2026 Renault Symbioz confirmed for Australia with hybrid power to battle Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross

Renault has added another new nameplate to the brand’s local line-up with confirmation its Symbioz compact crossover-style SUV will enter the Australian new car market in the second half of this year.

Produced in Spain, the Symbioz will offer mild- and full-hybrid power options across multiple grades with details to come closer to the car’s launch. It will be the brand’s first model to offer a full-hybrid powertrain locally.

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Mild-hybrid versions of the car are powered by a 1.3-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine sending 104kW/245Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The full-hybrid features a 80kW/107Nm 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine working in parallel with a 36kW/205Nm electric motor, the latter powered by a 1.4kWh Lithium-ion battery.

It uses a specific multi-mode transmission featuring four gears for the petrol engine and two for the electric motor, again sending drive to the front wheels only.

According to Renault, the full-hybrid Symbioz uses the electric motor exclusively for initial acceleration, the engine kicking in at speeds above 60km/h.

This is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by up to 40 per cent in stop-start city driving and deliver an overall driving range of up to 1000km (WLTP). The system also harvests energy when the vehicle is braking, coasting or decelerating. 

Although final specification is yet to be finalised several inclusions have been flagged, including a panoramic ‘Solarbay’ sunroof which uses embedded liquid crystal filaments that can be dimmed on demand, premium Harman Kardon audio, Google Built-In, a 10.4-inch multimedia screen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels and a sliding rear seat to optimise boot space.

The Symbioz arrives as part of Renault Australia’s plan to renew or refresh six models over the next 18 months and the company’s General Manager Glen Sealey has previously told CarsGuide the business is open to production sourcing opportunities from Renault facilities around the globe including Spain as well Brazil, India, Morocco, Romania, South Korea, Turkey and of course France.

In announcing the Symbioz for local sale, Sealey said, “We know not everyone wants to drive a ‘same-same’ SUV and we know this car will earn its place in this market.

“We have worked very hard with the factory to ensure the new Renault Symbioz is well equipped, delivers excellent real-world fuel economy and will be available at an attainable price point,” he said.