The Renault Symbioz marks another bold step in Renault’s growing hybrid journey. As the brand edges toward an electrified future, CEO Fabrice Cambolive has made it clear: hybrid tech is key to easing customers into the EV era. With the Symbioz, Renault doubles down on full-hybrid systems, continuing its push for a low-emissions lineup without abandoning combustion power just yet.
Designed for the Real World
The Symbioz slots below the Austral in Renault’s lineup and shares much with the popular Dacia Duster. It rides on the CMF-B platform—the same used by the Clio and Captur—and brings a boxy, practical shape that speaks directly to families and fleet buyers. It’s not about flashy looks; it’s about delivering what people need day to day.
Renault’s head of small-car design described it as “more rational and less emotional,” and that’s a fitting summary. The design feels mature, subtly stylish, and unmistakably functional—like a Volkswagen Golf Plus reimagined for 2025. There’s a clear shift toward quality, practicality, and user-friendly tech. The days of quirky Renaults might be behind us, but the Symbioz looks set to win over buyers with its measured, sensible approach.
Simple Line-Up, Smart Choices
The Symbioz range is refreshingly straightforward. There are three trims to choose from: Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine, and Iconic Esprit Alpine. All come with 18-inch alloys, a 10.4-inch infotainment display powered by Google’s automotive OS, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, and a six-speaker stereo.
Moving up the trim ladder adds features like larger alloys, racier design flourishes, a beefier stereo, and an electric tailgate. But even the base Techno trim is well-equipped and should be enough for most buyers.
You also get a choice of two powertrains: a mild hybrid and a full hybrid. The mild hybrid uses a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine and gearbox-mounted electric motor to produce 138bhp, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s available only in the base Techno trim.
The full hybrid is where things get interesting. It pairs a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with two electric motors—one producing 48bhp, the other 20bhp as a starter-generator. The total system output is 158bhp and 276lb ft of torque. It drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission and promises 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds with a top speed of 105mph.
Family-Friendly But Not Flawless
Inside, the Symbioz is spacious and user-friendly, but there are compromises. Rear-seat legroom is decent but not class-leading. Taller passengers will find headroom tight, especially if the panoramic Solarbay roof is fitted. That roof, while innovative with its sun-blocking liquid crystal tech, eats into valuable vertical space.
Renault has included a sliding rear bench to give you flexibility between legroom and luggage space. However, it moves as a single unit rather than split sections, making it less versatile than setups in rivals like the Skoda Karoq. With the seat all the way back, boot space stands at 492 litres. Slide it forward and capacity jumps to a class-leading 624 litres, expanding to 1582 litres with the rear seats folded.
The boot is deep and features an adjustable floor, but lacks some handy extras—no 12V socket, for example. Up front, the driving position is comfortable, though the seat lacks finer adjustments. Visibility is a weak point due to thick pillars and a small rear window, so you’ll rely on the reversing camera, which unfortunately isn’t the sharpest.
Tech That Works
One area where the Symbioz shines is technology. Renault’s Google-powered Open R infotainment system is slick, app-rich, and easy to navigate, especially for Android users. There’s even access to over 50 downloadable apps.
The digital instrument cluster is clean and configurable, though switching between layouts involves an animation that can lag. Climate controls are handled via a physical button row, and audio volume is adjusted via a steering-wheel stalk—a small but welcome ergonomic win.
Renault also offers up to 24 driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise, lane keeping, and traffic sign recognition. Importantly, they’re easy to deactivate via a dedicated button—a thoughtful touch for those who find ADAS systems overbearing.
On the Road: Easygoing and Economical
The full-hybrid Symbioz offers a notable improvement over its predecessor. While it’s not quick, the updated system feels more responsive and settled. The switch between electric and petrol power is seamless, and the engine stays quiet even when pushed.
The four-speed automatic isn’t for driving purists—you can’t manually shift gears—but it suits relaxed driving. It’s tuned for smooth shifts, though at times it hangs on to gears a bit too long. In town, it often runs on electricity alone, keeping noise and fuel use down.
Fuel economy is a strong suit. Renault claims 65.7mpg, and real-world testing delivered 64.2mpg—nearly 500 miles on a tank. CO2 emissions are just 97g/km, translating to a 25% benefit-in-kind tax rating, making it an attractive option for company car buyers.
There’s even an E-save button to conserve battery charge for later use, such as urban driving or traffic jams. The 1.4kWh battery is slightly larger than before, allowing longer all-electric stretches.
What About the Mild Hybrid?
If you prefer a manual gearbox, the mild hybrid is your only option. It’s refined, responsive, and has enough grunt for everyday driving. However, with 138bhp and less torque than the full hybrid, it may feel underpowered when fully loaded with passengers and luggage.
The mild hybrid achieves 47.9mpg officially, though real-world figures came in closer to 43mpg during brief testing. It’s still decent but clearly less efficient than the full hybrid.
Comfortable and Composed
The Symbioz rides with confidence. At low speeds, it’s firm but not uncomfortable. At motorway speeds, it becomes more pliant and refined. Steering is light and accurate—great for city streets and long trips alike. Grip is strong, but if you push hard through tight corners, traction can falter slightly. Higher trims with bigger wheels add visual flair but reduce low-speed comfort.
Final Verdict: A Sensible Family SUV
The Renault Symbioz doesn’t try to be flashy—and that’s exactly why it works. It’s practical, comfortable, affordable, and impressively economical. For those looking for a compact SUV that balances performance with real-world usability, it’s an appealing option.
While it may not outshine rivals in every area, the Symbioz full hybrid offers the best blend of value, economy, and ease of use. Its mild-hybrid sibling is solid too, but better suited to lighter-duty use.
If you want a smart, family-first crossover that nails the essentials and doesn’t break the bank, the Symbioz deserves a serious look.
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