Symbioz evokes spirit of Swinging Sixties with new twists

The Symbioz is a family crossover that will put heavy emphasis on practicality within the cabin and under the bonnet, where there is an E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain that includes a 95bhp, 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine.

Emphasising cabin room, there are 24.7 litres of storage space, including seven litres in the glovebox.

The OpenR Link multi-media system with Google built in is standard.

While ultra-modern in terms of design and technology, it is made to commemorate that great old favourite of the 1960s – the Renault 16 saloon – and draw cues from the Espace people carrier of the 1980s, both of which used every inch of space available.

The new car will slot between the larger Austral and smaller Captur and has as many as 24 new-generation driving aids.

The three-model range comprises Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine. Order books open from July.

It should be particularly relevant for families and of interest to corporate fleet owners.

At 4.41 metres long, the Symbioz has a boot capacity of up to 624 litres and there is a modular layout with a sliding bench, designed to shift more than 16cm forwards or backwards.

There are two USB-C sockets at the front and two more at the rear. A wireless phone charger is standard.