Renault is expanding the range of family SUVs – introducing the hybrid model Symbioz – AINA

The world-leading French car manufacturer Renault is expanding its range of family-balanced exclusive models – officially presenting the Symbioz model. The representative of the so-called C segment is equipped with a highly efficient and economical E-Tech hybrid engine and the most advanced Renault technologies. Drivers will find in it not only innovative OpenR Link multimedia equipment, but also 29 new generation support systems.

A car for life

The name “Symbioz” for the new compact family SUV was not chosen by chance. It sounds like the French “symbiosis”, which comes from the ancient Greek word “symbiosis” meaning “to live together”. This is a value deeply rooted in Renault’s DNA, whose motto is “cars for life”. voiture à vivre).

By the way, the first representative of the “voiture à vivre” family of the French manufacturer was the “Renault 16” model, introduced 60 years ago, characterized by a modern, spacious and functional design. Later, the aforementioned range was supplemented by the well-known name “Espace”. The revolutionary model, which first saw the light of day four decades ago, was only 4.25 m long, but could carry seven people.

Renault did it again in the 1990s with another icon, the first compact minivan, the Scénic. Designed to resemble a cocoon, the cabin of the Scénic was designed to ensure the well-being of its occupants. And now, in the run-up to 2024, Renault is lifting the veil of secrecy from the new member of the voiture à vivre family, the Symbioz, which retains the same hallmarks of the manufacturer’s best features.

Efficient and economical

Positioned between the Captur and Austral, the Symbioz gives Renault a stronger position in the C-segment. At just 4.41m long, the new model completes the E-Tech hybrid range of hybrid models, which already includes the Arkana and Austral models. Also, this premiere adds to the shelf of E-Tech electric models, which already includes Mégane and Scénic.

The new Symbioz, which is both eco-friendly and economical, weighs less than 1,500 kg. With the E-Tech 145 hybrid powertrain, featuring exclusive, highly efficient technologies that have been continuously improved since its launch in 2020, this car is second to none in terms of fuel consumption and emissions.

The 145 hp engine is based on the E-Tech full hybrid technology, for which French engineers submitted more than 150 patents. Using Renault’s experience gained in Formula 1, especially in the field of energy recovery and regeneration, ensures dynamic and efficient operation of the power plant.

The series-parallel hybrid architecture combines two electric motors (36 kW electric motor and 18 kW high-voltage starter generator) with a 69 kW (94 hp) 1.6 L 4-cylinder gasoline engine, mounted with an intelligent multi-mode clutchless gearbox and 1, 2 kWh battery.

The gearbox has four gears for the petrol engine and two gears for the main electric motor. The E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain combines the operation of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor in up to 14 different ways to optimize fuel efficiency.

“Symbioz” is always started in electric mode, so in the city up to 80%. time driver can drive electric and save up to 40%. of fuel compared to a conventional gasoline engine. The powertrain is designed so that on the highway the internal combustion engine can drive the wheels directly, without using the electric motors for nothing, as in conventional hybrid systems. Using this Renault technology, the Symbioz optimizes fuel consumption in any terrain, with an estimated 4.6 l/100 km according to the WLTP methodology.

Restrained but provocative

The new creation of Renault is built on the CMF-B platform, which is used in the Clio, Captur and Arkana models. The sculptural features of Renault’s new design language, seen at the front and rear of the Symbioz, frame the smooth, simple lines of the side panels. And the clean edges of the front and back panels catch the light and subtly create heterogeneous shapes.

Tapering headlights give the car a penetrating look. The black strip running between the lights gives the front part a more restrained look, while also making the car appear wider. The rear end is massive and dynamic. Thanks to the lights, the car looks wider, so it stands out visually, but at the same time it allows you to pass through narrow roads. In turn, the vertical rear doors create the impression of a large interior space.

The Symbioz design is enhanced by large 19-inch wheels on the Esprit Alpine and Iconic versions. All rims are new and designed exclusively for this model. The sharp lines create a dynamic graphic effect, so the wheels appear to be turning even when the car is stationary.

The Symbioz is available in a seven-colour palette, including a vibrant new shade of Mercury Blue. The iconic Flame Red color is offered free of charge in the configurator, which also includes five other colors: Pearl White, Oyster Grey, Starry Black, Gunmetal Gray and Iron Blue.

Full of progress and convenience

More compact than most C-segment cars (4.41m long and 1.79m wide), the Symbioz is designed to be nimble and doesn’t compromise on interior space or cargo capacity, which is one of its key strengths.

The rear bench is designed to be moved 160mm, giving rear passengers 221mm of knee room, while boot capacity remains at 492 liters in this configuration. When there are no passengers on the rear seats, the bench moves forward and the trunk capacity increases to 624 liters. And when the rear seats are completely folded down – up to 1582 liters. The trunk does not have a curb, so it is easy to reach the flat floor and load even the largest items. This configuration is especially convenient in a family model.

First introduced on the Rafale and the electric Scénic E-Tech, the Solarbay tinted glass sunroof is an iconic feature of the new generation of Renault’s voitures à vivre range. It is included in the Symbioz equipment, in keeping with the brand’s tradition of introducing the best technology in its flagship models.

Thanks to the AmpliSky technology used, the Solarbay sunroof does not need curtains. A comprehensive active system dims it in segments as needed using PDLC (Polymer Dispersion Liquid Crystal) technology.

Starting with the Techno version, the Symbioz has an OpenR Link multimedia system with an integrated Google platform based on the Android Automotive 12 software. It helps users every day by providing services tailored to their needs. Using Google’s intelligent functions, the OpenR Link system can provide suitable suggestions for navigation and cabin environment based on the driver’s habits.

Moreover, in 2023 launched Human First program embodies Renault’s commitment to improving the safety of drivers, passengers and other road users around the world through a range of technological advances. For example, the Iconic version of the new Symbioz model is equipped with 29 next-generation driver assistance systems (ADAS). These include active driver assistance (level 2 autonomous driving) and intelligent speed adaptation, which are among the most advanced functions in the segment.