All new Renault Captur raises the bar again
Even the best things must evolve and Renault’s top-selling first crossover/compact SUV Captur has been completely refreshed. I was impressed when I first drove it - all the way to Dusseldorf and back in 2014 - barely missing a beat and delivering comfortable cruising and good economy over something like 1,000 miles of motoring.
The latest model offers a more premium finish, efficient engines, a restyled front end, with a slim grille, LED lights and newly designed logo and, according to Renault, up to 18 new generation driving aids. In true SUV style it offers a hint of ruggedness with rear protection skid plates, protective mouldings, prominent wheel arch extensions and subtle roof bars. This esprit Alpine model adds 19-inch ‘Elixir’ alloy wheels and two-tone paint with contrasting black roof colour. All of this is offered from a starting price of just over £21k.
For that money you get a vehicle with a real high-end feel, which increases as you move up the range. The car is equipped with the OpenR Link infotainment system with Google built-in, based on Android Automotive 12, accessed via a new 10.4-inch vertical tablet-style touchscreen. The screen also controls phone connectivity and infotainment.
This is supplemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument display to deliver real-time information to the driver. There is a wireless smartphone charger and comfort features include automatic air conditioning with one-touch quick demist and air quality regulator, a central console with a sliding armrest, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, and a hands-free keycard, just asking to get lost!
Engine choices are limited to two petrol-based units, a three-pot one litre turbo and the hybrid, a highly efficient 145hp 1.6-litre E-Tech with automatic transmission. There are three spec levels, Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine, driven here, a range topper that ticks virtually all the boxes for the price. The interior is impressive using recycled fabrics for sustainability. It is surprisingly roomy,
Tardis-like, for the size of car with excellent head and legroom for front occupants, while those in the rear benefit from a sliding rear bench seat, which moves by up to 16cm . This range-topper includes aluminium sports pedals, heated front seats, heated synthetic leather steering wheel, sun visor with mirror and light, and adaptive cruise control with speed limiter. As a hatchback/SUV/crossover, it has to be practical and it is. Boot space is excellent, opening up from 616 litres to a maximum of 1,363 litres with the spit/fold rear seats down.
This is supplemented by in-cabin storage of nearly 25 litres. On the road, the hybrid really comes into its own, offering good performance, hitting 60mph in just over 10 seconds and terrific economy, with over 60.1mpg the official economy figure. My few days showed around 56mpg, still impressive, particularly as there was plenty of motorway driving. To go electric only and to save when driving in low emission or congestion charge zones, the E-SAVE button maintains a battery charge of at least 40 per cent.
Renaults have always been one of the safest brands and the Captur offers a comprehensive range of safety kit, including on this model a 360° camera and active emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection. An impressive evolution from Renault, the Captur has already sold over 194,000 cars in the UK since first going on sale in 2013. This crossover's combination of stylish design, practicality, and advanced technology make it an attractive package
Factfile
Renault Captur Renault e-tech hybrid esprit Alpine 145 HP
Price: £28,695
Mechanical: 145bhp, 1,333cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox
Max speed: 106mph
0-60mph: 10.6 seconds
Combined mpg: 60.
Insurance group: 16 (tbc)
CO2 emissions: 107g/km
Warranty: 5yrs/100,000 miles
