New Renault Symbioz is Frugal & Family-Friendly.

New Renault Symbioz is Frugal & Family-Friendly.

The Renault Symbioz is a new mid-size hybrid SUV that shares a similar design language with its siblings, most especially the new Captur. With an overall length of 4.41-metres, the Symbioz sits between the Captur and Austral in the Renault model range, making it a direct competitor to the Nissan Qashqai E-Power, Kia Niro, Hyundai Kona, MG ZS and Toyota C-HR to name but a few. The new Symbioz completes the expansion of Renault’s line-up in the highly-contested mid-sized SUV segment, and it was conceived with a focus on family-friendly practicality.

Three Trim Levels.

The Captur and Symbioz share a near-identical front design, the only noticeable difference being the pattern embossed into the grille of the Symbioz. Renault’s goal with the development of the Symbioz was to take what people loved about the Captur and apply it to the larger C-segment. Designers had more freedom with the rest of the car, thereby creating flowing body panels with dynamic lines, along with a bespoke rear end design that includes sculpted taillights featuring a 3D “ice cube” effect. The Symbioz is only available with a 145hp petrol-electric self-charging hybrid powerplant, which is mated to a six-speed clutch-less, smart multi-mode automatic transmission that supplies power to the car’s front wheels. Buyers can, however, choose from three trim versions: Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine. The Symbioz sits on the same CMF-B platform that is used by Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Renaults, such as the Clio supermini and Arkana SUV-coupé.

Impressive Hybrid Tech.

The new Symbioz E-Tech features a full-hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors – one drives the front wheels, and the other is a starter-generator to fire up the engine. This produces a total output of 145hp and 250Nm of torque, allowing the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in 10.6 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 170km/h where permitted. The e-motors are powered by a small 1.26kWh battery, which means the Symbioz E-Tech can cover short distances on electric power alone. As with the latest Captur E-Tech Hybird, the Symbioz features an E-Save function which maintains battery charge of at least 40% for use later in your journey, or to maximise performance when needed. The battery recharges during deceleration and braking, and in urban settings, you can drive up to 80% of the time in electric mode and enjoy fuel savings of up to 40%. The petrol-electric hybrid powertrain provides the driver with sprightly  performance from the get-go, much in keeping with an electric vehicle, and there is plenty of power available for overtaking manoeuvres too. As is the case with self-charging hybrid’s in general, sharp acceleration does result in increased engine drone, but drive it sedately and you will be rewarded with a serene, calm and refined driving experience. Driving modes consist of Comfort, Eco, Sport and Perso settings, and they can be accessed via the centre touchscreen when required. Drivers can select the regenerative braking “B” mode on the centre console-mounted gear selector if they so wish, and this will increase the amount of brake force available upon deceleration.

High-Quality Cabin.

The spacious cabin in the Symbioz features the same dashboard as the Captur, which includes a 10.4-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen with Renault’s OpenR Link infotainment system with built-in Google Automotive Services, DAB Radio and Bluetooth, along with a host of comfort, convenience, and safety systems as standard. In fact, the Symbioz comes with up to 24 advanced driver assistance systems for total peace of mind on every journey. Boot space is also impressive, with 492-litres available behind the rear seats in their rearmost setting, 624-litres when the rear bench is slid forwards, and up to 1,582-litres available when the rear seats are folded down.

Test Car Details.

My test car was a new Symbioz ‘Iconic Esprit Alpine’ E-Tech Full Hybrid 145bhp Auto, which was finished in delightful Ceramic Grey metallic paintwork, with matte grey front and rear skid plates for maximum visual impact. Key standard equipment includes stylish 19-inch ‘elixir’ alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, ‘Multisense’ drive modes with customisable ambient lighting, intelligent cruise control, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, electrically-heated and adjustable power-fold door mirrors, along with Renault’s latest-generation ‘openR link’ multimedia system with Google built-in. The ideal driving position is very easy to find, and all important controls are logically laid-out and within easy reach. The steering wheel has a lovely look and feel to it, and the steering itself is responsive and fluid in its operation. The turning circle is good, and this certainly helps manoeuvrability in tight spaces, as do the standard-fit parking sensors and rear-view camera. There is sufficient mid-range pulling power to make the car enjoyable to drive throughout the rev range, and by selecting the ‘Sport’ drive mode, the driving experience become even more dynamic.

The lively response from the petrol/electric powertrain perfectly suits the pliable nature of the automatic transmission. City driving can be enjoyed in near-silence and comfort, as the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and road undulations with ease, and wind noise is very well suppressed. At motorway speeds, the car feels well planted on the tarmac, and the powertrain remains willing to accelerate when called upon for overtaking manoeuvres, and the likes. The auto hold function is of great use at traffic lights, and the system remembers how you have it set, so there is no need to have to switch it on every time you get into the car.

Verdict and Pricing.

The new Renault Symbioz E-Tech Full Hybrid is an impressive all-rounder that comes with an efficient and fuss-free hybrid powertrain. Occupants are sure to enjoy the practicality and versatility on offer, as well as the raised seating position that provides excellent visibility. I very much enjoyed my time behind the wheel of my test car, and I can genuinely say that the new Symbioz E-Tech Full Hybrid is highly commendable in every respect. Pricing for the new Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid 145bhp Auto starts at €36,995. My flagship test-car specification is priced from €41,395.

Visit www.renault.ie for further information.