See all New Car Reviews
Pros: Versatile interior, modern looks, good infotainment
Cons: Hybrid system isn’t as good as some, bland to drive
Renault Symbioz Design
The Symbioz continues the contemporary appearance that now appears across most of the company’s model range, with a particular emphasis on the front of the car. The theme is one of sharp creases and repeating references to Renault’s diamond-shaped logo. These extend from behind the badge at the centre of what would normally be the grille - in the Symbioz’s case it is a painted panel that creates a three-dimensional look.
There are detailed LED headlights and running lights in the lower section of the front bumper that have a vertical appearance. A silver leading edge to the lower bumper hints at a rugged image, as does the cladding around the wheel arches and along the bottom of the doors, but the Symbioz is very much a car for the road.
Measuring 4.41m long, the Symbioz slots into the Renault range between the smaller Captur and larger Austral, an exceedingly popular market segment. It features other nice details, including a clever glass roof that can instantly switch between clear or opaque when an electric current passes through the layer of crystals inside it. Several specification grades will be available, including the sporty-looking Esprit Alpine that sits on 19-inch wheels, while other versions come on 18-inch alloys. There will be a range of seven exterior colours available.
Renault Symbioz Interior
Inside the Renault Symbioz, there’s a modern and uncluttered layout, with a portrait-style touchscreen at the centre of the dashboard. This infotainment system runs a Google-based setup that brings well-known apps such as Google Maps and Google Assistant into the car. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay also enable users to mirror their smartphone onto the screen. Other tech features include a wireless charging pad within the centre console and two USB-C ports.
Several storage areas are dotted throughout the cabin, which adds to its practical design. Rearwards, there is plenty of space for adults behind the front seats. The rear seat bench can slide by as much as 16 centimetres to provide more passenger legroom or increase the overall boot capacity. The boot is 492 litres at its smallest, but it can grow to 624 litres by moving that seat bench forward. When the rear seats are folded, the cargo volume is 1,582 litres.
Renault Symbioz Performance & Drive
The Symbioz will initially be available with a hybrid system that combines a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors (one of which serves as a high-voltage starter-generator) to produce a maximum power output of 145hp. The system uses a small 1.2kWh battery designed to discharge and recharge its energy quickly.
In urban settings the Symbioz’s hybrid system does its best work, enabling the main electric motor to propel the car at lower speeds without using petrol, resulting in a smooth and quiet driving experience over short distances.
The petrol engine automatically activates without altering how the car drives or performs. In our experience, this system is reasonably fuel-efficient but not class-leading in terms of overall fuel consumption.
For the most part, the Symbioz is a quiet and polished drive, helped by a trick automatic transmission that consists of four gears for the petrol engine and two gears for the main electric motor. The suspension is also well-judged for this type of car, providing sufficient bump absorption without losing composure in the bends. Even though it shares the same platform as the smaller Captur, its longer wheelbase increases stability at higher speeds.
Renault equips the Symbioz with many of the latest driver assistance systems, most of which work very well and greatly improve the car’s safety. Some other aspects, such as the audible speed limit warning - now a legal requirement - may prove irritating to some drivers, as the system doesn’t always get the speed limit correct. Renault has added a button on the dashboard that mutes some of these warnings when pressed twice, which some drivers will be pleased to use. The overall driving experience is a bit bland, but that’s arguably not one of the main reasons why you might buy such a car.
Renault Symbioz Pricing
Prices for the Renault Symbioz in Ireland start at €36,995, which applies to the entry-grade Techno specification. The mid-level Techno Esprit Alpine costs €39,395, while the range-topping Iconic Esprit Alpine model costs €41,395. All pricing is based on the E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain, which is the initial offering at launch. In time Renault intends to add other engines.
Carzone Verdict
Based on the performance of the hybrid alone, the Renault Symbioz has all the makings of a good family car that will suit those keen to manage their motoring costs. Its spacious and versatile interior also ticks a lot of boxes and ensures it can handle the busy and varied life of a modern family car. Even though its hybrid powertrain isn’t as frugal as others on the market, it is a refined driving experience overall.