2024 Renault Symbioz hybrid compact SUV revealed

The 2024 Renault Symbioz has debuted as a small hybrid SUV in Europe, where it will be positioned as a family-friendly model above the Captur – not a 500kW all-electric four-door coupe flagship as previously indicated by the French car-maker.

And Renault Australia distributor Ateco Automotive says it doesn’t have any current plans to introduce the Symbioz locally – despite right-hand drive production (for the UK) already being confirmed.

Measuring 4.41 metres long and yet offering a huge 624-litre boot, the Symbioz rides on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-B platform and is powered by a 108kW self-charging (plugless) hybrid system comprising a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, two small electric motors and a compact 1.2kWh battery pack.

Combined fuel consumption is stated at 4.6L/100km, which puts it largely on par with the Toyota Corolla Cross, and the car’s exterior aligns with Renault’s current hard-edge design language.

Likewise, the interior is minimalist but functional in that classic French way, though that probably isn’t too surprising since the development team was said to draw inspiration from the classic Renault 16 in terms of packaging and practicalities.

As such, the rear bench seat is fully adjustable and can be stowed completely flat to expand the cargo space even further.

Further details are thin on the ground for now, but other highlights include a widescreen – likely in the vicinity of 10 inches – portrait infotainment system housing Google Built-in, plus a digital instrument cluster, a multi-level floating centre console, up to 29 ‘new-generation driving aids’ and a Solarbay opacifying sunroof for the flagship version.

Renault CEO Fabrice Cambolive said the Symbioz lives up to its name perfectly by being “attractive, practical, compact, efficient, and packed with useful tech”.

“Renault Symbioz is the perfect ally for both professional and personal lives. With Renault Symbioz, you will never be alone,” he said.

Renault’s original Symbioz concept was presented as a monstrous four-door electric flagship ‘coupe’ capable of being integrated directly into the family home as portable sitting area and power source, but that hasn’t transferred to the production model.

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