Behind the wheel of the Renault Symbioz: a compact hybrid SUV, very practical

Continuing the French brand’s tradition of offering practical vehicles, the new Renault Symbioz positions itself at the heart of the family SUV segment in terms of design, modularity, cargo volume, connectivity and efficiency. The brand already has a broad SUV range with models such as the Captur, Austral, Espace, Arkana and Rafale, and will offer up to seven alternatives in the C and D segments before 2025.

The Symbioz, which has a rather unusual naming scheme, features the brand’s new design language at the front, and measures 4.41 metres in length, 1.79 m in width and 1.57 m in height, with a wheelbase of 2.64 metres, an ideal size for family use, reinforced by practical features such as the sliding rear seat, the 360° camera, the Solarbay electric-dimming roof, parking aids and the latest connectivity systems.

In terms of cargo capacity, thanks to its sliding rear bench that moves 16 cm, the volume can be adjusted at will from 492 litres to 624 litres, reaching 1,582 litres with the rear bench folded. This modularity, combined with such generous boot capacity, means you can drive most of the time with the seat in its furthest-back position, which favours comfort for rear passengers. The boot is easy to load thanks to its flat floor more than a metre wide and the absence of edges, and it features a motorised tailgate that can be opened and closed with an electric button, a hands-free key card or a foot movement under the sensor.

Three trim levels

Built at the Valladolid plant, it is available in three trim levels: Techno, Esprit Alpine and Iconic; the Evolution version will follow later, and the engine range will be expanded with mild hybrid petrol engines. The first deliveries to customers with the 145 CV engine are scheduled for September.

Prices start at 32,026 euros for the Techno version, and the step between trim levels is around 1,500 euros, so the Esprit Alpine has a list price of 33,466 euros and the Iconic trim reaches 34,906 euros. The brand also offers a specific financing plan for this model, allowing a 36-month renting deal with 20,000 km per year, with a deposit of 9,000 euros and a monthly payment of 169 euros.

In terms of refinement, the Iconic trim includes the 360º camera pack, “all season” tyres, hands-free boot opening system, heated windscreen and upholstery in wide mesh fabric with a diamond pattern on the front seat backs. The dashboard features a brushed aluminium-effect finish on the upper part and synthetic leather with stitching on the lower part. It offers a Harman Kardon sound system with nine speakers and 410 watts of power.

The Symbioz’s driving position is very comfortable and presents simple information, with all controls and instruments within easy reach of the driver and highly visible.

Complete equipment

All versions come as standard with a high level of equipment, but among the options the Solarbay panoramic roof stands out, at 1,500 euros in any of the trim levels, which can be made opaque in segments (4 settings) with the press of a button. The openR link multimedia system with integrated Google (Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play with more than 50 apps) includes a 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen as standard in all versions and a 10.3-inch instrument cluster. It is offered in seven different body colours, with “Azure Blue” being the no-cost colour.

It is equipped with up to 29 driver assistance systems, including the reverse autonomous emergency braking system, Active Driver Assist, which provides level 2 autonomous driving, and a predictive hybrid driving system that improves efficiency by maximising the use of electric power.

With the application of the new GSR2 regulation (General Safety Regulation), certain driver assistance systems (ADAS) must be activated by default every time the car is started. A “My Safety Switch” button on the left side of the steering wheel allows the driver to activate or deactivate their preferred settings for five ADAS at the same time, avoiding the need to access different menus in the settings screen.

Pleasant and economical

Thanks to the refinement of the 145 CV E-Tech full hybrid engine, it feels quite smooth and quiet, with fuel consumption on the WLTP cycle of around 4.7 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 105 g/km, which could allow a range of around 1,000 kilometres on a single tank. The brand claims this powertrain delivers a 40% fuel saving, allowing up to 80% of driving time in fully electric mode.

The 1.6 naturally aspirated petrol engine produces 94 CV and is supported by two electric motors, one of 36 kW and another of 15 kW, which manage gear changes and act as alternator, and that together add up to a total of 145 CV. They draw power from a 1.2 kWh battery, which allows manoeuvring in electric mode or covering short distances without the support of the combustion engine. It promises 0-100 km/h acceleration in 10.9 seconds and a top speed of 170 km/h.

It features the E-Save function, which keeps the battery charge at a minimum of 40% to ensure good performance under demanding conditions, such as driving on a road with a steep gradient.

It is equipped with a pseudo-MacPherson strut front suspension and a semi-rigid rear axle. The Iconic trim fits specific alloy wheels with Michelin 225/45 19-inch tyres, while the optional Extended Grip system improves traction in certain scenarios, such as snow and off-road conditions, depending on driving conditions. The system is complemented by a higher ground clearance of 169 mm, which allows a somewhat more confident progress over tracks and dirt roads.

Its road behaviour is sound, with predictable and friendly responses, thanks to suspension that is well calibrated: it is not uncomfortable and does allow body roll to be controlled through sequences of bends taken at a lively pace.

The steering, precise and quick, is capable of placing the car on the desired line without great effort, and the brakes do their job with sufficient stopping power, good bite and very easy modulation.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverRenault Symbioz12 versions · from 25,900 €