Here at Renault Retail Group, we're thrilled to announce the arrival of Renault's latest innovation in hybrid technology: a brand-new 1.8-litre E-Tech full hybrid 160 hp powertrain, featuring a 1.4 kWh battery. This exciting development, now available on both the popular Renault Captur and the all-new Renault Symbioz, offers a fantastic combination – more oomph and quicker responses, all while sipping less fuel.
Renault is already a leading force in the European hybrid market, ranking second with over 750,000 full hybrid vehicles sold in the last five years. This new powertrain builds upon that expertise, offering a compelling option for drivers seeking a smooth transition to a more efficient future without fully committing to electric just yet.
The Magic of E-Tech: Electric Start, Efficient Driving:
Renault's E-Tech full hybrid technology is clever stuff. It means your Captur or Symbioz will start silently in pure electric mode. In fact, drivers can enjoy electric-only driving for up to 80% of their journey time when navigating towns and cities. This not only makes for a quieter and more pleasant driving experience but also significantly reduces emissions. The Symbioz boasts CO2 emissions as low as 98g/km, with the Captur starting from just 99g/km.
This innovative powertrain draws on Renault's extensive knowledge in electric vehicles and even incorporates technology inspired by Formula 1, particularly in energy recovery and regeneration. Over 150 patents protect this system, which is already proving its worth across a range of Renault models.
More Power, Enhanced Performance:
This new generation E-Tech powertrain retains the clever series-parallel hybrid architecture, combining two electric motors (a 36 kW e-motor and a 15 kW HSG - High-Voltage Starter Generator) with a refined 1.8-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine now producing a healthy 80 kW (109 hp). This is paired with a brand-new intelligent multi-mode clutchless dog box and a higher capacity 1.4 kWh battery.
The dog box ensures rapid and precise gear changes with minimal power loss, and its simpler mechanical design also enhances reliability. Furthermore, the previous indirect injection system has been upgraded to direct injection, optimising fuel vaporisation for greater combustion efficiency, leading to improved engine performance and lower emissions.
You'll really feel the difference in performance. Torque is now 25% higher (172 Nm for the petrol engine alone), meaning maximum power is available at lower engine speeds, resulting in better response, especially during acceleration and when picking up speed on faster roads. The Captur now achieves 0-100 km/h in a brisk 8.9 seconds (down from 10.6 seconds), while the Symbioz manages it in 9.1 seconds (also an improvement from 10.6 seconds).
Increased Electric Range & Lower Consumption:
The new 1.4 kWh battery (up from 1.2 kWh) provides increased electric driving range, further optimising fuel efficiency and offering greater flexibility for urban commutes and shorter trips. Combined with efficient regenerative braking and the E-Tech system's overall cleverness, fuel consumption is impressively low, with both Captur and Symbioz achieving just 4.3 litres/100 km (compared to 4.7 litres for the previous version). This translates to fuel savings of up to 40%!
The refined dog box transmission now offers even smoother and quieter gear changes, reducing vibrations and engine noise for a more comfortable drive. A new electronic gear lever (e-shifter) also adds to the precision and ergonomic feel.
Towing Made Easier:
For those who need it, the new E-Tech 160 hp powertrain also increases the towing capacity from 750 kg to a more practical 1,000 kg, offering greater flexibility for drivers needing to tow a trailer or small caravan.
More Choice for Symbioz:
Alongside this exciting new full hybrid option, the Renault Symbioz range will also welcome a new mild hybrid 140 petrol engine. This efficient and responsive 1.3-litre turbocharged engine with a 6-speed manual gearbox provides a great balance of performance and fuel economy, supported by a starter-alternator and a 12V lithium-ion battery.
Get Ready to Experience the Future of Hybrid:
Orders for the Renault Captur and Symbioz with the new E-Tech full hybrid 160 hp powertrain open on 6th May, with the first deliveries expected in early July 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience the best of both worlds – the smooth, silent efficiency of electric driving combined with the reassurance and range of a petrol engine.
Visit your local Renault Retail Group dealership to find out more and be among the first to experience this exciting new powertrain. We're confident you'll be impressed by the increased power, enhanced driveability, and impressive fuel efficiency of the latest generation of Renault E-Tech full hybrid technology.