New Renault Symbioz and Espace hybrids, now with more power and less fuel consumption
While continuing to focus on pure battery-powered models, with successes like the new R5, Renault has made hybrid cars (five of them manufactured in Spain) the hallmark of the company in terms of volume. With a growing global market for this sector, they are already the preferred choice in Spain and Europe, and the company continues to improve its powertrains to achieve better fuel consumption, lower emissions, and improved performance. The two "Full Hybrid" engines in the range are now available in two of the most popular SUVs: the Symbioz and the new Espace.
Renault's hybrid SUV range begins with the Captur and continues with the Symbioz, Arkana, Austral, and Rafale, before concluding with the Espace, the largest. This is a very broad offering, primarily focused on the C segment, which is the most widely distributed. Two of them now receive completely updated engine specifications and, in the case of the Espace, a cosmetic facelift.
engine and transmissionThe technical update lies in the hybrid engines, yes, but also in the automatic gearboxes (whose performance could be improved), forming an inseparable unit with common electronic management. The latest version of Renault's revolutionary multi-mode automatic transmission (without clutch or synchromesh) combines the combustion and electric functions, providing 15% more torque. It has two gears connected to the main electric motor and four to the combustion engine, offering fifteen possible combinations and five fully automatic management modes.
The Renault Symbioz E-Tech Full Hybrid debuts a new engine with a larger displacement (increasing from 1,600 to 1,800 cc with increased stroke). It is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine with variable valve timing and electronic high-pressure injection, which already complies with the future Euro 7 standard. Coupled with the multi-mode transmission, it benefits from its two electric motors, producing 49 and 20 hp respectively, which increase hybrid power to 160 hp, with 25% more torque. The battery has also been increased to 1.4 kW/h and allows for emission-free starting and even driving.
The Renault Symbioz, launched in 2024, is a C-segment family SUV measuring 4.41 meters in length and with a modular trunk (movable rear bench) that can reach 1,682 liters. It is also sold with a Mild Hybrid engine, but the new Full Hybrid has more power and lower fuel consumption (4.3 l/100 WLTP), with a range of up to 1,000 km. It is manufactured in Spain, at the Valladolid factory, alongside the Captur (with which it shares the same platform and engine) and the Mitsubishi ASX.
Although a little noisy during acceleration, the new 160 hp Full Hybrid engine is more efficient than the previous one. It can be used in three different driving modes—selectable on the central screen —Eco, Comfort, and Sport, each with distinct characteristics. The automatic transmission has a "B" regeneration mode and does everything on its own. It's the driver who has to get used to managing the hybrid system rather than the other way around, as it continuously adjusts from 100% electric to 100% combustion.
The new Renault Espace debuts its seventh generation with a cosmetic update that brings it closer (especially its front end) to the brand's current design. It remains an icon for Renault and also the largest model in the C segment, measuring 4.74 meters and offering five or seven seats, although it weighs less than 1,600 kg. It has now received the new Full Hybrid engine, already available in the Austral.
It features 200 hp from its 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine (supported by two electric motors of 68 and 34 hp coupled to the multi-mode transmission) and a 2 kW/h battery. This has also been tuned compared to the previous version, with smoother shifting between gears. With a consumption of 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers, it has a range of up to 1,100 kilometers without refueling, benefiting from fully automated hybrid management.
Behind the wheel, the quality of the materials and equipment in this top-of-the-range SUV is evident. Among other things, there's improved soundproofing (the combustion engine is also quieter), very comfortable seats, and luxuries like the enormous Solarbay photochromic roof (optional) that brightens the cabin. The rear seat can be moved 22 centimeters, allowing the trunk to be adjusted and the two rear seats to be opened (in the 7-seater version).
From 30,000 and 40,000 euros, respectivelyDynamically, the 200 hp hybrid engine is very progressive, with rapid acceleration and enough power to move the fully loaded Espace with ease. The long wheelbase is offset by Renault's rear axle steering, which greatly speeds up maneuvers and turns. It's a "rolling" SUV for comfortably covering long distances with the whole family and luggage, and it drives like a smaller car. Like its sibling, it is also manufactured in Spain, at the Palencia factory.
The new Renault E-Tech Full Hybrid is now on sale. The Symbioz with the 1,800 cc, 160 hp engine starts at €30,000 and goes up to €36,750. It is available in four trim levels (Evolution, Techno, Esprit Alpine, and Iconic). The new Espace E-Tech Full Hybrid is offered in three trim levels and with five or seven seats. Prices range from €40,000 to €48,000, depending on available discounts.
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