Renault is launching a new hybrid midsize SUV, dubbed the Symbioz and challenging the Nissan Qashqai and Ford Puma.

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Open for orders from July, it will sit between the existing Captur and Austral, completing the brand’s C-segment SUV line-up.

It’s positioned squarely to meet the needs of both family and fleet buyers – the former through space and efficiency while the latter are taken care of through the hybrid powertrain which keeps TCO “on a tight rein”.

The interior continues the heritage of Renault’s popular family cars, including the Renault 16 first launched in 1965 and the Espace from the 80s and Scénic from the 90s.

The modular interior gives a nod to the Renault 16 with a rear bench seat that slides forwards and back to extend passenger leg room or boot space when needed. In its foremost position, it still delivers 492 litres of boot space, which rises to 624 with the bench back and up to 1,582 litres when the 60:40-split rear seats are fully folded. The boot has no lip, making it easy to access the flat floor and load even bulky items.

Symbioz also comes with 24.7 litres of storage space inside the cabin, including a rather capacious seven litres in the glovebox alone.

The E-Tech hybrid 145 is the sole powertrain on offer and is engineered for efficient fuel consumption and emissions.

Already used in the smaller Captur and Clio along with the Arkana E-Tech, it features a series-parallel hybrid set-up that combines a 94bhp 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a multi-mode clutchless gearbox, with a 36kW e-motor, an 18kW starter generator and a 1.2kWh battery. Official WLTP fuel economy is 4.6l/100km.

Technologies include the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in and a central 10.4-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen plus a 10.3-inch driver display.

It can also be specified with the Solarbay opacifying glass sunroof. Premiered on Rafale and Scenic E-Tech electric, it’s able to darken in segments on demand, either by the flick of a switch or by voice command using Google Assistant.

A nine-speaker Harman Kardon hi-fi system with an immersive sound experience developed by Jean-Michel Jarre is also available, and the interior ‘mood’ can be customised using Multi-Sense settings.

The Symbioz also comes with up to 29 new-generation driving aids, depending on the model. These include the Active Driver Assist level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, rear emergency braking system and Safety Coach personalised advice.

Sales for the new Symbioz open later this year. Prices will be announced closer to the launch.