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Renault Symbioz: The Hybrid SUV That Balances Space and Efficiency

What is it?

The Renault Symbioz is a hybrid family SUV aimed at providing efficiency and practicality at a competitive price point. Positioned in Renault’s growing SUV lineup, it sits between the smaller Captur and the larger Austral. It competes against popular models like the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage in the UK market. With a full-hybrid setup, the Symbioz promises fuel efficiency, but can it stand out in a crowded segment?

 

 

Design and Styling

The Renault Symbioz makes a subtle but sophisticated impression in the increasingly competitive family SUV market. Its exterior design, while not overly bold, has a modern, sleek appearance that leans more towards practicality than flamboyance. Renault has opted for clean lines and a balanced profile, giving the Symbioz a mature look that should appeal to families and fleet buyers alike.

At 4.4 meters long, the Symbioz falls into the compact SUV category, and its dimensions are carefully considered to maximize both interior space and aerodynamic efficiency. The roofline is kept relatively low, at around 1.6 meters, which not only helps reduce wind resistance but also gives the vehicle a lower center of gravity, aiding stability on the road. Despite the low height, Renault hasn’t sacrificed the SUV’s boxy and robust stance, which gives it a presence that feels substantial without being overly bulky.

The front of the Symbioz is distinctly Renault, featuring the brand’s signature diamond-shaped badge, which sits prominently in the middle of the grille.

Moving to the side profile, the Symbioz features smooth, flowing lines that stretch from the front wheel arches to the rear. The slightly sloped roofline tapers gently towards the back, contributing to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency while maintaining enough headroom inside. At the rear, the Renault Symbioz’s design continues its sleek and modern theme. The rear LED lights are horizontally positioned, with a sharp, narrow design that wraps around the edges of the body, complementing the car’s wide stance.

 

 

Interior and Features

Inside, the Renault Symbioz offers a well-planned, user-friendly layout. The driving position is comfortable, with electric seat adjustments available on higher trims. Forward visibility is strong, though rear visibility could be better due to thick pillars and a small rear window. A rear-view camera comes standard, and the top-tier trims feature a 360-degree camera for easier manoeuvring.

The infotainment system is one of the highlights of the Symbioz. It uses Renault’s Google-based OpenR system, providing a modern, app-based experience for Android users. The digital driver’s display, while customizable, can occasionally lag when switching between functions. Physical buttons for HVAC controls add a touch of practicality, preventing drivers from being overly reliant on the touchscreen.

However, the interior doesn’t feel as plush as some rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, and the digital display’s performance can be frustrating for some. That said, the overall layout is functional, and materials used are solid for the price range.

 

 

 

Performance and Handling

The Renault Symbioz’s full-hybrid powertrain is designed to prioritise fuel efficiency over outright performance. With its 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with two electric motors, the combined output is 143bhp, which is adequate for daily driving but far from exhilarating. The absence of a four-wheel-drive option limits its appeal for those looking for more versatility, as the front-wheel-drive setup is better suited for urban commutes and light motorway use.

At low speeds, the Symbioz makes good use of its hybrid system, providing a smooth and quiet drive around town. The electric motor helps the car pull away from a stop with ease, delivering instant torque that makes stop-start city driving comfortable. The transition from electric to petrol power is reasonably smooth, but acceleration can feel sluggish once the petrol engine takes over, especially when merging onto faster roads. The 0-62mph time of 10.6 seconds puts the Symbioz on the slower side for its class, lagging behind competitors like the Nissan Qashqai e-Power, which offers a more responsive hybrid system.

Handling is another area where the Symbioz leaves room for improvement. The steering is light and precise, which makes it easy to navigate in urban settings, but it lacks feedback, giving drivers a sense of detachment from the road. While this light steering may appeal to some, those looking for a more engaging drive will likely be disappointed.

The suspension setup is tuned more for comfort than agility, and for the most part, it handles rough roads well. Larger bumps and road imperfections are absorbed with ease, especially at higher speeds.

One advantage of the Symbioz’s hybrid system is its ability to run on electric power alone for short distances, which is great for city driving and reducing fuel consumption.

 

 

 

Practicality

As a family SUV, practicality is one of the Renault Symbioz’s key strengths. The cabin offers ample headroom for passengers, even with the optional Solarbay panoramic roof, which enhances the sense of space and light inside the car. Rear-seat passengers benefit from a sliding bench that allows for flexibility between passenger comfort and cargo capacity. When the rear seats are pushed all the way back, the Symbioz provides generous legroom, making it a comfortable option for taller adults, especially on longer journeys.

However, sliding the seats forward to increase boot capacity does have a trade-off. In this configuration, rear legroom is significantly reduced, making the rear seats less suitable for adults and more appropriate for children or shorter trips.

When it comes to boot space, the Renault Symbioz performs reasonably well but falls slightly behind some of its rivals. With the rear seats in their standard position, the boot offers 492 litres of storage, which is smaller than the Nissan Qashqai’s 504 litres and the Kia Sportage’s more spacious boot. However, sliding the rear bench forward expands the Symbioz’s capacity to 624 litres, providing a useful increase for larger loads. The boot’s flat floor and wide opening make loading and unloading easier, and there’s also an adjustable-height floor to accommodate bulkier items

 

 

Verdict

The Renault Symbioz is a solid hybrid family SUV that excels in practicality, technology, and efficiency. It’s attractively priced, well-equipped, and provides a spacious interior. However, it falls short on driving excitement and interior luxury when compared to some of its more refined competitors. For families prioritising space, comfort, and value, the Symbioz is a worthy option, but those seeking a more engaging drive may want to consider alternatives like the Nissan Qashqai or Seat Ateca.

 

 

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