Renault Symbioz review

Prices start from £29,295 in base spec techno trim, £31,295 in mid-spec esprit Alpine trim, and £33,295 in iconic esprit Alpine trim. That makes it a little bit cheaper than the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, and a lot more affordable than the Volkswagen Tiguan in mild hybrid guise.

Worth mentioning too that every version of the Symbioz has a 26 per cent BIK rate.

What's the kit list like?

Well, base-spec techno models get 18-inch alloys, a 10.25-inch digital driver display, 10.4-inch infotainment display with built-in Google, smartphone mirroring, wireless phone charger, all-round parking sensors, a rear view camera and adaptive cruise control. Yeah, not so basic after all.

Mid-spec esprit Alpine riffs off its sporty cousin and adds some flair courtesy of 19-inch alloys, heated leather steering wheel, heated front seats, handsfree boot, blind spot warning and rear detection, and adaptive cruise control with added lane centering assist.

Range-topping iconic esprit Alpine models get more tech on top, including the clever panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio system, 360-degree surround view camera, and hands-free parking.

You’ve seven colours to choose from, with red your standard (and only free) colour, with others including two shades of blue and grey, plus white and black.

What's the best option?

If you’re thinking with your head, entry-level techno – which is base-spec by name but not so base-spec by nature – will likely cover all your family requirements. And it’s the only one that gets 18-inch alloys, meaning the ride should be slightly softer.

If you’re thinking with your heart, however (and wanting to impress your friends) there’s only one real option available and that’s top-spec iconic esprit Alpine. Yup, for the trick roof. Everything else it brings is simply a bonus.