CARS CARS With Symbioz and Espace, two cutting-edge fully hybrid powertrains are currently on the road. -

The first generation of complete hybrid E-Tech powertrains, which were introduced in the Clio, Captur, and Mégane in 2020, put Renault in second place on the European hybrid vehicle sales podium. These hybrid cars are still quite popular. Both sales and market share are increasing gradually, going from 10.3% in 2021 to 35% in 2024 and 44.2% in the first quarter of 2025. In the upcoming weeks, Renault is expected to surpass one million sales of fully hybrid E-Tech automobiles.

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Customers especially like full hybrid E-Tech powertrains because of their remarkable fuel efficiency and low CO₂ emissions. With a 4.3 L/100 km WLTP, the new 160 horsepower variant on Symbioz only emits 98 g/km of CO₂.. With 4.8 liters per 100 kilometers and 108 grams of CO₂ per kilometer for the 200-horsepower powertrain with optimized gear shifting, the New Espace is an equally potent performance.

The brand’s DNA is expressed by these two family cars, each of which is a voiture à vivre in its own right. Their complete hybrid E-Tech powertrains are meant to balance efficiency and driving enjoyment, and they share a series-parallel architecture that is covered by more than 150 patents. A clever multi-mode clutchless dogbox, two battery-powered electric motors, and a combustion engine make up the powertrains.

The gearbox includes four gears for the internal combustion engine and two speeds for the primary electric motor, drawing inspiration from Formula 1 technology. For the best driving experience, fuel efficiency, and CO₂ emissions across all use scenarios, the motors and engine have 15 alternative working combinations. The complete hybrid E-Tech powertrain’s operating mode is automatically chosen by the gearbox from the following options:

entirely electric (the wheels are exclusively propelled by the electric motor).
dynamic hybrid, in which the wheels are driven by both an electric motor and a combustion engine;
E-drive (wheels are driven by an electric motor, and the battery is charged by an internal combustion engine)
combustion (only the battery is charged and/or the wheels are driven by the gasoline engine)
energy recovery (the battery is charged by the electric motor driven by the wheels).

Customers who are not yet prepared to move to all-electric vehicles are becoming more aware of the cost-effectiveness of full hybrid E-Tech powertrains as a means of achieving the energy transition. Hybrids provide the benefits of electric driving, including quiet startup, low-speed, all-electric driving in and around cities, and battery regeneration during braking and deceleration for improved driveability and economy.

The E-Tech 160 hp 1.8 L complete hybrid produces greater power while using even less gasoline. It is accessible on Symbioz and Captur as of this year. A strong combustion engine, two electric motors, a smart multi-mode clutchless dogbox, and a new 1.4 kWh battery make up the powertrain.

For increased power, the 4-cylinder internal combustion engine’s displacement has been increased from 1.6 to 1.8 liters. It now produces 80 kW, or 109 horsepower, as opposed to the previous 69 kW, or 94 horsepower, and the torque has risen by 25% (to 172 Nm, or +22 Nm). As a consequence, for improved performance and reactivity, especially while accelerating or traveling at high speeds on fast highways, the maximum torque is accessible at lower revs (about 2,000 rpm).

Several adjustments were made to increase efficiency in addition to boosting cubic capacity. In order to improve performance, emissions, and fuel efficiency, the powertrain now has a high-pressure (350 bar) direct-injection system that maximizes fuel vaporization for more accurate combustion. By delaying the closure of the intake valves during the compression stroke, which is subsequently shorter than the expansion stroke, the engine operates on an Atkinson cycle, which also lowers fuel consumption. It is also compliant with the upcoming Euro 7 standard and features a gasoline particulate filter.

Two electric motors are part of the complete hybrid E-Tech 160 horsepower: a 15 kW/20 hp HSG (High-Voltage Starter Generator) for gear changes and a 36 kW/50 hp e-motor with 205 Nm of torque that can drive the wheels and charge the battery during braking and deceleration. A new 1.4 kWh (280 V) battery that is cooled by the air conditioning system powers both motors, as opposed to the previous model’s 1.2 kWh battery. For longer range in electric mode, useful capacity is raised by around 20%.

Starting in all-electric mode, the car can go up to 80% of the way in and out of cities without needing to be charged. In comparison to a traditional internal combustion engine, this results in fuel savings of up to 40%.

An improved intelligent multi-mode clutchless dogbox is connected to the powertrain, allowing for quick, accurate gear changes with no power loss. For increased dependability, it is also simpler mechanically. Because there is less friction between the parts, the dog clutch system eliminates the need for a sprocket and a synchronizer ring, creating a clutchless design that is incredibly effective. For smoother, quicker gear shifts, the gearbox has been fine-tuned. This results in quieter, more sensitive gear changes and improved driver comfort by lowering engine noise and vibrations.

In addition to the revised gear ratios that are more appropriate for driving on highways, an e-shifter—a more ergonomic electronic gear lever—also appears, enabling the driver to move from D mode to B mode in order to maximize regenerative braking.

The Renault Symbioz is a family car with the latest C-segment technology that was introduced in 2024. It is made to accommodate a wide range of needs thanks to its small size and roomy interior. It turned out to be successful. The Renault Symbioz is now the second best-selling SUV in the Renault lineup and swiftly rose to within the top ten SUVs in France.

A family automobile and a tiny car are combined in the Symbioz. With a maximum trunk capacity of 624 liters and a sliding rear bench seat that can be adjusted to suit needs, this 4.41-meter-long vehicle offers the best of the C category. Among the many high-tech features that come with it are the Solarbay opacifying panoramic glass roof and the OpenR link multimedia system with Google integrated.

With the full hybrid E-Tech 160 hp 1.8 L powertrain now available, the Symbioz can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.1 seconds as opposed to 10.6 seconds. The combined fuel consumption drops by 0.4 liters per 100 kilometers to an impressive 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers WLTP. Only 98 g/km of CO₂/100 km WLTP are emitted. The Renault Symbioz’s remarkable 1,000-kilometer range is made possible by its powerplant.

At the high end of the C sector with Austral and in the D segment with Espace and Rafale, the complete hybrid E-Tech 200 hp powertrain has been tuned to provide even more consistent performance across all brand cars. It has been improved since it first entered the lineup, and new software for the automated dogbox makes it more sensitive and eliminates flat spots during acceleration and kickdown. Consequently, the ride is more energetic, smoother, and pleasurable, especially while accelerating between 40 and 80 km/h.

Two electric motors and a three-cylinder, 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 130 horsepower (96 kW) and 205 Nm of torque make up the complete hybrid E-Tech 200-horsepower powertrain.

The primary electric motor is driven by a 2 kWh/400 V lithium-ion battery and has a 50 kW capacity (70 horsepower and 205 Nm). This motor is intended for electric vehicles.
The high-voltage starter generator (HSG) or secondary electric motor produces 25 horsepower for 50 Nm of torque. This motor controls gear changes and starts the internal combustion engine.

With its roomy and modular interior, the New Renault Espace retains the feel of a long-distance traveler while receiving major technological and comfort enhancements. It has been extensively redesigned for a more modern appearance with new high-tech equipment, enhanced soundproofing, and a full hybrid E-Tech powertrain updated for smoother acceleration. The 5-seater model still has an impressive 943-liter load capacity, making it ideal for all those family excursions.

The brand’s new design language is incorporated into the new Renault Espace for a more modern and distinctive look. Its individuality and presence are immediately apparent due to its revamped front and back, new light signatures, and new Baltic Blue-Grey bodywork.

A personalized greeting is provided in the cabin via an automated driver identification system. With new upholstery choices in light sand grey or black TEP (or refined textile), enhanced soundproofing, and more powerfully shaped front seats for greater shoulder and lateral support, the new Espace improves passenger comfort.

Many attempts were made to enhance the acoustics. With revised door seals, mirror bases and housings, and thicker triple-laminated front windows, the new Espace lowers aerodynamic noise. In order to enhance comfort with vibration and sound, the powertrain has also been modified with new exhaust system suspension, engine mountings, and pulley cover. Because of these technological advancements, powertrain and aero-acoustic noise have been cut in half.

With a rear bench that slides over 22 cm and reclines in four settings (25°, 27°, 29°, and 31°), the New Espace, which can accommodate five or seven people, is nevertheless quite roomy. The 5-seater model’s load capacity, which increases from 692 liters to 2,224 liters, remains the greatest in its class. With its almost 2 m² size, the New Espace has the biggest Solarbay opacifying roof in the Renault lineup in addition to being loaded with state-of-the-art technology.

With a range of up to 1,100 kilometers without charge, the complete hybrid E-Tech 200-horsepower powertrain and multi-mode automatic transmission provide a performance/efficiency ratio comparable to the best: WLTP fuel consumption of 4.8 liters/100 km and 108 g of CO₂ per km*. New software is added to the automated dogbox at the same time to improve acceleration responsiveness. The acceleration between 40 and 80 km/h makes the ride smoother, more dynamic, and more pleasurable.

The best of Renault technology is featured on the CMF-CD platform: 32 driving aids, including Level 2 autonomous driving; Matrix LED Vision headlamps for optimal lighting performance; a head-up display projecting information directly onto the windscreen; a multi-link rear suspension with the 4Control Advanced 4-wheel steering system for increased stability at high speeds and easier maneuvering at low speeds; and an inventive driver recognition system for a personalized welcome.

To make the Espace range more accessible, Renault is now separating the base pricing of the 5- and 7-seater models.