Renault Symbioz LPG arrives in Romania at a competitive price and a range of 1400 km
Renault Symbioz relies on the "Romanian recipe": The new Eco-G 120 engine promises record autonomy at a competitive price
Renault continues its offensive in the C-SUV segment, bringing to Romanian showrooms a version that seems tailor-made for the pragmatic preferences of the local public. The Renault Symbioz, the model that connects the Captur and the Austral, receives a bi-fuel engine (gasoline + LPG) called Eco-G 120, transforming it into a true road marathoner.
A new engine for the "kings" of autonomy
Until now, LPG engines within the Renault group were almost exclusively associated with the 1.0-liter unit. The new Eco-G 120 version changes the game: under the hood we find a 1.2-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine capable of delivering 120 HP and a generous 200 Nm of torque.
The most impressive figure, however, is not the power, but the range. Thanks to its dual-tank configuration (48 liters of petrol and 50 liters of LPG), the Symbioz promises to cover up to 1,400 kilometers on a single “double” tank. It’s a value that would make any old-generation diesel engine jealous, while offering low emissions of just 117 g CO?/km in LPG mode.
- Starting price: 24,500 euros (VAT included) for the Evolution equipment.
- Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox.
- Availability: Orders have already been opened, and first deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2026.
Symbioz's success in Romania and Europe
Although recently launched (in the second half of 2024), the Symbioz has already managed to find a stable place in customer preferences. At a European level, the model has exceeded the 100,000 order threshold, confirming that there is a massive demand for compact SUVs that do not sacrifice modularity.
In Romania, sales follow an interesting trend:
- E-Tech Full Hybrid 145/160: Remains the preferred engine for retail customers, representing approximately 75% of total sales to date.
- Techno equipment: It is the "best-seller" of the range, being chosen by 46% of buyers due to the good balance between price and features (10.4-inch OpenR Link screen with integrated Google).
- Versatility as the main argument: Many Romanian customers have migrated to Symbioz thanks to the sliding seat (16 cm), which allows the trunk to increase from 434 to 624 liters, a rare feature in the 4.41-meter SUV segment.
Competition: Between Duster's "brother" and Asian rivals
The introduction of the LPG engine at 24,500 euros puts Symbioz in a delicate but advantageous strategic position. It must contend with:
- Dacia Duster: The main "domestic" competitor. Although the Duster is approximately 5,000 euros cheaper, the Symbioz adds much more refined interior materials, integrated Google technology, and superior acoustic comfort.
- Hyundai Tucson: A sales leader in Romania. The Tucson offers more gross space, but at similar prices comes with classic gasoline engines, without the advantage of low running costs of LPG.
- Nissan Qashqai: The platform "cousin", but which relies on mild-hybrid engines and a slightly more premium (and more expensive) positioning.
- MG HS: The rival from China that attacks with aggressive prices and an extended warranty, but does not offer an alternative fuel solution (LPG) from the factory.
The journalistic verdict
By launching the Eco-G 120 version, Renault seems to have understood that, in Romania, efficiency does not only mean "electric", but also "economy at the pump". Symbioz GPL thus becomes one of the most rational choices for families who drive many kilometers annually and who are not yet ready for the electric charging infrastructure.