Among the most popular models of the French, since it is of the 10th best -selling model on France since the start of the yearthe Renault Symbioz goes up a gear. Exit the 145 hp 1L6 hybrid engine and Welcome to the 1l8 hybrid of 160 hpengine introduced into the Renault range afterwards, something quite rare, being previously passed through the Dacia box for the Bigster. So, will this block replacement improve the symbioz?
Better performance
Compared to the motorization of 145 hp previous, the two electric motors do not change. Under the hood, we always find a 24 hp alternator-starter and a 49 hp main electric motor. The additional power is therefore due to the petrol part. It is always of a four -cylinder but with a power of 109 hpagainst 94 for the previous block. This surplus of power allows more comfortable overtaking than on the old version. Here we are really not worried at the time of recovery. The Renault Symbioz is now enjoying better dynamism and better driving sensations, always allowed thanks to the efficient chassis, which it shares with Captur in the range.
Especially since, according to the manufacturer, the new 160 hp block is less greedy than the old one, with half a liter per 100 km of savedwhich would give us an average consumption of 5.4 l per 100 km. Suffice to say that it consumes as much as a city car. These data will of course be confirmed by our lab, once our experts will be able to analyze the model from all its seams. A drop in consumption also due to the fact that the model can roll in electric a little longer than with the old 145 hp engine.
A claot gearbox always perfectible
If for the moment, we have been rather rave, this Renault Symbioz still has some shortcomings. Starting with the Crapot automatic transmission on only four speeds + 2 specifically for the electric part. She has sometimes struggling to engage the upper speed. She is a little passive. As a result, the engine starts to roar, without you being able to do anything. You have neither manual mode on the lever, nor from driving palette. Apart from engine noise, we can also note the presence of a few high -speed air noises, but soundproofing remains correct for a small SUV.
Finally, the last point that fishs is visibility at the back, we have a small telescope, a trend which is ultimately quite fashionable among manufacturers, but which is not necessarily very practical. Especially with passengers on the bench. Fortunately, we are well helped by all the cameras and radars all around the car to park.
A single difference inside the Renault Symbioz
The only change compared to the old version, the box command on the central console is more discreet than before. Otherwise, we find the same interior. On our finish of the day Alpine spirit, It’s slightly colorful, solid and well finished. Sports typed seats are comfortable and electrically adjustable.
Even if the Renault Symbioz is rather compact on board (we have the same wheelbase of 2m64 as in a captur), the storage is numerous and the glove box very large. To manage all orders, we have of the OpenR link system Composed of a central screen over 10 inches, operated by Google. With each new test of a Renault model we repeat ourselves, but it is very ergonomic and fluid. It is easy to understand. It is accompanied by a 10.3 -inch digital counter which will go back all the information related to driving. He too in his presentation is clear and easily understandable.
In terms of ergonomics, integrated navigation operated by Google is displayed directly on the counter, and above all, you have, as on all Renault and even Dacia models, of the My Safety buttonlocated to the left of the steering wheel on the dashboard, to record your preferences of driving aids and easily find them with each start, in just two clicks. On the other hand, no individual air conditioning for the passenger.
At the rear, two passengers will travel easily. Three it will be more complicated, especially in terms of elbows. The bench is Sliding on 16 cm. This allows the choice to increase the trunk volume or the leg square. A volume of trunk which therefore varies between 480 L and 610 L, with a large opening, always practical.
A slightly upward price
The installation of this new block still has a cost. Count 34,300 € at least to offer you the Renault Symbioz. It is € 900 additional compared to the old block of 145 hp. Nevertheless, on the market and compared to all the developments made, the symbioz in this configuration remains very competitive on the market, and if you find it still too expensive, a micro-hybridized version of 140 hp must soon happen at the entry level to bring this call price back down. A version that we are already looking forward to presenting you.
