When a carmaker replaces an existing model, it often opts for a familiar naming scheme. But when the range is extended, new names emerge, and at Renault they often come from a rich past of concept vehicles.
Such is the case with Renault Symbioz, a name given back in 2017 to a concept model that saw the light of day at the IAA in Frankfurt, including an entire house into which the car was integrated.
The production model called Renault Symbioz will have a more down-to-earth vocation, said Paula Fabregat-Andreu at the unveiling. She is Renault Design's project manager for the A and B segments, including the electric models,
"This new Symbioz is a real family car, just like the Renault 16 of the mid-1960s. A fully-fledged five-seater with plenty of room for luggage. Developed at the same time as the facelift of the Captur, the car offers more interior space thanks to a 17.5 centimetre longer rear overhang. This is reflected in a luggage volume of at least 624 litres".
Photos: From the front and the interior, the new Renault Symbioz is immediately recognisable as being closely related to the Captur. The only difference is that the 624-litre boot is much larger.
"The front end is similar to the Captur except for a few details. Only the grille between the headlights and the top of the bumper have a different design. We play with the basic shape of the Renault logo in a different way each time. You can also see how easy it is to do this by taking a closer look at the fuel filler flap. There are two oblique stripes on it which, from a distance, form the exact shape of the brand logo”!
Paula goes on to explain that it is mainly the side and rear of the car that carry a specific design. "For example, we deliberately played with the rear lights, which incorporate shapes that we call ice blocks. These give a nice three-dimensional effect, even when the car is stationary and the lights are off. With the third side window and the lines of the D-pillar, we emphasise the extra length of the car without emphasising the greater overhang. In this way, we have been able to give this model a nice balance of proportions”.
At 1.575 metres, the Symbioz is significantly shorter than most SUVs. Paula: "It is more of a crossover, but the customer is asking for the robust features of an SUV and we have given them to the Symbioz. We see the car as a successor to the Mégane wagon (now discontinued) and the Scénic IV”.
"The Symbioz offers a choice of 18- and 19-inch wheels, which in terms of design are unique to this model and are not offered on the Captur. This gives the car an even more unique position within our range," concludes Paula.
As for the powertrain, there is no choice. Renault only offers the 1.6-litre hybrid, which is also available on the Captur. With 145 bhp, it not only offers good performance but also modest fuel consumption. One drawback is that the car can only tow a trailer or caravan of 750 kg.
The choice of equipment is the same as for the Captur with the Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine, except for the luxury Iconic, which is only available with the Symbioz.
Photo: Paul Fabregat-Andreu