Renault Symbioz SUV

1.6 E-Tech FHEV 145 Techno Esprit Alpine 5dr Auto [2025]

Renault used to be a brand famed for affordable family hatchbacks of various shapes and sizes, plus the odd saloon, coupe and convertible. Nowadays, though, it’s all about the SUV.

Some hatchbacks remain in its ranks, such as the Clio and the revived (and all-electric) Renault 5. But even the likes of the new Megane have an SUV-styled stance, while the Captur, Scenic, Austral and Rafale are all actual crossover SUVs, and another one – the Arkana – has only recently been discontinued.

In the mix, too, is the Symbioz – the car we’re focusing on today. It sits between the Megane and the Captur in terms of price. Although it shares its underpinnings with the Captur, it's actually only slightly smaller than the Austral.

The Symbioz is the most recent car to receive the E-Tech treatment, which means it's now available as a full hybrid (HEV) – and that means it comes with an all-new engine featuring an additional 200cc, resulting in improved refinement and fewer gearshifts.

Not only does it offer more performance, but, despite the increase in size, it also comes with better fuel economy and lower emissions.

The Symbioz name comes from the Greek word ‘symbiosis’, which literally translates as “to live together”, along the same lines as we Brits might say it “fits like a glove” into your life.

That’s the theory behind the Symbioz, then, but does it stack up in practice?

Well, Renault has recently taken it back to the drawing board to give it a few tweaks in the hope of improving it.

Has it made a huge difference? We'll let you know.