If you’re looking for a crisp and smart-looking hybrid SUV packed with clever tech and features, I might have just the thing for you. Meet the Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid – the name “Symbioz” is taken from the Greek word Symbiosis, meaning ‘living together’. You can’t quite live in this thing, despite its spacious interior. Still, it’s an interesting name and put me in mind of the word Symbiont, which reminded me of Jadzia Dax, the Trill Symbiont on Star Trek Deep Space 9, which was a gratifying thought, so the price of entry is worth it for that alone. We’re talking from £29,295 for the base spec, to £31,295 for the Esprit Alpine trim, and £33,295 for the range-topping Iconic Esprit Alpine edition as tested here (plus another £650 for the Oyster Grey finish on this car).

At a glance, it may look like just another tracing-paper family SUV, but close up, there are features to enchant and delight. Apart from striking – and frankly, too large – 19-inch alloy wheels, it features striking LED lights with a welcome pattern starting sequence, protruding sculptures on the fascia, sculpted lines, and that Alpine badging.
At the rear, a high-mounted spoiler and angular taillights complete the look, while functional touches like a hands-free power tailgate add convenience. And speaking of convenience, Renault has taken its “keyless” approach to the next level – simply walk up to the car and it unlocks, step away and it secures itself. No need to press anything.
Inside, the Symbioz blends style with practicality. The 10.25-inch digital driver display and 10.4-inch infotainment system with built-in Google services provide a high-tech feel, while the Harman Kardon sound system ensures crisp audio. Material quality is solid, with a mix of soft-touch surfaces and chic trim.

Storage is generous, with deep door bins, a multi-level centre console, and hidden compartments for extra practicality. The boot offers 624 litres of space, with an adjustable floor to maximise capacity. The sliding rear seat bench is split 60/40 for added versatility, and legroom is decent, although taller passengers might find their shins brushing against the front seatbacks.

The party trick? The Solarbay panoramic sunroof, which changes transparency at the touch of a button or via voice command. It can switch between four levels of tint, automatically dims when unoccupied, and brightens up the cabin on gloomy days.

Under the bonnet, the Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid features a 1.6-litre petrol engine, paired with two electric motors and a 1.26kWh battery. The result? A total output of 145bhp and 250Nm of torque, driving the front wheels through a clever multi-mode hybrid gearbox – four gears for the petrol engine, two for the main electric motor.
Performance figures aren’t headline-grabbing: 0-62mph takes 10.6 seconds, and it tops out at 106mph, but it’s tuned more for efficiency than outright speed. The hybrid system works seamlessly, frequently running on electric power at low speeds, helping achieve a claimed 60mpg and keeping CO2 emissions to just 107g/km.

Around town, it’s effortless. Light steering, smooth power delivery, and regenerative braking make it easy to manoeuvre. The ride is generally comfortable, but the large 19-inch wheels mean sharper bumps can be felt more than expected.

Out on the open road, the Symbioz is composed and stable. There’s a choice of driving modes: Eco, Comfort, and Sport. Comfort is where it shines, balancing efficiency with just enough responsiveness. Sport mode adds some weight to the steering and sharpens throttle response, but don’t expect a dramatic transformation.
One quirk? The traction control is a little eager. Floor it from a standstill or out of a junction, and it sometimes hesitates before delivering power, especially on wet roads. A more measured throttle input results in smoother acceleration.

On the motorway, the hybrid system ensures quiet cruising, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist makes long journeys less tiring. Visibility is mostly good, but the thick A-pillars can create blind spots at junctions.

Renault has packed the Symbioz with safety tech. It includes blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, active emergency braking, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking. The 360-degree camera provides a clear view for parking, though it can lag slightly when switching angles.
One standout feature is the ‘My Safety’ button, allowing the driver to quickly disable unwanted driver aids, avoiding the usual menu-deep settings hunt. Handy that!
The Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid is a well-rounded SUV that blends style, practicality, and technology with impressive efficiency. It’s not the fastest or most thrilling to drive, but for those prioritising comfort, refinement, and clever hybrid tech, it makes a strong case for itself.
What do you think? Would you have one? Let me know in the comments!

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