That’s why it will explode sales

An unprecedented engine that restores the colors to Renault

The Simbiz does not play big weapons. It does not have the huge shoulders of an American SUV or the haughty gaze of a Bavarian coupe. However, under his compact body, Renault slipped a small mechanical revolution : a new hybrid engine that replaces the old 145 HP block with a much more clear 160 HP engine.

This new heart is based on a 1,8 atmospheric liter in the Atkinson cycle. Get out of the turbo, hello intelligent sobriety. Direct injection, double variable camshaft, particle filter: all the ingredients are there for Pull the surrender upwards (over 40 %)without sinking into German complexity.

They are added to this thermal base Two electric motors : a main 50 HP and a second of 20 HP that acts as a alternator starter. Everything is combined with a gearbox gearboxBoth strange and brilliant, which combines four relationships for thermal and two for electric. The complete system weighs 280 kg1.4 kWh battery included.

This technical cocktail allows the symbiOz of Roll in electric up to 70 km/h Under certain conditions, while maintaining a welcome mechanical simplicity.

Increase the performance, the drop in consumption

The technical sheet speaks of himself: 160 cumulative horsesFrom 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds (Almost a second better than the old version), 180 km/h in point. But the real enterprise hides in the figures of consumption.

In the mixed WLTP cycle, the announcement of Symbioz 4.3 l/100 km (and 98 g of co₂/km). In real conditions, we prefer to rotate around From 5 to 5.5 l / 100 kmwhat remains Surprisingly low for an SUV of this model.

With its 48 liters of fuel, Renault promises up to 1,100 km of autonomy. And for once, it is not a marketing of fairy tales: the test returns confirm that long journeys are made in relative calm, without the howls of a scarcely granted engine.

Everything is More flexible, more silent and much more sensitive to recovery. We are not yet at the level of a well -born diesel on the highway, but in the city as in the department, this symbio knows how to be forgotten, and it is a compliment.

Refined interiors and optimized space: Renault treats the interior

When we open the door of the Simbiz, We are surprised by the generosity of the space on board. This 4.41 m long compact SUV is better than many higher category models. The 2,64 attacking is for many, just like the rear seat Slide 16 cmWhich allows to modulate both the legs for the legs and the start volume.

This oscillates between 492 and 1,582 litersdepending on the configuration. A capacity that easily reformulates a capur or even a ch-r. Comfort side, The seats are well designed, maintenance is correctAlso in the finish of the Alpine Spirit with its slightly flashy blue seams.

The dashboard receives the now classic system OpenR Link with Integrated Googlefluid and intuitive. However, we regret the absence of a clearer domain or indicators on the state of the hybrid system. And like often to Renault, Some menus require too many manipulations for simple functions.

A word on the suspensions: I’m a hair stopEspecially with 19 -inch wheels. The compromise of comfort/dynamism remains correct, but those who favor flexibility will have to opt for a finish with more reasonable wheels.

Muscle rates, but justifiable in the face of competition

Proposed by € 33,800 in evolutionThe symbiOZ culminates in € 38,800 for iconic finish. An ambitious tariff positioning, which places it Above the capur full hybrid, however equipped with the same traction chain.

But Renault does not sell an engine. The symbioz is also A bigger chest, upper habitabilityIt is a versatility that justifies (in part) the difference in price. He finds himself in front of competitors such as the Future Bigster 155, the new Hybrid Aircross C3, the Hyundai Kona and Kia Niro Coreani, also the Toyota Ch-R very serious.

Faced with these opponents, the French Building on a much more successful driving pleasure than its predecessorA rare modularity in the segment and a hybrid technology that continues to recharge.

What to remember

• New hybrid engine 1.8 E-Tech 160 CHmore efficient and sober

• From 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 saverage consumption between 5 and 5.5 l/100 km in real use

• Generous habitabilitysliding bench, trunk up to 1,582 l

• Price from 33 800 €up to € 38,800

• A serious alternative to CH-R, Kona or Niro