Say hello to the Renault Symbioz, your new practical family favourite.
When it becomes available to order in July this year, the Symbioz will slot neatly into Renault’s line-up between the smaller Captur and the larger Austral.
And, like those sibling cars, the Symbioz will boast Renault’s ‘E-Tech’ full hybrid powertrain that offers smooth running, power of 145 hp, and optimum fuel economy at up to 61 miles to the gallon.
You get a traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a 36 kW e-motor, 18 kW HSG (High-voltage Starter Generator), and a 1.2 kWh battery.
It’s what’s known as a ‘series-parallel hybrid’ system, which means the engine and electric can work independently, or in conjunction with one another, to propel you forward.
And while the combustion engine will drive the wheels directly when you’re on the motorway, Renault’s hybrid wizardry will deliver ‘the comfort and silence of electric driving in town, without the need for charging’.
Besides the wallet-friendly powertrain, everything else about the Symbioz has been created with busy families in mind.
It should also appeal to corporate fleet owners who are looking for a level of electrification while keeping total cost of ownership (TCO) on a tight rein.
And it’ll compete with a clutch of heavyweight competitors like the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq.
There’s a sliding rear bench of seats, which lets you find the perfect balance between legroom and boot space, with up to 624 litres of luggage capacity up for grabs.
You also get Renault’s ‘OpenR Link’ multimedia system, with Google built-in, no matter which trim level you choose. That means a 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen, 10.3-inch digital cockpit, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless connectivity as standard.
A ‘Solarbay’ opacifying glass sunroof is also available, as is a Harman Kardon hi-fi system and 48-colour ambient lighting.
As you might expect from a car focused on families, Renault has gone all-in when it comes to driver assistance and safety tech.
The Symbioz features Renault’s ‘Active Driver Assist’, a level 2 autonomous driving system that combines adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, lane centring assist and traffic sign recognition. Meanwhile a rear emergency braking system can automatically hit the brakes if it detects an imminent prang.
Describing how the Symbioz continues Renault’s long heritage of producing family-friendly motors, a company spokesman tells us: “The Renault Symbioz joins a proud line of family cars, almost 60 years after the launch of Renault 16 with its spacious and functional design, and 40 years after the revolutionary Espace, an adaptable vehicle just 4.25m long but able to carry seven people.
“Symbioz shares this same DNA. Able to adapt its boot and passenger compartment to family needs, with useful technologies and compact dimensions that are also ideal for city driving, it joins a long line of versatile models that reflect our changing needs.”
We’ll bring you leasing prices when we can.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- KGM launches electric Torres EVX SUV
- Kia EV9 wins coveted design award
- MINI Aceman makes its full debut
- Electrified new Vauxhall Grandland makes debut
- Smart goes LARGE with new concept
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
