Introduction to the 2025 Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid
The Symbioz is a five-door, five-seat crossover designed to expand Renault's C-segment lineup. Powered exclusively by a hybrid powertrain - and not one you plug in - it fills the gap between the Renault Captur and the Austral above. It could have as easily been called the “Grand Captur”, which is possibly the best way to define it.
Our first chance to sample the Renault Symbioz was at its international media launch in Valencia last year (read Dave's detailed review of the Symbioz here) and it actually hit Irish shores before the end of 2024 - hence the “242” plates on our high-spec Iconic Esprit Alpine test car.
Pros & Cons of the 2025 Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid
Pros: Smart looks, increased space over the Captur, lots of equipment
Cons: Limited to single hybrid powertrain
Irish Pricing & Rivals of the 2025 Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid
• Symbioz starts from €36,995
• Three specifications keep things simple
• Top model is fully loaded for €41,395
The pricing of the Symbioz in Ireland is keen, as its base model's entry-level fee neatly overlaps with the top specification of the smaller Captur (€38,590) and it's also cheaper than the Renault Scenic, which kicks off at €39,995 and can even go beyond €50,000 at the top of its line-up.
Three specifications are offered for the Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid, which are Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine. Even base-spec Techno cars come with the 10.4-inch OpenR Link touchscreen infotainment with Google built in, as well as a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, height-adjustable front seats and 18-inch 'Gravity' alloy wheels, among much more.
Techno Esprit Alpine (from €39,395) trim upgrades the alloys to 19-inch 'Elixir' items, as well as adding heated front seats and steering wheel, a brushed blue decorative trim to the dashboard, the French tricolore flag tags on the front seats, aluminium sports pedals and electric adjustment for the front seats.
The top-grade Iconic Esprit Alpine tested here brings in desirable luxuries such as the opacifying Solarbay panoramic sunroof, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, hands-free parking and a 360-degree camera system.
Metallic paints, like the Ceramic Grey of our test vehicle, will set you back €825 on the Symbioz, for which there are seven colours available in total.
Rivals include a wide spread of crossovers, from smaller models like the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, the Toyota C-HR and the Ford Puma, to larger C-segment rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Opel Grandland, Peugeot 3008 and Volkswagen T-Roc.
Performance of the 2025 Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid on Irish Roads
• Stronger performance than numbers suggest
• Hybrid system is quirky
• Turns engine off frequently
To operate the Renault Symbioz, you don't need to know anything about its sophisticated hybrid powertrain nor its unusual transmission layout. You just get in, select D for drive and away you go. Knowledge of its so-called “multi-mode” setup, however, might explain the sometimes-unusual workings of the hybrid system, and if you select the B drive setting for enhanced brake energy regeneration, the engine seems to have a mind of its own in terms of the speed it runs at.
Nonetheless, once you get used to all that, you realise that the Symbioz has plenty of performance from the combination of its 1.6-litre petrol engine and the hybrid system. Peak outputs of 145hp and 250Nm don't sound all that impressive, and this isn't a sporty car, but neither does the Symbioz feel lacklustre in everyday driving.
If you spend a lot of time in slow traffic or within urban speed limits, you'll notice that the Symbioz turns its engine off regularly to use electric power, though obviously it can't travel long distances in this manner as the battery is small. There's a little “EV” symbol in the digital instruments to indicate when this is occurring.
To maintain battery charge for use later on - whether that's to maximise performance or engine-off driving - you can press the “E-Save” button. This is not a plug-in hybrid, but the electric part of the powertrain does assist the petrol engine to make it feel more powerful.
On the road, the Symbioz is assured and stable. The handling is neat, if never engaging in any way, though noise suppression seems to be a little better than that of the Renault Captur. About the only criticism we have is that the tasty large alloy wheels fitted to the Iconic Esprit Alpine test car reduce ride comfort because of their low-profile tyres. Choose wisely on that front.
Running Costs of the 2025 Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid
• Service and maintenance packages available
• All-hybrid line-up for good fuel economy
• Strong warranty offered
The Symbioz should prove cheap to run, and it sits in a low motor tax bracket thanks to CO2 emissions of less than 110g/km. Renault also says it will do 4.7 litres/100km, and while you might not match that in everyday driving if you venture further afield, it should manage at least 5.6 litres/100km without any difficulty.
Renault's warranty in Ireland is impressive, as it runs for five years as standard. For the first two of those, it's unlimited mileage, while for the third, fourth and fifth years there's a distance cap of 150,000km. Still, that's better than the three-year, 100,000km base level some manufacturers continue to offer.
Verdict - Should You Buy the 2025 Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid?
Some car buyers might wonder where the Symbioz fits in, but it'll immediately appeal to owners of the Renault Captur that fancy a little more space. Hybrid power that you don't have to plug in is still very much in vogue, too, so it adds more choice to the marketplace as it slowly moves toward more electrification.
FAQs About the 2025 Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid
Are there any other types of powertrain for the Renault Symbioz?
No, all versions are powered by the same 145hp full-hybrid drivetrain, made up of Renault's 1.6-litre engine and advanced 'clutchless' automatic gearbox.
How many child seats fit in the back of the Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid?
There are two ISOFIX points in the Renault's cabin, on the outer rear seats. Those rear seats can slide forward and back, though, which makes fitting in large rear-facing child seats a little easier.
Is the Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid the same body shape as the Scenic E-Tech?
They look similar and are of the same size and class, but no - as their model names indicate, the Symbioz and the Scenic are separate vehicles. There are subtle design tweaks from one to the other that mark them out, and the easiest way to think of them is that the Symbioz is Renault's hybrid C-segment model, while the Scenic is the all-electric alternative in the same sector.
How safe is the Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid?
The Symbioz only has a four-star Euro NCAP rating, though it was tested in 2024 under stringent methods, so you shouldn't discount it because it still comes with a lot of standard safety equipment. It has 24 advanced driver assist safety systems fitted to it, for instance. Click here to view the full Euro NCAP report.
How popular is the Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid in Ireland?
The Symbioz is a relatively new model, introduced between the “242” and “251” plates, but it has done well in 2025 so far, finding 450 homes in the first two months of the year alone - outselling the Renault Captur in the process.
How are we supposed to pronounce 'Symbioz'?
The correct, French way appears to be 'Sam-bee-oh', but if you want to say 'Sim-bye-oz', no one's going to criticise you for it.
Want to know more about the Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid?
If there's anything about the Renault Symbioz E-Tech Hybrid we've not covered, or you'd like help in choosing between it and other cars, you can avail of our (completely free) expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.
