Design and Build

The Symbioz was developed alongside the latest version of the Captur, which you could tell from a glance at the nose because from the front, the two cars are almost identical. The differences become obvious in profile, where the CMF-B platform undergirds bodywork stretched to 4,413mm in length, 186mm longer than a Captur and 97mm shorter than an Austral. Size-wise, it's basically a combustion alternative to the Scenic E-Tech Electric. The rear styling is unique, featuring sculpted lights with the 3D 'ice cube' effect. Wheel sizes are 18 or 19 inch. It's a similar design story behind the wheel. The front is pretty much the same as a Captur, which means you get a portrait-orientated 10.4-inch central touchscreen running Renault's Google-based 'OpenR Link' infotainment system. Plus there's a 10.3 inch customisable digital driver's display. The key differences over the Captur are obviously further back. Renault hasn't used this Symbioz model's extra body length to add in the kind of optional third seating row you'd get on a rival Vauxhall Frontera or Citroen C3 Aircross. But the second row is noticeably more spacious and usable than you'd get in cars like those, with up to 221mm of knee room and a bench that slides by up to 160mm. With top-spec trim, there's the Solarbay sunroof with automatic tinting electrochromatic glass that we first saw on the Scenic E-Tech. Out back, that sliding bench can vary boot space between 492 and 624-litres (70-litres more than a Captur). And with the 60:40-split backrest folded, there's 1,582-litres of luggage space.

Market and Model

Prices start from just over £29,000 - which is around £4,000 more than a Captur Hybrid. There are three trim levels - 'evolution', 'techno esprit Alpine' and 'iconic esprit Alpine'. The latter top two trim levels have 19-inch wheels, sporty features and elegant nods to the Alpine brand. All variants come with Renault's 10.4-inch 'Open R Link' central screen with wireless smartphone-mirroring, Google Maps and Google Voice Assistant built in. Plus there's Google Automotive services including navigation and an Arkamys audio system with 6-speakers. Also fitted are a 10.25-inch digital driver's display and a wireless charging mat. And there's a rear view camera, a modular boot floor and auto high beam LED headlights. As you'd expect, the Symbioz is on a par with the best for active and passive safety. New-generation driving aids, such as Active Driver Assist, with Level 2 autonomous driving, and Predictive Hybrid Driving (with the hybrid powertrain) optimise efficiency by maximising the use of electrical energy while driving. The European General Safety Regulation (GSR2) requires some ADAS features to be activated by default every time the car is started. For this purpose, a function to the left of the steering wheel - My Safety Switch - lets drivers enable or disable their preferred settings for five ADAS at the same time, at the touch of a button.

Cost of Ownership

You're not going to be able to go very far on all-electric drive in this Symbioz E-Tech full hybrid, but that's not the point of the HEV powertrain. Instead, it's there to constantly cut in and out with battery power at urban speeds. As a result, this Hybrid 145 model's official 60.1mpg figure should be quite real-world achievable, as should its quoted 105g/km CO2 reading. You can see why Renault doesn't offer a Symbioz diesel. Of course, official figures are one thing; actual day-to-day returns are another and mindful of this, Renault has provided a variety of e-driving tools to enable Symbioz Hybrid drivers to get as close as possible to the stated readings. As you drive, you'll need to keep a close eye on the central dial, keeping its needle as often as possible in the 'Charge' rather than the 'Power' section. You'll also want to make use of the piano key-style EV drive mode button below the central screen. This is for slow town traffic and when activated, it prioritises battery-electric drive up to about 27mph, providing there's sufficient charge. Renault reckons that it should be possible for a Symbioz E-Tech full hybrid 145 owner to drive around town at low speeds in all-electric mode for 80% of the time. On the open road, remember to switch the auto gear lever to its 'B' position so that you can maximise regenerative brake energy harvesting and so preserve battery charge.

Summary

Renault calls Symbioz a 'sexy box'. You might not see it quite like that, but this car does bring a dash of extra style to the Qashqai sector. And, as the brand says, should be a 'very good answer for a lot of families'. There's an emphasis on practicality here that the company says evokes the spirit of some of its past family models, the 16 saloon of the 1960s and the Espace of the 1980s. Interestingly, Renault is also implying that choosing a Symbioz Hybrid might be a more sensible choice than an electric vehicle right now. Paula Fabregat, the marque's small car design chief, calls it 'more rational and less emotional than an EV'. We'd be minded to agree - and you might too.