Introducing Renault Symbioz: Hybrid SUV promises low fuel consumption
Renault has identified a gap in its SUV range for a hybrid SUV – and is filling it with the Symbioz, which is also designed to consume less fuel in practice.
(Bild: Renault)
It's quite remarkable: Renault has actually identified a gap in its densely packed SUV range. Strategists have determined that an SUV with a hybrid drive fits between the Capture and the Austral. The Renault Symbioz Hybrid is primarily intended to appeal to young families, but is also likely to have other potential customers. It stands out from the crowd of competitors with its unusual hybrid drive. A battery-electric drivetrain is not planned.
With a length of 4.41 m, the Symbioz Hybrid is 10 cm shorter than an Austral. The rear seat can be moved by 16 cm, which is always a good idea. The trunk volume varies between 492 and 624 liters. A glass roof is offered as an option, which can be switched between transparent and completely shaded in four stages. Some people would probably have preferred it if Renault had installed an opening function instead. But this is not available.
Renault Symbioz Hybrid interior (8 Bilder)
(Bild: Renault )
Android Automotive
Renault presents no surprises when it comes to consumer electronics. The operating system is Android Automotive, which probably offers the best way to get around at the moment in the form of Google Maps. As in the other Renault models, the system can also be customized with a few selected apps. Renault has no sensations to report in terms of assistants, even if the sheer number of up to 30 may initially seem impressive. Semi-automated driving remains at Level 2, which is hardly surprising given the surcharges that manufacturers are currently charging for Level 3 systems. Only a tiny minority of the Symbioz target group would pay for this. In the new Renault SUV, the driver can therefore be assisted with longitudinal and lateral guidance, but must always be supervised.
Hybrid drive with two electric motors
A few years ago, Renault invested a great deal of effort in the development of a hybrid drive, which allows many degrees of freedom with the help of a multi-mode gearbox. Among other things, a parallel, serial or purely electric mode is possible. The basic idea is to operate the combustion engine in its best efficiency range as often as possible. This should reduce fuel consumption not only in the WLTP, but also in everyday driving. Test cars that we had in the editorial office have also proven this in principle - provided the profile fits. This is because fuel consumption is particularly low compared to conventional competitors when the speed is low and changes frequently. In the WLTP, Renault quotes 4.7 liters for the Symbioz Hybrid.
Renault Symbioz Hybrid exterior (5 Bilder)
(Bild: Renault )
Electric more often than expected
Renault has installed a slightly weaker version in the Symbioz than in the Austral. It corresponds to what is also installed in the Dacia Jogger Hybrid 140. The 1.6-liter petrol engine without turbocharging delivers 69 kW, the two electric motors 36 and 15 kW. The system output is 104 kW. With the small buffer battery, which has an energy content of 1.2 kWh and cannot be charged externally, up to 80 percent of inner-city journeys can be made purely electrically. This is a very optimistic figure, but we have found in tests that this drive system, measured against its capabilities, drives more often in the city without a combustion engine than previously assumed.
Expected prices
Renault has not yet announced when exactly the Symbioz will be available at German dealerships. We expect it to be available from late summer. The importer is also not yet making any statements about the prices of the Symbioz Hybrid, but these can at least be roughly estimated. A significantly smaller Captur with this hybrid drive currently costs at least 29,950 euros, while the Austral E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 is listed at at least 41,250 euros. So if you expect to pay around 36,000 euros for the basic version of the Symbioz Hybrid, you are probably getting pretty close to the list price. Renault also caters for those who don't like the unusual hybrid drive: the new Scenic is an SUV and is only available with a battery-electric drive. The entry-level model costs 41,400 euros.
(mfz)