Looking at the French brand’s catalogue, the Symbioz fits between the Captur and the Austral, and is aimed at those looking for a spacious, versatile and different car. From a mechanical point of view, the hybrid engine meets customers who have not abandoned combustion engines. Renault took the name from a concept car, but this Symbioz has nothing to do with the futuristic prototype presented in 2017. The concept is previous and comes from the Renault 16 (launched in 1965) and the need to have a vehicle with characteristics relatives. Since then, the diamond brand has not stopped innovating with family cars, with the revolutionary Espace and Scénic being the best examples.
The model presented does not come out of the box like its predecessors, quite the opposite, and follows the style language adopted in recent launches – it’s style in motion, says Renault – but it compensates for this with other attributes, such as roominess, luggage compartment size XL and the low consumption of the E-Tech full hybrid 145 engine, which will be the only one available at launch. Returning to the image of this crossover, we highlight the strong personality of the front section and the eye-catching rear light strip. A special feature: the Renault symbol is painted in different shades and with a transparent overlay that creates a 3D effect. Without being exciting, the brand image introduced by Gilles Vidal is consolidating itself, model after model, and it is one of those things that you learn to like… or not. Symbioz is available in a range of seven colors, including the new Mercury Blue hue. Note that the 18 and 19 inch wheels are new and exclusive to this model.
The cabin is spacious and has a careful presentation thanks to the materials used. The Iconic, Techno and Esprit Alpine versions have different finishes, expressing a distinct personality according to the customer’s profile. The rear seat slides 16 cm, increasing knee space for passengers in the back. In normal configuration the luggage compartment capacity is 492 liters, if the rear seat slides forward the capacity increases to 624 liters and when the rear seats are folded down a load plane with 1,582 liters is created, suitable for transporting bulky objects. It should be noted that this model has an electric tailgate.
The Symbioz is equipped with the best Renault technology. It includes the OpenR Link multimedia system, which integrates different Google services, including navigation, and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, wired or wireless. Also noteworthy is the Solarbay panoramic glass roof, which does not require the usual curtain. The system darkens the ceiling in parts using its own technology in which the molecular structure reacts to an electric current. The roof can be controlled via a button or by voice command using Google Assistant.
The Symbioz uses a platform known from other models, such as the Clio, Captur and Arkana, and has a 145 hp hybrid architecture, which combines the 94 hp (69 kW) 1.6 gasoline engine with two electric motors (one for traction with 36 kW and another 18 kW starter), supported by a 1.2 kWh battery. All this to optimize energy efficiency and reduce consumption and emissions, without penalizing performance. The set is associated with a Multi-Mode automatic gearbox with ratios adapted to the combustion engine and others to the electric traction motor, for a total of 14 ratios. The Symbioz starts in electric mode and drives in this mode during the time it is in the city, with fuel savings of up to 40% when compared to the gasoline engine. On the highway, only the thermal engine works, and the advertised consumption is 6.6 l/100 km (WLTP cycle). Renault is advancing with a very optimistic range of 1,000 kilometers!
Symbioz is at the level of the best in terms of safety and incorporates 29 driving assistance systems (ADAS), with emphasis on Active Driver Assist. Parking maneuvers are made easier with parking sensors at the front, rear and sides and a 360° camera.
This model should arrive on the national market in September and, as for the price, we only know that it will be between the Captur (31,500 euros) and the Austral (46,290 euros).
