Renault has just unveiled its Symbioz, a model which fits into the thermal range of the diamond manufacturer between the Captur from which it closely derives and the Austral. With its 4.41 m format, the Symbioz is 19 cm longer than the first and 10 cm shorter than the second.
The duality of a Ssang Yong Tivoli?
This extension of the rear overhang (Captur and Symbioz are based on the same wheelbase) recalls the strategy of the Ssang Yong Tivoli (4.22 m) the equivalent of the Renault Captur, available in the long Tivoli XLV version (4.44 m) . A model that still has a career in Europe now under the KGM brand, the model is also called the Grand Tivoli.
However, Renault designers under the leadership of Gilles Vidal have managed to erase the backpack effect by designing a curved and elegant rear of the Symbioz. Plastic elements at the rear quarter panels and the tailgate flap offer much sharper and more original shapes than classic stamped sheet metal elements.
In fact, the Renault Symbioz has taken over from the thermal Scénic since it moved into the electric vehicle camp. But also that of the Mégane and particularly its station wagon version. Renault also mentions professional customers, company fleets sensitive to versatility and loading volume. The latter oscillates between 492 and 1,582 liters.
At launch, the Renault Symbioz will rely on a strong 145 hp full hybrid engine approved for consumption of 4.6 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 105 g/km. Renault indicates that this coupling allows 80% electric driving in town. Subsequently, more accessible thermal versions, slightly hybridized, will come as reinforcements and lower the entry ticket.
Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera: the sacrifice of the trunk
Until now, the Citroën C3 Aircross (4.16 m) and Opel Crossland (4.23 m) had both targeted the Renault Captur of almost similar size. But the replacements, second generation Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera now see things bigger with 4.39 m for the French and 4.45 m for its German twin. The Renault Symbioz is therefore clearly in their sights. The two urban SUVs from the Stellantis group respond with their 136 hp light hybrid engine. But they are distinguished by a radically different choice in terms of interior layout.
If the Symbioz has 5 seats and a large modular trunk using a sliding bench seat with a width of 16 cm (taken from the Captur), the C3 Aircross and Frontera will be available in 5 and especially 7 seats. With in this troop transport configuration almost no trunk space at all. You will then have to load on the roof, that’s good, the roof can support up to 200 kg. Furthermore, the C3 Aircross like the Opel Frontera will be available in electric versions.
Peugeot 2008 hybrid 136: the in-between in every way
The other French rival is the Peugeot 2008, whose the size of 4.30 m positions it, so to speak, halfway between the Captur (4.22 m) and the Symbioz (4.41 m). Pragmatic and above all focusing on offering more space on board, on the Rifter, Peugeot will not offer the 2008 in an extended version. The Peugeot 2008 range is structured around an entry-level petrol engine with 100 hp, the light hybrid claiming 136 hp and two 100% electric proposals of 136 and 156 hp.
The 136 hp mild-hybrid core range will be the direct competitor of the Symbioz E-Tech 145. Even if the Renault will have the advantage of being able to drive in 100% electric mode.
Dacia Duster: the Outsider
Technically speaking, the third generation Dacia Duster and the Renault Symbioz share the same base known as CMF-B from the Renault group. The wheelbase is really similar. The Duster (4.34 m) is a little shorter than the Symbioz (4.41 m). But under the hood we also find the same 145 hp full hybrid engine.
But obviously the Duster is cheaper. Count on a base price of €28,100 for a hybrid Duster playing a different aesthetic score, that of the adventurer with a cubic look. For the moment, Renault has not yet communicated the prices of the Symbioz but it will logically be more expensive than the Captur. The latter starts at €28,900 in a 145 hp full hybrid version.
