Symbioz: this is Renault delighting the senses (VIDEO)

Symbioz is a new compact SUV from the Renault range. It is curious that Renault already has a fairly serious arsenal of models in this segment. For example, the Captur is 4.24 m long. Scenic with 4.47 m. Austral with 4.51 m. Arkana with 4.57 m. Somewhat also the Espace, which is slightly larger with 4.72 m. So, as we list them, if we look at the numbers, it will immediately strike us that between the Captur and Austral there is still a serious ground clearance of as much as 23 cm, where the Symbioz now comfortably fits with its length of 4.41 m.

Symbioz: this is Renault delighting the senses (VIDEO)

The design of the Symbioz is designed entirely in the style of Renault's current style. We all remember that the French have long preferred oval and softer shapes, while now the trend is towards strongly pronounced lines and edges. This also applies to the Symbioz. In particular, it is striking that the engine cover does not have a particularly large slope and remains relatively horizontal in position, which in turn leads to a somewhat high, in this case matte, front. The grille at the front is closed and attracts the eye with the large Renault rhombus in the middle. The headlights are designed in the modern, narrow and elongated shapes, and are logically equipped with the latest LED technology. Additional light elements, as well as sensors for the assistance systems, are effectively integrated into the front bumper of the Symbioz.

In general, this new Symbioz gives the impression of being much larger and more muscular than it actually is with its 4.41 m length, as we have already mentioned and in reality it is more of a compact car. Its vision is aristocratic, and especially in its rear part the designers have opted for distinctly retracted shapes. The lines of the windows there are noticeably closer, in the shoulders the car is skillfully and carelessly folded. Our test car has 19-inch wheels. The door handles are solid and durable in a classic style, and the third C-pillar is strongly tilted forward.

If we look at the model more closely from the back, we will be impressed by the relatively small rear window. Accordingly, through it we cannot expect a very wide view when reversing, but this is successfully compensated by the available cameras and assistants on board. The license plate is integrated into the rear bumper. In the center on the trunk lid, the large diamond-shaped Renault logo with the Symbioz inscription below it again attracts the eye. They are accompanied by the spectacular rear lights, wonderfully integrated into the body and again quite narrowly constructed.

The available space for passengers in the cabin is surprisingly generous and very comfortably arranged, especially considering the modest, compact external dimensions. There is more than enough space in front. In the second row, you have the opportunity to move the entire bench lengthwise. Its travel is 16 cm, but since the bench is indivisible, it must always be moved as a whole.

In the Symbioz cockpit, the first thing that comes to mind are the two screens. The infotainment monitor has a diagonal of 10.4 inches, and the instrument panel display is 10.3 inches. The driver receives a huge range of useful and diverse information, the visualization can be configured individually in many different ways. The graphics are bright, life-affirming and create a pleasant mood on board, which is typical of Renault. On the other hand, however, the menus themselves are quite detailed, their structure is sometimes long and often branched, so especially at the beginning it is very likely that you will get lost on the way to your digital goal.

The good news again with Symbioz is that Uncle Google is implanted in the multimedia. In other words, without the need for special adaptation, you can use very useful functionalities in everyday life as usual, such as Google Maps, the various search engine assistants or simply Google Play. Currently, about 50 Google mobile applications are already supported.

The other great solution is that the climate control is displayed in a separate physical panel, located under the central monitor, so it can be handled wonderfully. The processing of the materials used in the cabin is very decent, routine, the materials themselves are also at a high level, but at the same time one should not have any illusions that hard plastic has completely disappeared. After all, this is a compact SUV and its presence is completely reasonable, but here again, typically French, in most cases it is cleverly hidden or covered with attractive surfaces.

The Symbioz is produced at Renault's plant in the Spanish city of Valladolid, in the province of Castile-Leon. As we well know, the sun shines particularly brightly and hotly in Spain, which is why Renault is particularly proud of the magical panoramic roof, called solarbay® and offered as an option in the new Symbioz. Usually, such giant glass ceilings let a lot of heat and heat into the cabin, and in hot regions like Spain, they are rather avoided by customers, but in this case, however, the manufacturer Saint-Gobain, by the way one of the most innovative glass brands in the world, has created a unique glass roof that can be darkened in stages. A great solution with which you can, for example, darken only the first row of seats or only the bench in the back. Of course, you can also let all the available sunlight travel with you on board. The interactive solarbay® panoramic roof costs 3490 leva additionally and offers 4 tinting configurations for even more comfort for all passengers, with adjustment even possible via voice commands.

For Symbioz, there is currently only one drive option available. This is the E-Tech full hybrid engine with 145 hp for a car with a reduced mass of under 1500 kg for a lot of pleasure behind the wheel and, above all, lower fuel consumption. The hybrid system is already familiar to us from other Renault models. It includes a 1.6-liter gasoline unit, two electric motors, a small battery, and an innovative multi-mode clutchless transmission, the function of which is taken over by one of the two electric motors.

The maximum torque of the Symbioz is 250 Nm, which is logically not intended to break the cobblestones on the roadway. This is not at all vitally necessary or necessary, because the car still moves rather moderately, restrained and reasonably. The idea is to drive in this way in order to maintain low consumption and, accordingly, save money from not so frequent visits to the gas station. Renault promises us 4.8 liters per 100 km, which we could not verify at our first meeting with the Symbioz, but we did make sure that the hybrid system works flawlessly here again, often the electric motor takes over the drive, and very quietly, elegantly and barely noticeable.

Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

The design of the Symbioz is designed entirely in the style of Renault's current style

In general, this new Symbioz gives the impression of being much larger and more muscular than it actually is with its 4