Introduction
After being introduced to the line-up back in 2013, the Captur has been Renault’s most compact crossover and rode the crest of the small SUV wave to be one of the French firm’s most popular models. But Renault has decided to give the model a mid-life update to bring it in-line with the more recent offerings, as well as bringing it much closer to its market rivals.
Built on the same platform as the Clio, the crossover does offer more interior space and as it was once the best-selling car in the segment across Europe, Renault has decided to keep things mostly the same.
But can the updates help keep the compact model near the sharp-end of the competitive sector? We find out…
Performance
Under the bonnet of our test model is a 0.9-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine that developed 89bhp and 140Nm of torque. Directing the power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, this version of the Captur can go from 0-60mph in 12.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 106mph. The engine has more than enough puff to get up to motorway speed without much hassle.
Renault also offers the Captur with a 90bhp 1.5-litre diesel and a 1.2-litre petrol unit that develops 118bhp – both offered with manual and automatic transmission options.
Ride & Handling
This entry-level 0.9-litre three-cylinder petrol feels nippy and is perfect for driving around town. The 1.2 with manual transmission is a better option for motorway driving.
The steering is rather lightweight as well, making the Captur a bit skittish at higher speeds – but that makes the Renault rather handy around town. It’s comfortable enough and the engines are above average. The extra ride height over the Clio makes for a smoother ride, especially over the city bumps.
Interior & Equipment
There’s nothing stand-out about the Captur’s interior, but everything – save the cruise control switch – is in its right place and there is a fair amount interior space to get comfortable in. Adults in the back will find legroom to be a little bit tight, but there is plenty of headroom for all.
In terms of load space, the Captur offers 377 litres when the seats are in their standard spot but sliding them forward will allow for 455 litres. Also, folding the split rear seats down will provide customers with 1,235 litres of space to work with.
From the base level model and across the four specifications, Renault has ensured that the Captur comes well-equipped. As standard, it comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, contrasting roof and body, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control with speed limiter, smartphone cradle, Bluetooth, manual air conditioning, 60/40 split rear seats, black cloth upholstery and electric windows.
In the top-end GT Line trim we tried, Renault also fits a seven-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, automatic folding wing mirrors, blind spot warning, parking sensors and reversing camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather steering wheel and fog lights with cornering function.
Cost
Prices for the crossover start from £15,300, which buys the entry-level Play model with the TCe 90 petrol engine paired to a five-speed manual transmission. The car we drove in GT Line spec cost £19,485, although the car without any additional equipment fitted starts from £18,300.
In terms of fuel economy, the TCe 90 petrol unit on-board the test car has a quoted fuel usage of 45.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 122g/km. The dCi diesel offering also available with the Captur can achieve up to a claimed 53.3mpg.
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Verdict
The compact crossover market is packed enough as it is, so it could be easy to skim over the Captur altogether. But with a good complement of equipment from the entry level model and a low starting price, customers should definitely consider the compact Renault option. The Captur is very practical for its size and has an efficient engine line-up that makes it a worthy option for many.
