Among the numerous launches by Renault in 2024, there’s also the Renault Symbioz. This is a car not to be underestimated; in fact, I’ve described it as particularly clever because it enters a segment generally abandoned by several automakers.
Its SUV-like appearance hides an (almost) minivan-like vocation, positioning it as a successor to the old gasoline-powered Scenic, a name that has since evolved into a 100% electric offering. Equipped with the well-established E-Tech 145 engine, which ensures excellent fuel efficiency in most driving conditions, the Symbioz is essentially a longer version of the Captur, designed for those who need more space but aren’t yet ready to drive a fully electric vehicle.
Renault Symbioz: our tops and flops
The Renault Symbioz is a very clever car, perhaps the smartest of all those that the French automaker has introduced in 2024—and it has introduced quite a few. It’s almost a spiritual successor to the old Scenic, which in the meantime has become electric (and is also the 2024 Car of the Year). Based on the same platform as the Captur, of which it represents the family version, it retains the excellent 145 HP full hybrid engine that drives well and, in the city, runs a lot on electric power. It also features the Solar Bay panoramic roof, as seen on the Rafale, and offers truly enviable practicality, thanks to a trunk that can exceed 600 liters and a sliding rear seat, making it an ideal car for both families and adventure travelers. Additionally, it boasts good build quality, although with a bit too much hard plastic, and above all, the Open R Link infotainment system with Android Automotive, integrated Google apps, and the ability to download others. The only problem? The only Scandinavian country where the car will be sold is Sweden.
What we like:
- The many configuration options;
- The Solar Bay roof is a brilliant feature;
- Open R Link remains the best infotainment system around;
What we don’t like:
- The hard plastics detract from otherwise good assembly quality;
- The Sport mode is pointless;
- Sometimes the engine noise can be too intrusive.
Prices in Scandinavia
Unfortunately, the car is not available in Denmark, where Renault’s importer wants to focus on electric cars, as well in Norway. The only Scandinavian country where the Symbioz will be available by the end of 2024 is Sweden, but prices are not available yet.
A design that prioritizes versatility
Unlike the Scenic, however, the Renault Symbioz is built on the same platform as the Captur, representing a longer version positioned between the Captur and the Austral. It measures 4.41 meters in length, 1.79 meters in width, and has a 2.64-meter wheelbase, which allows for good interior space and, as we’ll see, a decent trunk.
The front design is very similar to that of the Captur and generally to the latest models, with thin, wide headlights, a three-dimensional pattern for the closed upper grille, a large Renault logo in the center, and a LED daytime running light design that perhaps resembles a lightning bolt.
The wheels are elaborately designed, 19 inches in this case, while the rear is new, featuring trapezoidal lights that taper inward and somewhat echo the modern, geometric design of the Rafale (here’s our review).
Overall, it’s a car that stands out, especially in the blue color used for the tests, which is the launch color and typical of the top-of-the-line Iconic trim, but also in the more understated metallic gray that characterizes the sportier Esprit Alpine version.
So much space
The Symbioz, however, focuses on space. The general layout of the dashboard is the same as the Captur, featuring a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, glossy but with excellent resolution and a refreshed interface that displays all information, including Google Maps, to minimize distraction.
At the center is a 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen with a floating effect (unfortunately not integrated like on the Austral or Rafale), with Open R Link as standard. This means you get the entire Google suite, as well as the ability to install other apps like Waze and Spotify.
It also takes the Solarbay panoramic roof from the Rafale, which is adjustable in four configurations and makes the cabin cooler in summer and warmer in winter, protects against UV rays, and reduces glare. It can also be adjusted via Google Assistant.
Speaking of space, even taller passengers will find the rear seats comfortable, especially in terms of headroom. The rear bench can slide 16 cm, allowing for increased legroom at the expense of trunk space.
The trunk itself has a minimum capacity ranging from 492 to 624 liters, depending on the rear seat position. By folding down the rear seats, the maximum capacity reaches up to 1,582 liters, with a load length of 1.68 meters. Not bad at all!
Comfortable, not sporty
The powertrain, as mentioned, is the 145 HP E-Tech full hybrid that we know well from the Clio and Captur. I was curious to test it on a larger and heavier car, where it continues to show the benefits of its design.
There are several driving modes: Eco, Comfort, and Sport, with the option to customize certain aspects, such as steering precision. However, it’s clear that this car wasn’t made for sporty driving. In fact, the Sport mode increases noise levels without significantly improving performance—the internal combustion engine tends to rev higher.
The Comfort mode, on the other hand, is perfect. Quiet and stable, it enhances comfort thanks to the pseudo-MacPherson front suspension and semi-rigid rear suspension, with numerous damping force-speed settings that, together with the axle geometry, ensure body movement control. Moreover, the power steering is well-calibrated, making response times very short.
As usual with this engine, the car starts in electric mode and, in the city, can run on zero emissions for over 70% of the time. Even on the highway, the two electric motors allow for very low fuel consumption, combined with the generally good aerodynamics of the design: Renault claims 4.7 liters per 100 km, dropping to less than 3 in the city and rising to about 5 in mixed driving according to my initial observations. The result is excellent autonomy, with a claimed range of 1,000 km, and a realistic figure around 900 km.
I also tried some “sprint” driving, as much as the car allows, never exceeding 5.5 liters per 100 km. To ensure lower fuel consumption in the city, there’s the E-Save button on the left, which keeps the battery charge at a minimum of 40%.
Customizable ADAS
The ADAS system is excellent, and also highly customizable. Standard features include Active Driver Assist with Level 2 autonomous driving and predictive hybrid driving, which optimizes electric efficiency along the route.
There are also all the systems mandatory from July 2024, such as blind spot monitoring, speed limit recognition, and lane-keeping assist. But the most positive aspect is that next to the E-Save button is the My Safety Switch, which allows you to deactivate sounds—a blessing—or to activate and deactivate preferred settings for at least five ADAS features simultaneously.
