The Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid Model 145 includes a blend of power sources, featuring:
For those who have yet to embrace electric powertrains, Renault's Symbioz presents an appealing offer. Essentially, it's a revamped Scenic with a blend of motors, boasting both electric and hybrid drivability. Many potential buyers, especially those without home charging facilities, often shy away from pure electric vehicles. But fear not, Germany has an abundance of swift-charging stations, even in its most secluded regions. Internal combustion engines will continue to be prevalent for a few more years, and Renault is more than happy to oblige with hybrids.
Peeking beneath the Symbioz's hood unveils a complex setup. A 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine, generating 69 kW/94 PS, acts as the primary power source. This is joined by an electric motor producing 36 kW/49 PS. Renault claims a combined power of 105 kW/143 PS, ensuring satisfactory performance (0-100 km/h in 10.6 seconds.). There's an additional electric motor that assists the gasoline engine and functions as a starter.
The primary electric motor draws power from a 1.3 kWh battery, replenished by regenerative braking or the gasoline engine itself. A sophisticated transmission system, featuring four gasoline engine ratios and two electric motor ratios, manages this intricate process. Despite the complexity, the 1.5-tonne vehicle achieves impressive fuel economy, boasting an average WLTP consumption of 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers.
Electric Initiation
Arguably, the Symbioz's smoothest feature is its electric initiation. Owing to the absence of a friction clutch, launching is purely electric. Multiple operating modes regulate the vehicle's behavior. For instance, one mode ensures the battery remains fully charged, providing extra power for uphill climbs. And 205 Newton meters of additional torque is a significant boost. Nevertheless, even with an empty battery, the Symbioz conquers every hill with ease.
In essence, the Symbioz hardly feels underpowered. Its intricate transmission distribution offers a wide range of ratios, smoothening acceleration. While the typical shift processes cannot be dismissed, they are subtle and don't obstruct the swift acceleration from any situation. The Symbioz's powertrain refuses to succumb to significant torque interruptions.
Menu Overload
However, the Symbioz is not devoid of drawbacks. It's plagued with vibrations and warning sounds for lane departures and excessive speed. Surprisingly, these can be silenced without delving into the deep recesses of the settings. Regardless, the menu is vast, displayed on a prominent 10.4-inch touchscreen. Google serves as the operating system, ensuring intuitive operation. Voice control is also suggested, with a limited number of false hits.
The question remains – how comfortable is the 4.41-meter long compact SUV? French vehicles typically excel in this department, and the Symbioz is no exception. If one defines comfort as the ease of acceleration, then the term applies. The Symbioz is not particularly nimble or precise in handling or steering, but it doesn't pound over asphalt imperfections either. Considering the rather comfortable seats and the competitive pricing, the Symbioz strikes a balance.
Practicality and High-Tech
Additionally, the Symbioz boasts a reasonable degree of equipment and practicality. This includes a dual-level cargo floor, a sliding rear seat bench, and a substantial trunk capacity of nearly 1600 liters with the rear seats folded down. The SUV offers a range of driver assistance systems and practical features, with a touch of modernity, courtesy of an electrochromic panoramic roof. Renault plans to release a mild hybrid version of the Symbioz next year, suggesting that an electric motor is an inevitable part of its future.
Renault Symbioz E-Tech Full Hybrid 145 - Technical Specifications
- Compact SUV
- Length: 4.41 meters, Width: 1.80 (2.00 with exterior mirrors) meters, Height: 1.58 meters, Wheelbase: 2.64 meters, Trunk volume: 492 to 1582 liters
- 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, 69 kW/94 PS, Electric motor: 36 kW/49 PS, System power: 105 kW/145 PS, Maximum system torque: 250 Nm, Multimode automatic with 2 + 4 gears, Front-wheel drive
- 0-100 km/h: 10.6 s, Vmax: 170 km/h, Average fuel consumption: 4.8 l/100 km (WLTP)
- Prices: starting at 32,550 euros
During the drive, the gasoline engine and electric motors work harmoniously, providing a combined power output of 105 kW/145 PS. Other vehicles on the road may struggle to keep up with the Symbioz's swift acceleration and impressive fuel economy.
When traveling through Germany, drivers can easily recharge the Symbioz's battery at one of the numerous swift-charging stations, making pure electric vehicles a viable option for those without home charging facilities.
