Renault, new 160 and 200 hp full-hybrid engines arrive

The 200 hp Full Hybrid E-Tech engine, which will be available on models such as the Austral, Espace and Rafale, has been updated with new transmission management software. The configuration includes a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine (130 hp, 205 Nm) and two electric motors: the main one with 70 hp and 205 Nm and a 25 hp HSG for transitions and starting. The 2 kWh (400 V) lithium-ion battery enables efficient driving in electric mode. And, not to be underestimated, even this most powerful version is already Euro 7 compliant.

The automatic transmission with tine-mounted clutch has been upgraded to offer improved ratio management and reduced vibration. The new final gear ratio is optimised for motorway use, while the electronic shift lever (e-shifter) allows switching from D to B mode to intensify regenerative braking.

Renault Symbioz MY 2025, faster from a standstill

Introduced in 2024, Renault Symbioz is the first in the range to offer the new 160 hp 1.8 l Full Hybrid engine. The first improvement relates to 0-100 km/h acceleration, which drops from 10.6 seconds with the engine to 9.1 seconds. According to Renault, fuel consumption now drops to 4.3 l/100 km WLTP, with emissions reduced to 98 g/km CO₂. Total autonomy is up to 1,000 km. The towing capacity has also been increased from 750 to 1,000 kg. The vehicle remains compact (4.41 m), but with a modular load compartment of up to 624 litres and integrated technologies such as the OpenR Link system with Google and the Solarbay roof. The new Renault Symbioz E-Tech full hybrid 160hp has a starting price of €32,450 in the Evolution trim, rising to €36,500 in the top-of-the-range Iconic trim.

Renault Symbioz

Renault Symbioz

New Renault Espace: comfort and modularity with the optimised hybrid.

The latest generation of Renault Espace is now equipped with an optimised version of the 200 hp Full Hybrid E-Tech. Comfort is ensured by improved soundproofing, new driver assistance systems and a load capacity of up to 943 litres in the five-seater configuration. On the outside, the structural elements of the grille and front bumper stand out with their more technical character, which are integrated with flowing surfaces such as those of the wings and doors. The new glossy black blades in the door guards have a dual function: they protect against any splinters projected towards the rear wings and accentuate the car's sporty profile. The rear features light clusters with a more minimalist design, integrated into a tailgate with a central logo.

In addition to the unprecedented Baltic Grey, the colour offerings include Nocturne Blue, Bianco Nacré, Nero Etoilé and, exclusively for the Esprit Alpine version, Grigio Scisto Satinato. The finishes vary according to the trim level: the grille is Grigio in the Techno level, Nero Lucido in the Esprit Alpine and Iconic versions, while the wheel arches and lower panels always retain the Nero Lucido finish.

In terms of lighting, the new semi-loseline light signature of the DRLs can be seen in the bumper. The tapered, trapezoidal front light clusters integrate Adaptive Vision LED technology as standard and Matrix Vision LED technology as an option. The rear light clusters, inspired by the geometric shapes of the tangram, appear red when switched on and take on an 'ice cube' grey effect when switched off.

In terms of interior comfort, Espace maintains its vocation for long journeys thanks to more refined soundproofing, optimised interior modularity and advanced technological equipment. Among these, the Solarbay panoramic opaque roof is a distinctive feature. At 1.70 metres long and 1.13 metres wide, it offers an area of around 2 m², the largest in the Renault range. Renault Espace has a turnkey price starting at €42,300 for the five-seater version and €43,800 for the seven-seater in the 'tecno' trim.

Renault Espace,

Renault Espace

The double proof

We had the chance to test, albeit briefly, the two new Full Hybrid engines fitted in the Symbioz and Espace respectively. The former showed better reactivity at the start than the Full Hybrid engine but with 145 hp, and the ride was also smoother. The 'uncertainties' of the gearbox, the MY 2024's real worry, seem to have disappeared, and in fact we noticed how well it responds to every press of the accelerator pedal. The rest is a comfortable drive, although to tell the truth, on the roads in the Chantilly area where we carried out the test, traffic, the real traffic of the big Italian cities, is absolutely unknown.

As for the new Espace, the 200 hp engine seems perfect for this type of 'heavy' car. Again, the driving is relaxed, the acceleration always prompt and smooth. Of particular note is the extreme quietness inside the cabin while driving, even at high speeds. A few doubts about the position of the automatic transmission lever, directly behind the steering wheel. If you have to make somewhat quick manoeuvres, such as a quick reverse and an equally quick restart while keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel, we found it a little uncomfortable, but perhaps you'll just have to get used to it.