Sunny Valencia in Spain was the venue of choice for the introduction of the Renault Symbioz, the latest model in the French marque's assault on a busy SUV market. At just 4.41 metres long and weighing in at under 1,500kg, this new model completes Renault's E-Tech ‘hybrid’ range already comprising the Arkana (4.57m ) and the Austral (4.51m ), while expanding the E-Tech 'electric' range with the Megane and Scenic E-Tech electric.
According to Renault, the new Symbioz is a car aimed at families looking for space and efficiency with a modular, contemporary design. It is also said to be built for corporate fleet owners, looking for a level of electrification while keeping total cost of ownership on a tight rein.
My maiden drive in the Symbioz was a 70 kilometre spin south of Valencia comprising motorways, B-roads and some urban driving. It is built on the extended version of the CMF-B platform used by the Clio and the Captur as well as the Arkana, which gives it the same retuned and recalibrated shock absorbers, drivetrain geometry and power steering for a pleasant ride. It also features MacPherson suspension at the front and a semi-rigid axle at the rear.
The Symbioz runs on Renault's E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain. It combines a 36kW (49hp ) electric motor and an 18kW (24hp ) high-voltage starter-generator (HSG ) with a 95hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Its 0-100km/h sprint time is just under 11 seconds.
Renault claims a fuel consumption of 4.7 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions of 105g/km (both WLTP ), which help give it a combined range of to 1,000 kilometres. There's also a new 'E-SAVE' function button on the dashboard which, when activated, maintains battery charge at 40 per cent minimum.
Renault's new design language is visible at the front and rear of the Symbioz. The new Renault logo is omnipresent in a variety of forms. It features as complete in the centre of the grille, split in two vertically for the light signature, or turned into a graphic pattern on the radiator grille. Complementing its design, the Symbioz features large 19-inch wheels on the 'Esprit Alpine' and 'Iconic' versions. All wheels (18- and 19-inch ) are new and exclusive to this model.
Inside, the new Renault Symbioz is very spacious and features all the technology you'd expect for a vehicle of its class. It benefits from the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in, as well as a Solarbay tinted glass sunroof. The 'Iconic' version ships with 29 new-generation driving aids for optimised safety and driving comfort. There is a central 10.4 inch vertical touchscreen on all versions, coupled with a second 10.3 inch screen facing the driver to display driving information. It has a 360-degree camera and front, rear and side parking sensors.
Boot capacity is 492 litres, but increases to 624 litres when the bench seat is slid forward, creating a flat floor. There is up to 1,582 litres when the rear seats are fully folded (60:40 ). There is no boot lip, making it easy to access the flat floor and load even the bulkiest items. It also features a power tailgate with hands-free opening. The Symbioz is offered in a range of seven colours, including the new 'Mercury Blue' (pictured ).
In Ireland, the Renault Symbioz is available from early September in three trim levels: 'Techno', 'Techno Esprit Alpine' and 'Iconic Esprit Alpine'. Prices start from €36,995 rising to €41,395.
