• Only one engine offered
• Full hybrid unit
• Auto gearbox only

The Renault Symbioz is currently only available with a 145hp full hybrid engine that delivers power via a four-gear automatic transmission with two additional motors to the front wheels only. The car can get from 0-62mph in a pedestrian 10.6 seconds, before topping out at 106 mph.  

With just 145hp on offer, and 250Nm from the electric motors, the Symbioz didn’t really have the guts to thrill us, even when we felt that way inclined. Around town, the car would happily run on EV power most of the time, with a very gentle delivery that was conducive to an overall relaxed and enjoyable experience.

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When we put our foot down even a tad, however, the 1.6-litre petrol engine would come alive. With the extra poke of the electric motor, the power felt like enough to get away from lights and off of slip roads, but it’s not an especially refined ICE unit. It felt eager to rev up with just the slightest prod at motorway speeds, as though prepared to deliver every ounce of power it could muster in one go at any given time, and with quite a coarse note.

What’s it like to drive?

• Surprisingly composed around corners
• Soft and supple ride
• Engine can be irksome

We found the driving position to be superb, with great over the shoulder visibility and easy reach of the central controls. We felt as though we were sat high, looking down on the steering wheel at any given time. The wheel itself is a nice, ergonomic piece, though, and our hands would into place in what felt very natural way every time we got in the driver’s seat.

Like a few models now in the current Renault line up, the Symbioz excels on ride quality. While it didn’t necessarily wallow over road imperfections, the suspension soaked them up with ease. The ride set up gave us the impression it had been developed with compliance and composure as top priority – any sense of sportiness or urgency to drive hard and fast was pretty much absent. 

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It handled itself well through corners, containing lean like a Clio might with balance and composure. Nor surprise, really, as the two cars share the same underpinnings, but it’s not a car that encourages you to throw it around. Given that this is a family hybrid SUV, though, that was okay with us.