All-new Renault Symbioz hits the market with hybrid power and £29k price tag

• All-new hybrid family SUV
• Priced from £29,295
• Available to order now

Take one look at a list of the UK’s best-selling cars and it’s clear that family SUVs are the model of choice at the moment – a fact that the all-new Renault Symbioz will try to capitalise on. As the latest model from the French carmaker, the Symbioz brings Renault’s current SUV tally up to five, slotting between the Captur and Austral in its lineup and offering space for five passengers.

Priced from £29,295, the Symbioz has been designed with urban families in mind, promising a versatile, configurable interior but without the bulk that comes with a full-size SUV. It’s available to order in the UK now with one choice of engine – the same full-hybrid powertrain found in the Clio and Captur.

What does the Renault Symbioz look like?

At 4,410mm long, the Renault Symbioz is around 180mm longer than the recently-facelifted Captur, and 100mm shorter than the Austral. That’s a small window to squeeze a whole new SUV into, but Renault claims that the Symbioz gives it a “stronger entry-level presence” in the mid-size SUV segment. It utilises a lengthened version of Renault’s ‘CMF-B’ platform – the same architecture used for the Clio and Captur.

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That relationship to the new Captur is evident externally. From the front, the two SUVs are practically indistinguishable, using the same design language that first appeared on the Renault Scenic electric SUV. The LED headlights take on the same shape, sitting on either side of a thin black grille with a geometric pattern. Below are a pair of LED daytime running lights – again lifted from the smaller Captur.

The rear of the Symbioz is entirely new, however, feeling more in keeping with the Scenic SUV. There’s a pair of angular tail-lights above a chunky lower bumper, and you’ll spot Renault’s new diamond logo sitting proudly at the centre of the tailgate. Buyers will be able to choose from seven paint colours, along with a selection of 18 and 19-inch alloy wheel designs.

What does the interior of the Renault Symbioz look like?

Much like the exterior, the Symbioz shares the front portion of its cabin with the new Captur. You get the same dashboard layout, with a standard-fit 10.4-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen that runs the latest Android Automotive operating system. That’s not to be confused with Android Auto (the smartphone mirroring system that comes fitted to all models along with Apple CarPlay).

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The driver gets a 10.3-inch screen for important driving information, while a bank of physical toggle switches are used for climate control. Interior upholstery varies for each trim level but every Symbioz gets fabric seats, while mid-level Techno and top-spec Esprit Alpine models get contrasting stitching. There’s an optional panoramic sunroof available, which uses the same ‘Solarbay’ tech we’ve seen in the Scenic. With the press of a button or even by voice command it can transition from opaque to transparent.

Step through the rear doors of the Symbioz and you’ll find room for three passengers. The 180mm increase in length over the Captur has created more knee room for rear-seat occupants, while the bench can slide forward to increase boot space from 492 to 624 litres when it's not in use. Fold the rear bench flat and boot space grows to 1,582 litres.

What engines are available with the Renault Symbioz?

Renault will only offer the Symbioz with one engine initially: the E-Tech 145 hybrid. It’s the same setup used in the Clio and Captur, comprising a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors and a small 1.2kWh battery. Total system power output stands at 143bhp, while Renault claims efficiency figures of over 60mpg could be possible. It can drive on pure electric power at low speeds – no range is quoted yet, but Renault claims that up to 80% of around-town driving can be achieved in EV mode.

How much does the Renault Symbioz cost and when can I buy one?

The Renault Symbioz is available in three trim levels, with the entry-level Techno model starting from £29,295. That’s within a few hundred pounds of the Skoda Karoq and MINI Countryman, two similarly-sized SUVs.

Sitting above Techno is the Symbioz Techno Esprit Alpine, which adds larger alloy wheels, heated and electrically adjustable seats, a powered tailgate, additional safety tech and some different styling trim. Prices start at £31,295 for this model before options.

Top of the range is the Symbioz Iconic Esprit Alpine, costing £33,295. This brings hands-free parking tech, an upgraded sound system, a 360-degree parking camera and Renault’s clever ‘Solarbay’ sunroof, which can transition from clear to opaque with a single button press.

All models of the Renault Symbioz are available to order now – the first customers can expect to receive their car in September this year.

Read our list of the best hybrid SUVs to see what the Renault Symbioz will be competing against…