We Like:
The design
Efficient drivetrain
Comfort
We Do Not Like:
Slow refresh on reverse camera
Build quality could be better
Lack of space in the back
The initial iterations did not do much to capture (if you can pardon the pun) my attention but the latest version of the Renault Captur has turned out a neat looking and well kitted out crossover and the 1,5-million sales it racked up around the world prior to launch of the latest version should keep the counter ticking over.
Originally launched in 2013, the Renault Captur has grown into itself as it were and the latest version offers a versatile and fuel efficient runabout with 404 litres of standard boot space that can be expanded with the rear seats down to expose a flat floor to 1 275 litres.
The floorboard also offers multiple positions, allowing either maximum load height or hidden storage for items to be stowed within the Captur.
Power comes from a 1,3 turbo-charged engine offering 113 kW at 6 000 r/min and good low-down torque of 270 Nm from 1 700 r/min, with average fuel consumption around the 6,8 l/100 km mark. It drives through a 7-speed automatic Efficiency Dual Clutch (EDC) gearbox and offers manual changing via paddle shifters and the Multi-Sense Sport mode should you wish to extract everything on offer from the engine.
Pressing on along an open stretch of curvy country road the Captur responds quite vigorously to throttle and steering inputs and produces more of a fun drive than the ‘on-paper’ specifications might indicate - the sprint to 100 km/h coming up in 9,6 seconds and top speed claimed at 183 km/h.
Standard are 216/60 R17 wheels and tyres and this is more than enough rubber to keep the Captur firmly glued to the road even when pothole dodging or simply scooting through a mountain pass. The low mass of the engine upfront helps to minimise understeer tendencies.
However, the same cannot be said for more rippled or dirt roads and the Captur does tends to become a ‘loose’ on these surfaces and I noted few rattles and squeaks that should not be coming from a car costing around half a bar.
Check out our pre-owned Renault Captur models here
And that brings me to the interior. While it is exceptionally neat and well laid out, there is a lot of plastic where leather or soft touch material would be much more appealing and, certainly better looking. That said, the plastic is easy to clean and would probably serve a family with small kids extremely well.
Either way it is a significant improvement on the previous generation and the Smart Cockpit is home to a prominent 9,3-inch multimedia screen where the slightly curved portrait tablet is angled toward the driver and is easy to read and use. The Renault EASY LINK multimedia system presents an all-connected and customised multimedia experience, onboard navigation and infotainment services.
Based on the Renault Clio, the current version of the Captur is 105 mm longer than its predecessor, 19 mm wider, ground clearance is 174 mm and the wheelbase has been extended by 33 mm.
In terms of price comparison, the Captur 1.3 Turbo Intens comes up against the likes of the Peugeot 2008 1.2T Allure, Omoda C5 1.5T 230T Elegance and Honda HR-V 1.5 Comfort - putting it smack in the middle of a massively competitive sector of the market.
In terms of standard specification there is little to choose from between the Renault and those (and other) competitors and the Captur comes with a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating; with six crash bags, Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), anti-locking Braking System, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD, and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
The Captur still offers front and rear park assist with the reverse camera; this sadly a bit disappointing as the refresh rate is quite slow.
Other standard safety support features include Lane Departure warning, Blind Spot Warning and Traffic Sign recognition with speed limit warning. Three ISOFIX 3-point child seat anchor seat attachments are fitted to the front passenger and rear side seats.
The Captur is backed by a 5-year/ 150 000 km mechanical warranty, a 3-year/ 45 000 km service plan and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15 000 km, whichever comes first.
I did enjoy driving the Captur and it could be a car that is very easy to live with. At the end of the day the buyer’s choice will be determined by aesthetics, a touch of badge loyalty and practical solutions to their specific needs.
Colin Windell
Proudly CHANGECARS
