebrity partner, the radio star’s wife tends to keep out of the spotlight.
However, she is used to rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous as she works at London‘s exclusive private members’ club Soho House.
In September 2024, the couple’s life was rocked when it Jamie revealed he was battling stage 1 laryngeal cancer.
The radio star said: “Hi folks, as you know – I recently had an operation to remove a lesion from my vocal chords.
“The biopsy has identified this as Stage 1 Laryngeal cancer.
“So I have cancer but cancer doesn’t have me!
“The prognosis is very positive and I’m hoping to be back with you in October.
“Until then, I’ve been told to give my voice a rest and leave you in the mostly capable hands of JK and Amanda.
“Huge thanks to them and all the Global family who have been unbelievably supportive.
“Be thankful for this day, and when I see you next, I’ll have a great story to tell.”
Wife Sophie immediately took to social media to support her husband, and said: “My man #wegotthis”.
Jamie also revealed that the disease was spotted by radio listeners after they noticed a change in his voice and this lead to him seeking medical advice.
The pair met at the Oscars in 2006 and Jamie proposed to her while on holiday in Paris a year later.
They got married in Sussex in 2007.
Before meeting his wife, Jamie was previously linked to socialite Lady Victoria Hervey, actress Joely Richardson, and models Erin O’Connor and Sophie Dahl.
The couple have a son named Sidney, who was born in April 2008.
Sophie then gave birth to their second baby boy, the following year in September 2009.
Speaking to his former Heart Breakfast co-host Harriet Scott after the birth, Jamie said at the time: “We’ve decided to call him Kit, not after the Knight Rider car, you understand.
“He’s absolutely fine, he seems to be enjoying himself and his mum’s all well.”
The NHS have said there are six other key symptoms of laryngeal cancer to look out for:
Other signs also include: bad breath, unintentional weight loss, or fatigue (extreme tiredness).
You should see your doctor if you notice you: