Renault Symbioz debuts as an efficient, hybrid family SUV

Renault’s latest model offering comesin the form ofthe new Symbioz C-segment SUV.In thebrand’s current combustion-engine model line-up, itsits between the smaller Captur (alongside which itwas developed) and the larger Austral.Thismakes it a direct rival to the likes of the Nissan Qashqai. In terms of dimensions too, the Symbioz (4,413mm in length) sits between the Captur (4,227mm) and Austral (4,510mm).

According to Renault, the Symbiozis meantto be a practical family-hauler and a spiritual successor to Renault’s past models like the 16 saloon of the 1960s and the Espace from the 1980s. Built on the extended version of the CMF-B platform, which also underpins other models like the Clio hatchback and Arkana coupé-SUV, the Symbioz, as mentioned above, was developed alongside the Captur, and this is quite evident from the design similarities between them.Both carsfeaturea near-identical front look and even share the same dashboardinside.However, the Symbiozis intendedfor a different target audience. While itis primarily designedto be an efficient family car, Renaultis also targetingfleet buyers with the Symbioz who are looking for efficient hybrid mobility options.

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Speaking of hybrid mobility, the Symbioz will be available only with the Renault E-Tech 145 hybrid powertrain. It combines two electric motors, a 36kW unit and an 18kW high-voltage starter generator (HSG), with a 94bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a multi-mode automatic gearbox (four gears for the petrol engine and two gears for the main electric motor), and a 1.2kWh battery. This setup seems a bit complex and, despite its many components, the Symbioz’s total weight stands at an appreciable 1,500kg. Due to this reason, the 145bhp SUV can deliver impressive WLTP-certified fuel economy of up to 21.7km/l.

Apart from the efficient hybrid powertrain, another highlight of the Symbioz is its sliding rear seats. They can slide backwards up to 160mm and create up to 221mm knee room for the rear occupants while maintaining 492 litres of boot space. When pushed fully forward, the rear seats can increase the boot capacity to 624 litres and with the 60:40-split seats folded down, the highest boot capacity figure stands at 1,582 litres. The Symbioz also boasts 24.7 litres of storage space inside the cabin, including seven litres in the glove box alone.

Expect the Renault Symbioz to go on sale in the UK later this year, with pricing expected to start at just below £30,000 (~$37,550).