Renault Symbioz

FIRST DRIVE Renault is on to a winner with mid-size family SUV

- Ellis Hyde

'VOITURES à vivre' means 'cars for living', and it's a philosophy that connects Renault's most family-focused models, starting with the Renault 16 in 1965, as well as the original Espace of the eighties and the Scenic of the nineties.

The latest branch of this curious family tree is the brand-new Renault Symbioz.

It's looking to challenge the big-selling Nissan Qashqai, and to help do that, every Symbioz has a full-hybrid powertrain as standard. Prices start from £29,295, undercutting the most basic Qashqai by nearly £1,000, and the e-Power hybrid version of that car by more than £5,000.

Symbioz buyers can pick from Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine trims. Even base models get a 10.4inch central touchscreen running Renault's Google-powered OpenR Link infotainment system, which features apps such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard, as are a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, wireless charging pad, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera, all-round parking sensors, LED headlights and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Spend £2,000 more and Techno Esprit Alpine adds 19-inch wheels and jazzes up the cabin with French tricolore stitching, a blue gradient dash finish and recycled fabric/artificial leather upholstery. A heated steering wheel and front seats, a powered tailgate, blind-spot warning and Active Driver Assist, with adaptive cruise control and lane centring, also feature.

Range-topping Iconic Esprit Alpine models (+£4k over base Techno) build on that kit list with a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, 360-degree cameras, hands-free parking tech and a 'Solarbay' darkening panoramic sunroof.