The 2025 Renault Symbioz is a hybrid small SUV competing with the Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Corolla Cross, but could this practical crossover finally reboot the Mitsubishi ASX?

Renault has unveiled the Symbioz, a small hybrid SUV that’s targeting the Nissan Qashqai and Toyota Corolla Cross in Europe – and it offers up to seven seats. 

The French carmaker notes inspiration from disparate models including the 1960s Renault 16, the ’80s Espace and first-gen Scenic people mover in creating the sensible Symbioz. 

Based on 'CMF-B' underpinnings like its Captur relative (the Nissan Qashqai uses the larger 'CMF-CD' platform) the hybrid-only Symbioz will be built for the UK market in right-hand drive, enhancing its chances for Australia.

A spokesperson from Renault’s Australian importer Ateco told CarsGuide that while the Symbioz is under consideration, there is no further information at this stage. 

With Renault and Mitsubishi teaming up to create a Captur-based ASX in Europe (that isn’t likely for Australia) the new Symbioz offers another platform share option for Mitsubishi to reboot its ageing small SUV. 

Unlike the Megane, 5, 4 and Twingo names that were rebooted for electric vehicles, the hybrid Symbioz is all new to the Renault range, formerly appearing on an autonomous driving concept in 2017.

At 4413mm long, 1797mm wide and 1575mm tall, the Symbioz is larger than the Captur but smaller than the compact Austral SUV. 

Packaging is shaping up to be excellent with a sliding rear bench (up to 160mm) giving up to 624L boot space. In Europe, the Symbioz will even be offered as a seven-seater. Renault says it will weigh less than 1500kg.

That light weight is crucial for efficiency and means the Symbioz can get away with a small ‘Hybrid 145’ powertrain. A 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is teamed with a 1.2kWh battery and a pair of electric motors, resulting in 106kW and 4.6L/100km in the combined WLTP cycle.

Visually, the Symbioz has plenty of ties to the updated Captur with a similar fascia and headlight design. It has more sculptural details on its flanks and a squared-off roof line to aid occupant comfort.

At the rear the Symbioz’s tail-lights have a 3D ‘ice cube’ effect, while we see hints of VW Golf 8 in the lights and a bit of Kia Sportage in the rear 3/4's thanks to the high beltline. 

If the retro-radical Renault 4 and 5  EVs are “emotional” then the Symbioz is a more “rational” expression of Renault’s, according to lead designer Paula Fabregat.

The cabin is more conventional than a Megane E-Tech’s with portrait touchscreen and more traditional steering wheel. The Symbioz uses Renault’s 'OpenR Link' Android OS-based software and range-topping models have a glass roof with electrochromic glass to keep sun out. 

The Australian arrival of the Symbioz is unconfirmed for now. But it prompts the question, under the Alliance, could Mitsubishi use the Symbioz as a jumping off point for a new Aussie ASX? It happened in Europe with the Captur.

Renault’s practical small hybrid SUV might be the perfect basis for an ASX reboot sold in Australia and Japan, though there’s no official word on this yet.