Renault has just unveiled its new Symbioz in Paris, a compact ‘full hybrid’ family SUV, which hits the markets in September.
Positioned between the Captur and Austral, the new Symbioz E-Tech ‘full hybrid’ 145 is the latest vehicle in the Renaulution offensive in the C segment, which last year represented 39% of the global market.
At just 4.41m long, the Symbioz completes Renault’s E-Tech ‘hybrid’ range, which already includes the Arkana (4.57m) and Austral (4.51m), whilst expanding the E-Tech ‘electric’ range. Tech with electric Mégane and Scénic E-Tech.
Built on an expanded version of the CMF-B platform at the brand’s factory in Valencia (Spain), the Symbioz features balanced proportions and a modern and elegant design, which follows Renault’s new aesthetic language.
Family oriented, it features a spacious and versatile interior with capacity for five occupants and a boot volume of between 492/624 liters, extendable to 1,582 liters, on a flat floor, thanks to the sliding rear seat (16 cm).
With a square boot ‘mouth’, to facilitate loading, the gate is automatically operated to open and close, either from the inside, using a switch, or from the outside, passing with your foot under the rear of the vehicle.
Symbioz is equipped with the latest Renault technologies, both in terms of safety and driving support and connectivity. Among others, highlights include the OpenR Link multimedia system with integrated Google, as well as the optional Solarbay panoramic solar roof made of opacifying colored glass, which can be opened or closed using the Google assistant.
The range comprises three trim levels – Techno, Esprit Alpine and Iconic –, 18 and 19-inch wheels and seven body colors. The Iconic version is equipped with 29 driving aids, including automatic emergency braking
At launch, the new model is only available with the 143 hp E-Tech non-rechargeable hybrid system, which is already present in the Clio, Captur and Arkana, which stands out as the best in terms of fuel consumption and emissions. The brand announces 1,000 km of combined autonomy.
The system is made up of a four-cylinder gasoline engine with 94 hp, two electric motors (one with 49 hp that moves the car in certain circumstances and the other with 20 hp that is used to start the combustion engine) and a battery with a capacity of 1.2 kWh.
The gearbox is an automatic, called ‘multi-mode’ by Renault, and has a peculiar functioning as it lacks the clutch and synchronizers. It has four ratios for the combustion engine and two for the electric traction motor, which combine in 14 different modes.
As with other models that use the same propulsion system, the use of the electric motor can be forced via an EV button. Another button, called E-Save, does exactly the opposite to keep the battery at a minimum level (40%) and thus help the system in more difficult situations and not lose performance.
Symbioz prices are not yet known, but orders are already open and the first units will arrive in September.
Next year, the Symbioz range may include other engines.
Business in Paris, at the invitation of Renault
