1st match of urban SUVs for families

In a few days, Citroën will launch the second version of its C3 Aircross urban SUV when Renault will show the first usable images – so far we’ve only seen teasers – of the Symbioz. The diamond brand has logically prioritized the facelifted Captur which should share, in part, its nose with the Renault Symbioz. In the calendar of the brand with two chevrons, it is the Citroën Basalt coupe SUV that made the news even though it was not meant for us.

But it’s all in all logical. The “important” brand Stellantis has for some time given priority to new products in emerging markets, the India C3 and C3 Aircross launched last year testify to this..

But back to the poster of Citroën C3 Aircross 2 VS Renault Symbioz which is about the European market.

Citroen C3 Aircross: an electric car designed for 7?

The second version of the Citroën urban SUV will see things bigger than its predecessor, from the size of 4.16 m, which was the standard in the segment during the first generation of the Peugeot 2008 and the Renault Captur in the early 2010s size of around 4.40 m . The C3 Aircross Mk2 will benefit from the STLA Smart technical platform just released from the Citroën C3.

A more generous length that will give it, like its counterpart already sold in emerging countries, a configuration of 5 and 7 seats while its modern chassis will be compatible with mild hybrid engines (48V) of 100 and 136 hp and above all will allow its transition to 100% electric.

On this subject, it would also be very logical that Citroën ë-C3 Aircross adopts the 113 hp electric engine introduced by the ë-C3. A surprise version – but not necessarily 7 seats, the batteries can prevent the installation of a third row of seats – which will certainly be shared by the technical and almost cosmetic twins, the Opel Frontera and the Fiat Multipla.

Renault Symbioz: 5 high seats, but a big trunk

Renault waited until mid-life for the second version of its Captur to add Symbioz features. The latter, which until recently was called “Renault Captur Long”, will come as a family addition and more spacious. However, despite its size of 4.40 meters, close to that of the Citroën C3 Aircross 2, the Renault Symbioz will only offer 5 seats. No 7-seater version will be in the program, it was not designed for it. On the other hand, it should benefit from a large load capacity that is also seasonal by means of a sliding bench seat that is none other than that of the Captur. picture

Symbioz’s target audience will be the customers of the old “short” Renault Scénic, when it was still hot, allowing it to move to an SUV without going electric, which it doesn’t need.. Because without much surprise, the range of Renault Symbioz engines will be made on the modified Captur model with gasoline engines under the hood TCe 90, TCE 100 (LPG), 145 hp hybrid (E-Tech) and 160 hp small hybrid. (TCe 160). You will have understood, Renault Symbioz will be able to go higher in terms of power than its experienced rival.