Three-row Renault Symbioz gets petrol-hybrid powertrain and a sliding second row of seats.
Renault has introduced the latest addition to its worldwide vehicle range, the Symbioz SUV. This new model is tailored to meet the needs of larger families, emphasizing practicality. It is equipped with a petrol-hybrid engine and occupies a position in Renault’s lineup between the compact Captur SUV and the more sizable Austral SUV, both powered by combustion engines. This places the Symbioz SUV squarely in competition with the Nissan Qashqai SUV.
Highlights
- Symbioz shares platform with India-bound Duster
- Shares design with the international-spec Renault Captur
- Powered by 1.6-litre petrol and two e-motors making a combined 145hp
Renault Symbioz design overview
The Symbioz, developed alongside the Captur, targets a distinct market segment. It shares its platform with the upcoming new Renault Duster SUV in India, its Nissan counterpart, the new Renault Bigster three-row SUV, and its Nissan equivalent. Moreover, there are plans within the Renault-Nissan alliance to introduce an electric SUV rivalling the Creta in India, also based on this architecture.
Measuring 4,413mm long, 1,797mm wide, and 1,575mm high, the Symbioz is positioned between the Captur (4,227mm) and the larger Austral (4,510mm). Its design closely resembles the Captur at the front, distinguished mainly by the grille pattern. The SUV’s overall aesthetics follow Renault’s signature diagonal theme, evident in various design elements. While the front end resembles the Captur, the Symbioz features more creative liberty in its flowing side panels and distinct rear design, accentuated by sculpted lights with a 3D ‘ice cube’ effect. Wheel sizes range from 18 inches for the base model to 19 inches for higher trims.
Renault Symbioz interior overview
The interior of the cabin mirrors that of the Captur, featuring a 10.4-inch touchscreen oriented vertically and powered by Renault’s OpenR Link infotainment system, which is based on Google technology. The back seats are adjustable, able to slide back by 160mm, allowing for increased knee room of up to 221mm or expanding the boot capacity from 492 to an impressive 624 liters. With the rear seats folded in a 60:40 split, the storage capacity further expands to a capacious 1,582 liters. In the highest trim level, there’s a Solarbay sunroof, equipped with electrochromic glass that automatically adjusts tint levels, replacing the traditional blind. Currently, this feature is exclusive to the electric Scenic model.
Renault Symboiz: powertrain feature
Upon release, the only available powertrain will be Renault’s E-Tech Full Hybrid 145 system. This system integrates a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a multimodal automatic transmission, two electric motors, and a 1.2kWh battery. The combined power output amounts to 147hp.
Renault India plans for 2024
Renault presently offers the Kwid, Triber, and Kiger in our market. They plan to launch the brand-new Duster and additional models starting in 2025.