Renault Symbioz (2024 Review)

The welcome onslaught of new models this year from Renault continues with the introduction of a new C-segment model named Symbioz. Due to arrive on Irish shores late 2024, this new model will offer those visiting Renault dealerships the perfect fully hybrid sweet spot between Captur and Austral. For some, the compact nature of the Captur might not meet your needs but sitting at 4.41m long and 1.79m wide with a wheelbase of 2.64m, the Symbioz could be the ideal size for both business and family use. Three variants will come to Ireland kicking off with Techno E-tech Full Hybrid 145 priced at €36,995 stepping up incrementally to the Techno Esprit Alpine priced at €39,995 followed by the range topping Iconic Esprit Alpine at €41,395. Again all are powered by the now familiar 145 bhp E-Tech hybrid powertrain but other options should join the range in 2025.

So what do you get for your money and can this all new vehicle really compete in such a busy sector with models like Volkswagen’s incredibly popular T-Roc? Well, let’s start with the styling! Like most Renaults of late, the design language has transferred seamlessly to the classy new Symbioz. The front of the vehicle features Renault's signature diamond logo, which is prominently displayed and flanked by sleek LED headlights that give the car a distinctive, modern look. The side profile proportions look larger than expected and to the rear, sharp LED taillights frame the tailgate perfectly. Inside the cabin has a bright airy feel, no doubt aided by the new Solarbay tinted glass roof that can flick between see through, or opaque at the touch of a button.

The front seats look inviting in Esprit Alpine trim and the dash features the somewhat familiar 10.3 inch speedometer screen right in the drivers eye-line. This display is further supported by a 10.4 inch vertical touchscreen running Renaults top class OpenR Link multimedia system powered by Google. It has to be one of the fastest and most user friendly central control systems available on any car right now, giving users access to over 50 apps. Firing the Symbioz into life with the touch of the ‘Start button’ brings no fewer than 29 driver safety aids into action to protect occupants. Expect Level 2 autonomous driving and intelligent speed adaptation which ranks among the most advanced functions in this segment. Some of the more intrusive driving aids can be disarmed fast using the My Safety Switch which, lets drivers activate or deactivate their preferred settings at the touch of a button. Another cool bit of tech is the Predictive Hybrid Driving which, optimises efficiency by maximising the use of electrical energy while driving. In essence expect the petrol engine to cut in a lot less than on previous hybrid offerings.

Getting underway is a silent affair as the Symbioz hybrid architecture combines two electric motors to a 1.6 litre 4-cylinder petrol engine for electric propulsion initially, before bringing in the combustion power. The automatic gearbox has 4 gears for the petrol engine and 2 gears for the main electric motor which makes for a silky smooth driving experience. Is this an entirely new powertrain? Well not exactly because it’s the same unit found  in the new Clio, Captur and Austral but it has been further optimised with clever software management. Also present is the new 'E-Save' function which can maintain a battery charge at a level of at least 40% should you require full electric mobility at some point in your journey.

To drive, the Symbioz feels spritely and surefooted. We took on a number of different routes in Spains picturesque Valencia region, some of which forced the Symbioz to lean on its exclusive 19-inch alloys shrouded in Michelin rubber. MacPherson suspension up front and a semi-rigid axle at the rear assist the drivetrain geometry in delivering greater control over body movements. Even on tight, technical sections there is virtually no body roll, just plenty of grip giving you a feeling of confidence. In city use buyers can expect fuel consumption of just 4.7 litres/100 km which is believable but naturally when driven in a spirited manner, consumption figures will naturally deteriorate.

Our time with Renault Symbioz was pleasurable to say the least. Initially we couldn’t quiet see the logic for Renault to have so many offerings in the C and D segment when you factor in their fully electric range, but we now believe the Symbioz does have a place in the Irish market. If you are not ready to go full electric and perhaps find the Austral a little too expensive, the Symbioz could be the vehicle for you. With ample legroom in the rear thanks to a rear bench designed to slide over 16 cm, passengers will be more than comfortable. Boot space is plentiful also depending on the rear seat configuration but when the electric tailgate is open, it will swallow between 492 litres to 1,582 litres with the rear bench seat folded down making it mighty practical.  With the C segment in Europe, accounting for 39% of total vehicle sales we now understand Renaults major product offensive with so many new models. All that’s left for you, is to see if the Symbioz fits your needs…