Renault Symbioz, a gas-powered Scenic or a Grand Captur?

Renault has unveiled its new Symbioz Hybrid. A model that draws a little from all around the current range, but is that a bad thing?

Symbioz represents for Renault a return to its roots with a new vision of the “living car.” But a look at the Larousse tells us that symbiosis is the close association of two or more different organisms, mutually beneficial, and even essential for their survival. It’s a bit like taking the technical basis of a Captur and elongating it to offer a hybrid alternative to the Scenic, without renouncing the latter’s 100% electric vocation. Admittedly, that would make sense as hybrids are more popular than ever.

Shared chassis with Captur

To confirm this hypothesis, the Symbioz is based on the same in-house CMF-B platform as the Captur and shares its wheelbase and front design. At 4.41 m, it is 17 cm longer than the Captur, which provides a trunk volume of 492 l, nearly a 30% increase compared to its smaller cousin. The volume even rises to 624 l thanks to the rear bench that slides 16 cm. There is no gain for rear passengers, and especially the presence of a transmission tunnel that limits the living space of the central passenger. The price to pay for driving hybrid while 100% electric vehicles offer a flat floor.

Symbioz to live in

The dashboard is logically identical to that of the Captur, and the model offers great features with the OpenR Link system integrated with Google services, and especially the Solarbay opacifying glass roof. Available as an option, this equipment was born from a co-development between Renault and Saint-Gobain Sekurit. This panoramic glass roof can darken or lighten completely via a button located on the overhead console, accessible by the driver and their front passenger, or by voice command via Google Assistant. From 6 to 8 kilos are saved compared to a traditional glass roof, and in the absence of an opaque curtain, passengers gain 3 centimeters of headroom.

The new Renault Symbioz in photos and video

Renault thus presents us with a simple, modular, and livable vehicle without being ordinary, and above all, it fits into the current range. There is only one hybrid engine with the now-famous 145 hp, consisting of a 1.6 l four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor powered by a 1.2 kWh battery. This allows for driving 80% of the time in all-electric mode in the city. With a mixed WLTP consumption of 4.6 l/100 km, the range can reach 1,000 km. Most importantly, with CO₂ emissions contained at 105 g/km and weighing less than 1,500 kg, it is exempt from any penalties.