By Breda Corrigan
A pioneer of the small SUV market, the Captur has sold more than 1.2 million units since its launch in 2013, rapidly becoming the best selling model in its class across Europe. In a sector that has become extremely competitive, the recently launched all-new Renault Captur has reinvented itself without losing the unique identity that made the original such a success. Featuring athletic and dynamic new looks, an even more welcoming and practical interior, and setting new technology standards, the new Captur is more grown-up and upmarket than ever.
Strong SUV Identity;
The new Captur is graced with an even stronger SUV identity than before, and is an unmistakable presence on the road. The totally redesigned exterior is more modern, distinctive and expressive, yet it also remains true to Renault’s core design values. Longer than before by 110mm and with a higher waistline, the All-New Captur has a true SUV stance, which is enhanced by the tough-looking front and rear protection skid plates, the chunky protective mouldings that run the entire length of the lower body, and the prominent wheel arch extensions. Factor in the distinctively contoured wings, scalloped sides and the ‘floating roof’ treatment, and the All-New Captur’s sleek profile makes it instantly recognisable. At the front is a wider grille, while the All-New Captur’s very expressive front bumper features two wide air deflectors in front of the wheel arches that help limit turbulence and reduce aerodynamic drag, helping to further improve fuel economy.
Upmarket Appearance;
The All-New Captur’s appearance is pushed further upmarket by the careful use of chrome trim for the window surrounds, the bodyside mouldings and the inserts set into the front wings. The material is also used to embellish the boldly designed tailgate. Another big advance is the standard fitment of 100 percent LED headlamps across the range. Surrounded by Renault’s trademark C-Shape daylight running light signature, these powerful units are seamlessly integrated into the design, with elements of the chrome grille running into the lamps. The slim rear lights on the All-New Captur retain the C-Shape light signature that typifies modern Renault design, while also providing the illusion of an extra wide vehicle.
Colour & Customisation;
Adding further visual appeal are the inclusion of new exterior colours, which offer remarkable depth and sheen, and also emphasise the Captur’s athletic, dynamic design. In total, 11 bodywork colours, 4 contrasting roof colours and 3 external customisation packs are available, giving a unique potential in this segment of 90 possible colour combinations. The Captur has always been recognised for its customisation options – and the All-New Captur goes even further with a greater variety of options and new colours inside, and out.
The interior of the All-New Captur can also be customised with a choice of seven different colour combinations. The Caramel, Blue, Red and Turquoise packs embellish the air vents and the base of the gear lever, while the Light Grey and Orange packs feature inserts for the inner doors, dashboard and upholstery, providing no fewer than 18 interior colour configurations. Additionally, there are eight ambient lighting colours for the inner doors and the base of the floating centre console, all selected via the MULTI-SENSE system settings.
Three Generously-Equipped Trim Levels;
There are three trim choices in the new Captur – entry-level Play, Mid-spec Iconic, and range-topping S-Edition. From entry level upwards, all versions of the new Captur include 17” wheels, multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, full LED lights and Automatic Climate Control. Moving up the range adds more standard features, including the contrasting roof, an intuitive 9.3” touchscreen, stylish alloy wheel designs, and a comprehensive ADAS safety suite including E-Call, Lane Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and AEBS. Captur Iconic includes keyless entry, built-in navigation (EasyLink system with Google search and live fuel prices) and the option of two-tone paint at no additional cost, while S-Edition also includes a parking camera, Multi-Sense system, cornering lights, part-leather seats, auto-dimming mirror, auto highbeam, electrically-folding door mirrors, and many more comfort, convenience and safety features as standard.
Engine & Transmission Options;
Engine options consist of a 1.3-litre petrol unit (TCe) with a choice of 100, 130 or 155bhp, while a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel engine (dCi) with either 95 or 115bhp is also available, with all engines complying with strict Euro6 emission standards. Joining the range shortly is an E-TECH Rechargable Hybrid, which will make the all-new Captur a tempting proposition to an even wider audience. A five-speed manual gearbox is reserved for the TCe100 and dCi95 models, while a six-speed manual is available in higher powered variants. A slick seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is available with the TCe 130, TCe155, and dCi115 engines.
Test Car;
My test car was a new Captur in top spec S-Edition trim, and was finished in stunning two-tone Desert Orange and Midnight Black metallic paint for maximum visual impact, while an optional ‘Signature Orange’ interior colour pack provided a dash of expressive flair in the cabin. Producing 130bhp, and a healthy 240Nm of torque, the 1.3-litre TCe 130 engine enables the 0-100km/h sprint to be completed in just 9.6-seconds. With this engine capable of consuming as little as 5.2-litres of petrol for every 100km driven (combined driving cycle), the car’s standard 45-litre fuel tank will allow up to 865km’s between fills. The dual-clutch 7-speed automatic transmission in my test car allowed for smooth take off and acceleration, and proved itself to be simple to use. My test car performed admirably on a variety of motorway and rural roads, with sharp steering responses ensuring that bends can be negotiated with ease, while the car remained comfortable and composed when faced with imperfrct road surfaces. Annual road tax across the entire new Renault Captur range is between €190 and €270, with my test car falling in to the latter bracket.
Pricing & Verdict;
The All-New Renault Captur will delight new and existing Captur owners alike, as it possesses all of the hallmarks of an SUV, and leaves a strong first impression. Pricing for the new Captur starts from just €21,995 (ex-works), with all Renault passenger cars attracting a 5-Year/200,000km warranty as standard. For the initial ‘202 registration period (and for a limited time), Renault are offering a super-low finance rate of just 2.02% APR, on top of €1,000 cashback, and no payments for the first 3 months.
Fact Box;
- Upmarket Small SUV
- Huge Personalisation Options
- Petrol, Diesel & Rechargable Hybrid
- Impressive Standard Specification
- Priced From Just €21,995 (ex-works)
