Renault has announced it will take $4000 off the new Symbioz hybrid range until 31 December 2026 (while stock lasts). That reduces the Techno MHEV to $35,990, its full hybrid sibling to $41,990 and the Esprit Alpine to $45,990 – all drive away.
The offer excludes additional costs such as premium paint which adds $900 (RRP) on Techno variants, and as you might expect, conditions apply. Regardless, the Symbioz is the first full hybrid Renault, and offers up to 1000km driving range, according to WLTP tests.
The hybrid pairs a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine (80kW/170Nm) with an electric motor (36kW/205Nm), supported by a 1.4kWh battery pack. The electric motor, rather than the petrol engine, is prioritised during the vehicle’s initial acceleration phase up to 60km/h.
When driven normally, the vehicle can operate in electric mode for a significant proportion of stop-start city driving. The full hybrid system also recovers energy when the vehicle is braking, coasting or decelerating.
With more than 15 possible combinations to keep the engine in its most efficient rev range, it provides smooth and responsive acceleration. The mild hybrid version is powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine (104kW/245Nm).
That’s paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch ‘EDC’ automatic transmission. Although the Renault Symbioz is categorised as a small SUV, it sits at the larger end of the segment and both variants have generous boot space and rear leg room.
The back seat can also be slid forward 16cm to give owners flexibility to opt for more cargo space or more rear leg room. The Techno MHEV offers 563-litres or 695-litres, expanding 1668-litres with the second row stowed.
In the full hybrid variants, it’s 460-litres of 592-litres, expanding to 1546-litres. Available as an extra-cost option ($2000 RRP) across all three model variants is a panoramic sunroof that has an embedded filament that can be darkened on demand.
The Techno trim features lane keeping assistance and lane change warning, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, automatic headlights, forward autonomous emergency braking (with intersection detection) and reverse AEB too.
Blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control (with a speed limiter), front, rear and side parking sensors, a rear-view camera, and tyre pressure monitors are included, as are LED lighting, hill hold, and a card-style sensor key.
There are four driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport and Smart), a heated steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Google built-in features, along with a wireless phone charger, two USB-C sockets and a 12V socket up front and two ports in the rear. It rides on 18-inch alloys. The Esprit Alpine version adds a 360-degree camera, hands-free parking and a powered tailgate.
Heated front seats, with 6-way electrically adjustability for both front pew occupants, a Harman Kardon 9-speaker audio system, 19-inch alloy wheels, performance seats, and alloy pedals are also included.
It’s backed by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with 8-years or 160,000km for the 1.4kWh battery pack. You can find out more on the Renault Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership.
