Looking back before writing this review, I was surprised to see we only published our ‘First Drive’ of the Symbioz at the end of October last year. Plus, deputy editor Sean Keywood has recently given back a Symbioz long-termer after six months. So, it seems Renault are quick to make 2026 model year updates, as we’ve also seen with the Austral.
So, what’s changed for Renault’s entry-level model for the C-segment? Well, previously there was only one engine option available with the Symbioz – a 145hp conventional hybrid. Well, that’s been replaced by an all-new 160hp version, along with a larger 1.4kWh battery (up from 1.26kWh). This is mated with revised intelligent multi-mode transmission, with smoother shifts and one additional mode, designed specifically for highway use. Renault claims this makes for smoother, quieter and more efficient running. 0-62mph acceleration is now completed in 9.1 seconds – 1.5 seconds faster than before. Additionally, fuel consumption is reduced by approximately 5% over the previous powertrain, CO2 emissions are now as low as 97g/km, depending on spec level – and it’s fully EU7 compliant.
Also, for the 2026 model year, the Symbioz gains the option of a new mild hybrid 140 petrol engine, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, available exclusively with the Techno equipment grade. It is capable of 47.9mpg on the WLTP combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of 133g/km.
Performance and drive
We had a brief drive in the previous 145hp version of the Symbioz, and despite 15hp more for the new car, we think it’s hard to tell the difference over the old one. Starting swiftly in EV mode, acceleration feels willing, and it moves swiftly and more slickly to the 1.8-litre petrol at higher speeds. Although as before, you do get occasional periods of expected high revving when building up to motorway speeds (and sometimes around town). These high revs go on longer than you expect (especially in Sport mode!), resulting in strained and unrefined engine noise, which finds its way into this Renault’s interior.
In corners, the Symbioz has plenty of grip, and is a tidy, if underwhelming handler, but can lose a bit of composure when pushed harder – though we expect few owners drive their Symbiozs hard, as there’s no more fun to be gained by doing this.
We’re not a fan of the way the 160hp Symbioz rides either. It feels like this Renault struggles to deal with its own weight – especially at low speed, where you’d best watch out for road imperfections, or potholes, as they unsettle this car more than you’d expect.
We also had the chance to try the new mild hybrid 140hp petrol engine version, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission. There’s more engine noise, as it’s on all the time, but the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit feels more willing, right from low down the rev range. It is well matched to the six-speed manual transmission, that has a slick, mechanical change. It features mild hybrid technology to deliver excellent efficiency, recording 47.9 mpg on the WLTP combined cycle.
Without the weight of the battery and full hybrid equipment, the mild hybrid 140 is the better of the two Symbioz versions to drive. There’s more composure and compliance with the ride too – even though both versions were on 19in wheels.
Interior and tech
Our 160hp full hybrid Symbioz was in range-topping Esprit Alpine spec. But apart from a different mixture of trim and materials, and the odd Alpine logo, there wasn’t much difference over the Techno equipment grade we tried with the mild hybrid. Build quality is good, but there are too many visible hard plastics on show in our opinion.
Google-based infotainment is standard throughout the range, accessed through a 10.4in vertical touchscreen – which works as well as on other Renault models. Beneath this sits climate control shortcut toggles – though the quality of these doesn’t feel great. Also standard with all Symbioz models is a 10.25in driver display. Most disappointing is the resolution of the rear camera, on the touchscreen, which is poor at best.
As with the smaller Captur, the rear seats in the Symbioz slide, allowing rear legroom to be traded for extra boot space. With the seats in the fully-rearward position rear legroom is decent – the boot couldn’t be extended much with an adult sat there, but in fairness the boot looks a good size even at the default 434 litres. Rear headroom is tight for taller adults (especially so in the middle seat), despite Renault saying the Solarbay shading sunroof, fitted with the Iconic Esprit Alpine grade, is better in this respect than a conventional sunroof would be.
Renault’s ‘entry point’ claims for the Symbioz mean it is still good value for money when looking at its rivals. Compared to the equivalent versions of alternatives, such as the hybrid Kia Sportage and Toyota C-HR, and the Nissan Qashqai E-Power, even in revised form, the Symbioz comes in much cheaper on P11D, and uses less fuel in official testing. While a lower CO2 rating also means it falls under a lower company car tax BIK band. It’s a set of figures we’d expect to catch the eye of fleet buyers shopping in this segment, but the Kia, Toyota, and Nissan are more polished packages. In fact, our favourite Symbioz is the all-new mild hybrid 140.
Positive: Low P11D value, efficient hybrid powertrain, mild hybrid 140 good to drive, practical sliding seat.
Negative: Full hybrid powertrain sometimes unrefined, knobbly ride on full hybrid versions, interior finish disappoints.
Standard equipment: 18in alloy wheels, dark tinted rear windows and tailgate, full LED front and rear lights, automatic air conditioning, hands-free keycard with keyless access and start, 10.4in touchscreen with built-in Google Automotive including sat-nav, 10.25in driver display, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless smartphone charger, four USB-C ports, active emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist detection, driver attention alert, adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, reversing camera.
Engines: Hybrid: 160hp 1.8; Mild hybrid: 140hp 1.3
Equipment grades: Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine, Iconic Esprit Alpine
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
| Model | Renault Symbioz Mild Hybrid 140 Techno |
| P11D | £26,800 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £6,205 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Fuel consumption | 47.9mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 133g/km (32%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £143/£286 |
| Luggage capacity | 434 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,333cc/140hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
