Renault will expand its crossover line-up this year with the introduction of the Symbioz.

Sitting between the Captur and Austral, in the car maker's line-up, the Symbioz plugs a gap left by the discontinued Kadjar.

It will be a key rival for the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq.

Unlike the new Scenic and Megane, the Symbioz is not an all-electric model. Instead, it's powered by a petrol hybrid engine.

It shares a number of styling elements with the new Scenic and recently facelifted Captur.

On the inside, the interior layout mirrors that of the Captur. There's a large central infotainment screen that uses Renault's OpenR Google-based software.

A sliding rear seat bench allows rear legroom to be balanced with luggage capacity. The boot has a volume of 492 - 624 litres, depending on the rear seat position.

Prices are expected to start at around £30,000, when the Sybioz goes on sale in July.

The E-Tech hybrid powertrain is shared with the Captur and Clio. It develops 145PS and uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two electric motors. Fuel economy of more than 60mpg is predicted.

Renault will offer the Symbioz in Techno, Techno Esprit Alpine and Iconic Esprit Alpine trim levels.

Pricing and specification for the Symbioz will be released in due course.