since 1976
since 1976
From Renault Press Release
The Renault Symbioz joins a proud line of family cars, almost 60 years after the launch of Renault 16 with its spacious and functional design, and 40 years after the revolutionary Espace, an adaptable vehicle just 4.25m long but able to carry seven people.
An interior continuing the heritage of Renault family favourites
Launched in 1965, the Renault 16 was designed to stand apart from the competition, premiering a new body style with hatchback access to the boot. More versatile than any of its contemporaries, Renault 16 included a bench seat with a 'holiday travel' position. It met the needs of families looking for a car that suited their lifestyles, while keeping pace with rapid social change.
Since then, Renault has continued to innovate with family cars that move with the times. This was true in the 1980s with Espace, a car that started a revolution with its groundbreaking one-box design and modular layout. In the 1990s, Renault did it again with Scénic, the first compact MPV. Designed to resemble a cocoon, Scénic featured an interior dedicated to passenger well-being.
Symbioz shares this same DNA. Able to adapt its boot and passenger compartment to family needs, with useful technologies and compact dimensions that are also ideal for city driving, it joins a long line of versatile models that reflect our changing needs. Showcasing Renault's new design language, Symbioz follows on from the recent Scenic E-Tech electric and is the latest all new model in Renault’s product offensive.
The best of the C segment
Combining the best of Renault C-segment vehicles in modular design, connectivity and efficiency, packed with expertise and intelligence, Symbioz is able to meet the highest standards of onboard comfort on both short and long journeys. It is consequently aimed at a broad customer base. First and foremost, it is a car for families looking for space and efficiency with modular, contemporary design. It is also built for corporate fleet owners, looking for a level of electrification while keeping TCO on a tight rein. For both categories of customer, Symbioz delivers an uncompromising win-win.
Positioned below Austral, Symbioz gives Renault stronger entry-level presence in the C-segment. Just 4.41m long, this new model completes the E-Tech ‘hybrid’ range already comprising Arkana (4.57m) and Austral (4.51m), while expanding the E-Tech 'electric' range with Megane and Scenic E-Tech electric. It confirms the coherence of Renault's strategy, to address a full range of user requirements by building a dual range with dedicated platforms.
Symbioz is packed with the best of Renault technologies. It features the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in, as well as the Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof and up to 24 new-generation driving aids for optimised safety and driving comfort.
With boot capacity of up to 624 litres – exceptional in a car of this size – and a modular layout with a sliding bench seat that folds to create a flat floor, Symbioz is on a par with the best in its class. At the same time, it remains compact and agile. Designed for both city traffic and family life, Symbioz is ideally versatile.
A new family car that is both eco-friendly and economical to run, Symbioz weighs in at under 1,500 kg. Featuring the E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain, it stands with the best for fuel consumption and emissions with exclusive, ultra-efficient technology that has been continuously improved since its launch in 2020.
After Arkana, Megane E-Tech electric, Austral and Scenic E-Tech electric, Symbioz completes the range of compact Renault vehicles, as the last vehicle in the Renaulution offensive on the C segment.
Modern, sophisticated design
Built on the extended version of the CMF-B platform, Symbioz is a vehicle of well-balanced proportions. Even the rear overhang, with its promise of boot space, adds to the flow of the overall design. The rear end complements the modern, assertive prow, with its high, horizontal bonnet and vertical lines.
Sophisticated, modern design
The sculptural traits of Renault's new design language, visible at the front and rear of Symbioz, frame the smooth, simple lines of the side panels. The clean edges of the front and rear panels catch the light, structuring the faceted shapes to sophisticated effect. The new Renault logo is omnipresent in a variety of forms. It features as complete in the centre of the grille, split in two vertically for the light signature, or turned into a graphic pattern on the radiator grille.
New exclusive wheels
Complementing its design, Symbioz features large 19-inch wheels on techno esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine. The sharply drawn lines create a dynamic graphic effect, making it look as if the wheel is turning, even when the vehicle is stationary.
A piercing gaze
The tapering headlights give the car a piercing gaze. A black strip running between the lights gives the frontal area a more pared-back look, while also making the vehicle seem wider. This black strip mirrors the lower body-coloured strip, with the mirror effect also being visible in the pattern of the strips.
An original rear end
The rear end is sculpted, generous and dynamic, catching the light continuously. The lights make the car look wider, giving it a strong visual presence while allowing it to slip through narrow passageways. The vertical tailgate holds out a promise of generous interior space.
A palette of seven shades
Symbioz is available in a range of seven colours, including the new vibrant shade of Mercury Blue. The iconic Flame Red is offered free of charge in the configurator, which also includes five other colours: Arctic White, Oyster Grey, Diamond Black, Ceramic Grey, and Iron Blue.
Life on board: a generous, light-filled living area
Without sacrificing its compact exterior dimensions, Symbioz offers generous interior space, combining a modular layout with a sliding bench seat and a wide range of features contributing to onboard comfort, such as the Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof and power tailgate. A multi-skilled, multifunctional car, it is also a ‘living area’ for the whole family.
A sophisticated cocoon
The Symbioz dashboard structure is finished in special soft-touch paint on the techno version, and a blue gradient pattern on the techno esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine versions. The lower part of the fascia is finished in a sporty high-tech fabric on the esprit Alpine versions.
Specific upholstery for each version
The top two trim levels have their own specific upholstery, expressing a distinct personality in line with the target customer profile. On the techno version, the seats are upholstered in a thick fabric with a discreet embroidered logo, yellow top-stitching and yellow and grey piping. Continuing the design cues specific to this version, the seats on esprit Alpine versions feature blue top-stitching and embossed TEP side panels, while the backrests and seat cushions are upholstered in the same sporty high-tech fabric as the inner door panels and dashboard.
A unique balance between size and space
More compact than most C-segment vehicles (4.41m long and 1.79m wide), Symbioz is built to deliver an agile performance with no trade-off on interior space or load capacity, this being one of its key strong points. Symbioz is the ideal blend of family versatility and urban agility.
Exceptionally modular
The rear bench is designed to slide over 16 cm, creating knee room of 221 mm for passengers at the rear, while also maintaining a boot capacity of 492 litres in this configuration. When the rear seats are not occupied by adults, the bench seat slides forward to increase boot capacity to 624 litres, and up to 1,582 litres when the rear seats are fully folded (60:40). The boot has no lip, making it easy to access the flat floor and load even the bulkiest items. This is a particularly welcome configuration for a family model.
Symbioz also boasts 24.7 litres of storage space inside the cabin, including 7 litres in the glovebox alone.
For charging and connectivity, two USB-C sockets are provided at the front, with two more at the rear. All versions – techno, techno esprit Alpine and iconic esprit Alpine – also include an wireless phone charger as standard.
A practical power tailgate
With boot space one of its key strong points, Symbioz also features a power tailgate with hands-free opening. From the inside, the driver can open and close the boot using the dedicated dashboard button. From the outside, the driver can use the button on the boot, the hands-free card or simply swipe a foot under the sensor on the rear bumper.
Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof
Premiered on Rafale and Scenic E-Tech electric, the Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof uses ‘AmpliSky’ technology to do away with the need for a blind. The completely active system darkens the sunroof in segments on demand, using PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology, where the molecular structure reacts to an electric current. Maximum protection can be provided immediately, with a ‘wow’ effect created by each segment of the sunroof darkening in turn. This smart glass sunroof can even be controlled by a switch or by voice command using Google Assistant.
The driver and passengers can choose between four sunroof positions: fully transparent, fully opaque, transparent front and opaque rear, or vice versa. The Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof also limits the greenhouse effect in the passenger compartment to maintain onboard thermal comfort in both summer and winter more effectively than a mechanical blind. Further, the sunroof dims automatically when the driver turns off the ignition and leaves the vehicle. When the vehicle is restarted, Solarbay returns to its most recent setting.
The feeling of space and light is further amplified by the large, glazed area and increased headroom. The unique design does away with the need for a mechanical or electric blind and increases headroom by 30 mm. This is important for passenger comfort and also for limiting vehicle height in order to improve efficiency.
Packed with the best of Renault technology
Although Symbioz is an entry-level C-segment vehicle, it features the best in technology, whether it is regarding connected equipment, driving aids or powertrains.
OpenR Link, a standard setter
Symbioz features the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in, based on Android Automotive 12, as standard on all models in the range. With its smart Google functions, OpenR Link is able to make pertinent suggestions for navigation and interior ambience, based on the driver's habits. OpenR Link has been a standard setter since its launch with Megane E-Tech electric, and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for wireless connectivity. Its central 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen allows drivers and passengers to take full advantage of a connected world of content and services. A second 10.3-inch screen facing the driver displays driving information.
The world of Google
Easy to use, hyper-connected and continually updated, the OpenR Link system delivers an experience as intuitive as that of a new-generation smartphone. Alongside Google services such as Google Maps and Google Assistant, it includes many other apps (50 or more depending on the country and version) via the Google Play catalogue.
Customised apps
Renault is deploying exclusive connected services, based primarily on partnerships with developers and content creators. Some of the apps accessible via the OpenR Link multimedia system include: Waze, Amazon Music, Vivaldi, Radio Player for Renault and more.
My Renault app
With the My Renault mobile app, the car stays within easy reach at all times. For example, users can download apps from the OpenR Link system, or remotely activate the horn and indicators, making it easy to find the vehicle in a crowded car park. Further, for a stress-free driving experience, users can check their mileage and remaining range in real time. My Renault also makes it easier to manage maintenance, providing information on key servicing times and letting users schedule appointments directly from the app.
Remote updates
With this level of system connectivity, users can stay up to date without visiting their workshop or dealership. With FOTA (firmware over the air) technology, the vehicle operating system receives automatic updates.
Harman Kardon sound
The Harman Kardon hi-fi system includes nine speakers (two tweeters and two woofers at front and rear and a subwoofer in the boot). The system offers an immersive sound experience developed by Jean-Michel Jarre, a renowned artist, composer and author who is also a pioneer of electronic music with a passion for technology . Five programmes are available to customise the mood: Studio, Podcast, Concert, Immersion and Club.
Customisable interior mood
MULTI-SENSE settings allow for the variation of numerous parameters of the vehicle, both of a technical nature (such as the steering feel) and related to the ambiance within the cabin, such as adjusting the onboard mood lighting. Accessible using the touchscreen or a button on the steering wheel, they let users choose between four views, five widgets (interactive apps or thumbnails) and eight lighting colours for the digital dashboard screen. They also provide a choice of 48 colours for the LED ‘Living Lights’ mood lighting strips on the dashboard and door panels. To create a more relaxing mood, the colour of the lighting is adjusted automatically every 30 minutes based on the circadian cycle (24-hour biological clock) and time of day (cool colours during the day, warm colours at night).
Driving aids
Launched in 2023, the Human First Program embodies Renault's commitment to improving safety for drivers, passengers and other road users all over the world, through a host of technological advances. Reflecting this ambition, Symbioz is on a par with the best in terms of passive and active safety providing equipped with six airbags and up to 24 new-generation driver aids (ADAS).
Autonomous driving
Active Driver Assist is a level 2 autonomous driving system, an upgrade of the well-known motorway and traffic assistant, already available in the Renault range. Here, the system becomes context-aware, extending its scope beyond motorways. It combines adaptive cruise control including Stop & Go with lane centring assist and traffic sign recognition to create a smart system. By integrating these functions with geolocation data and specific mapping, the vehicle is able to drive autonomously, even if the driver is required by law to maintain contact with the steering wheel. This function comes into its own in traffic jams, for example, where it contributes to a less stressful and more comfortable driving experience.
Traffic sign recognition
Drivers can also activate traffic sign recognition with the excess speed warning independently of Active Driver Assist. This function then displays the current authorised speed limit on the instrument panel and on the navigation screen. If the vehicle's speed is higher than the recognised speed, a visual warning is displayed. A button on the steering wheel lets the driver activate the speed limiter, cruise control and adaptive cruise control to adapt automatically to the legal speed limit.
Rear Automatic Emergency Braking
One of the main driving aids on Symbioz is the rear emergency braking system, which is also used for reversing manoeuvres. When the ultrasonic sensors detect a potential obstacle (such as a pedestrian, cyclist or pole), the system emits a visual and audible warning. If the driver fails to react, the system applies emergency braking for two seconds to avoid a collision. The system is operational when reversing at speeds of between 2 and 6 mph.
Safety Coach: personalised advice for more responsible driving
To support drivers and reduce the risk of accidents, Symbioz includes Safety Coach, a function designed to raise awareness of driving behaviour and practices. It scores their driving style on a scale from 0 to 100, taking account of speed, course and safety distances, and provides personalised advice, both in terms of driving and the use of ADAS, to suggest areas for improvement.
Customised settings
A new button to the right of the steering wheel – My Safety Switch – lets drivers activate or deactivate their preferred settings for no fewer than six ADAS at the same time, at the touch of a button. The customised settings include whether to activate the function, to what level, to allow sound alerts, and so on.
E-Tech full hybrid powertrain
Renault Symbioz features the E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain. Highly efficient and therefore economical to run, it delivers the comfort and silence of electric driving in town, without the need for charging.
Uncompromising choices in technology
Over 150 patents have been filed for E-Tech full-hybrid technology. Tapping into Renault's expertise in Formula 1, particularly in energy recovery and regeneration, it delivers dynamic and efficient performance. The series-parallel hybrid architecture combines two electric motors, a 36 kW e-motor and an 18 kW HSG (High-voltage Starter Generator) with a 94 bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an intelligent multi-mode clutchless dog box and a 1.2 kWh battery.
The gearbox has four gears for the petrol engine and two gears for the main electric motor. The E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain combines operation of the combustion engine and electric motor in up to 14 different ways for optimised fuel efficiency.
Emphasis on electric operation
Symbioz always starts off in electric mode. On the motorway, the powertrain is designed to allow the combustion engine to drive the wheels directly. With this Renault technology, Symbioz optimises fuel consumption on all terrains, with a WLTP cycle calculated at 4.6 litres/100 km.*
Continuous optimisation
The powertrain has been constantly optimised since launch, particularly in terms of software management. The aim is to improve fuel consumption and driving comfort, especially on the motorway. Symbioz features the new 'E-Save' function, which is activated by a button by the steering wheel on the dashboard and maintains a battery charge of at least 40%. This ensures optimum performance when driving uphill, for example.
Predictive hybrid driving
Symbioz also includes predictive hybrid driving, a function that maximises use of electric power over combustion power for lower fuel consumption. Using data provided by the connected mapping function, it takes account of topography (hills, descents, etc.), journey time and traffic. This data is processed in advance by the battery management system, allowing it to maximise the use of electric power. A driving summary is available in the form of a bar chart detailing consumption and the distance travelled in all-electric mode.
Technical Specifications
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Overall length: 4,413 mm
Width: 1,797 mm
Height: 1,575 mm
Wheelbase: 2,638 mm
Front overhang: 892 mm
Rear overhang: 890 mm
Ground clearance: 169 mm
Weight: 1500 kg
Boot volume: Up to 624 litres
*awaiting homologation
