Renault Symbioz driven | A week with the new Qashqai contender
Its spacious interior, user-friendly tech and impressive fuel economy all make it a compelling option for those seeking a hybrid SUV, but can it quash the Qashqai?
Renault has been busy. Most of the hubbub has centred around the return of the Renault 5, but the brand has quietly been working away at its SUV offerings too. The latest one is the Symbioz.
It joins the Captur (smaller, compact crossover), the Austral (larger, more premium), the Rafale (swoopy styling) and of course the reimagined Scenic E-Tech (all-electric and very snazzy).
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Out of all of them, it’s likely this car that will prove most fruitful for the brand. Why? Well this is the car aimed squarely at the Nissan Qashqai, and a plethora of other similarly-sized rivals.
It’s in the name you see: Symbioz literally translates as “living together”. So, how did we find living together for a week? Is it a capable Qashqai contender?
Renault Symbioz: The design
Let’s kick off with the looks. Our test car came in the form of the Iconic esprit Alpine trim in resplendent diamond black. It’s a good-looking car, particularly from the rear end and in this colour; the darkened razor-like rear lights really blend in and give it a premium look.
You'll find all the latest Renault design cues...
Like many cars of the moment, the SYMBIOZ insignia is present on the tailgate lid, as is Renault’s overhauled badging.
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Things are rather nice up front too, where you’ll find all the latest Renault design cues: that new insignia, a bold, flattened front grille, LED headlights and a cool set of daytime running lights that seamlessly blend into the front bumper when they’re not illuminated.
At 4.4 metres in length, it comes in a little shorter than the Qashqai.
Although it’s not quite as stand-out a design as some other offerings like the Kia Sportage or latest C5 Aircross, it’s a cool-looking car with premium aspirations. At just over 4.4 metres in length, it’s around average for its class, coming in just short of the Qashqai.
Renault Symbioz: The interior and tech
Step inside the Symbioz, and you’ll find lots has been carried over from the reworked Captur. That’s no bad thing, considering the upright 10.4in infotainment system is responsive and easy to get your head around. It’s actually a Google-based operating system, which is really useful.
Iconic esprit Apline models get electrically adjustable front seats.
While wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay can be used, this means you don’t need to connect to use apps like Google Maps. Withinthe infotainment screen, you’ll also find short keys to various functions like the demist – a great addition meaning you don’t have to fiddle through menus like you do with some cars.
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Iconic esprit Alpine models also feature electrically adjustable front seats, which is great to see at this price point. All Symbioz trims feature a vivid 10.25in digital driver display too.
Passenger space is decent, with comparable levels of room to a Qashqai
There’s lots of adjustment, and ergonomically everything falls easily to hand. Several cubbies also feature for extra storage, including a dedicated area for the car’s card-shaped key, and a hidden tray area for a smartphone.
Passenger space is decent, with comparable levels of room to a Qashqai in both the front and rear. However, the third seat in the middle would be a little tight for adults.
There’s also lots of black plastic trim used, which along with the black seats, can make it feel a little dark. That was much helped in our test car though, courtesy of the funky panoramic roof. Rather than having a blind, clever tech allows you to make it opaque at the flick of a switch. Nice touch.
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Renault Symbioz: The drive
Whichever trim you go for, there’s just one powertrain option for the Symbioz: a 1.6-litre E-Tech self-charging hybrid. There’s a conventional petrol motor, along with two electric motors. Combined, they produce 143hp. Unlike similarly sized rivals, you won’t find an all-wheel drive option either, although most people wouldn’t spec it anyway.
Around town, it’ll use electric power only for the most part.
Those two electric motors ensure the car always starts silently, allowing you to glide away without annoying any neighbours if you’re up early. Around town, it’ll use electric power only for the most part, and there’s a battery indicator on the digital driver display that shows you how much power you’ve got.
Put your foot down, and you’ll hear the petrol motor kick in. The changeover of the powertrain itself is seamless, although it gets rather noisy quite quickly, and likes hanging onto lower gears. It’s a fantastically quiet car around town, which is possibly why this contrast is so noticeable.
The Symbioz also features a regenerative braking system.
The Symbioz also features a regenerative braking system, which makes the driving experience all the more relaxing. You’ll find one-pedal driving becomes the norm when the regenerative system is engaged (via the gear selector).
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Official economy stands at 60mpg and, after a week of mixed driving, we managed to achieve around 52mpg – impressive stuff.
The Symbioz offers a really comfortable ride for the most part.
Economy aside, the Symbioz offers a really comfortable ride for the most part, with most bumps and potholes adeptly dealt with. This would probably be improved further on models that have smaller alloys than our test car did: 19in rims and low profile tyres mean some undulations will always be felt.
Renault Symbioz: Should you lease one?
The Symbioz is part of arguably the most hotly contested part of the new car market: family-sized crossovers. Customers certainly have no shortage of choice in this segment.
It's a compelling option for those seeking an affordable, hybrid SUV.
Its spacious interior, user-friendly tech and impressive fuel economy all make it a compelling option for those seeking a hybrid SUV. Should you plump for one instead of a Qashqai?
With prices undercutting the Nissan (and most other alternatives at the time of writing), the value proposition of Renault’s latest SUV is a strong one. Hit the button below to jump straight into deals right now.