The Renault Symbioz is firming as a new model for the French brand’s local lineup, in which it could replace the Captur.
The small crossover SUV has appeared in Australian Government certification documents, though Renault Australia has yet to officially confirm the model for our market.
It’s worth noting a vehicle appearing in government approval documents doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll go on sale in our market, with past examples of ‘no-show’ vehicles including a previous generation of the Haval H7 from GWM.
We’ve contacted Renault Australia for comment, and it’s possible the Symbioz could come here as a replacement for the related Captur.
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An updated version of the Captur, which Mitsubishi launched a rebadged version of last year under the popular ASX nameplate, had been confirmed to arrive before the end of 2025. However, 2025 came to an end with no sign of the refreshed model in local showrooms.
By switching from importing the Captur to the Symbioz, Renault could avoid direct comparisons with the Mitsubishi. While the Symbioz is offered in Europe as the Mitsubishi Grandis, the Japanese brand hasn’t confirmed this model for our market.
Renault could also one-up its Japanese Alliance partner by offering a small hybrid SUV. Though electrified Captur and ASX variants exist in Europe, neither model has ever been offered with a hybrid powertrain Down Under.
Approval documents list a pair of powertrains for the Symbioz: a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol engine with 104kW of power, mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and a hybrid that uses a naturally aspirated 80kW 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
More detailed specifications on Renault’s UK website confirm the E-Tech hybrid produces total system outputs of 116kW and 265Nm.
Its transmission is referred to as a “multi-mode clutchless dog box” with four gears for the petrol engine and two for the main electric motor.
Both powertrains are listed in the local certification documents, in Techno, Evolution and Esprit Alpine trim levels.
Measuring 4412mm long, 1797mm wide, 1567mm tall and riding on a 2639mm wheelbase, the Symbioz slots in between the 4.23m Captur – no longer on sale in Australia – and the 4.51m Austral that has never been offered here, as well as the 4.57m Arkana crossover coupe that is offered Down Under.
With the rear seat pushed all the way back, the Symbioz’s boot is said to accommodate 434 litres worth of stuff according to the VDA standard. This can be increased to 548L with the rear seat slid forward, and 1582L when the rear seats are folded down.
The Symbioz rides on a stretched version of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B architecture that underpins the Clio and Captur, as well as the Duster from Renault’s budget Dacia brand.
The latter is sold in Australia (and many other markets) as a Renault.
Standard in all models is a 10.4-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the OpenR infotainment setup. Based on the Android Automotive 12 operating system, the touchscreen has wired and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Ahead of the driver is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Available features include an ambient lighting system with 48 user-selectable colours, a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and a glass roof that can be dimmed electronically.
A selection of 18-inch wheel designs are available, while the top-spec sporty-flavoured Esprit Alpine comes with 19-inch rims.
Safety kit includes front and rear autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, a surround-view camera, and traffic sign recognition.
Should the Spanish-built Symbioz come here, it will join the petrol-powered Arkana and Koleos that are sourced from Korea, plus the electric Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech which blur the lines between car and SUV.
MORE: Explore the Renault showroom
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