Renault’s Captur small SUV is one of the most easily recognisable cars on our roads, writes Trish Whelan.
In a sector that has become extremely competitive, New Captur has reinvented itself without losing the unique identity that made the original such a success.
It is now more grown-up than ever with an even stronger SUV identity.
Next year, it will become the first model in its class to be offered with a plug-in hybrid engine, E-TECH Plug-in, designed to appeal to customers where the car will be the household’s only vehicle delivering the longest driving range in electric mode and ‘the best all-round performance for a plug-in hybrid model’.
In total, Renault has registered over 150 patents for the E-TECH Plug-in engine fitted to the new Captur. It will be capable of driving up to 45kms in pure electric mode. The electric part of the drivetrain is linked to a new and reworked 1.6L petrol engine. Customers are supplied with a Mode 2-compatible charging plug for domestic sockets and a Mode 3 plug for charging stations.
Petrol engines include a TCe 100 (1.0L), TCe 130 (1.3L), TCe 155 (1.3 155hp). The two diesels are a Blue 1.5L with 95hp and 115hp.
Customers have a choice of manual or EDC seven-speed gearboxes.
The new model is also longer than before and comes with a higher waistline. It is also lighter, stronger and safer than its predecessor. Built on the new CMF-B platform, also used by the New Clio and which is designed from the outset to accommodate an electric powertrain and the latest electronic architecture, it also offers the possibility to integrate new technologies that meet the market’s needs.
In appearance, the front gets a wider grille, an expressive front bumper that features two wide air deflectors in front of the wheel arches that help limit turbulence and reduce aerodynamic drag; helping to further improve fuel consumption. As standard, 100pc LED headlamps are fitted across the range.
With the increased length, this new model is roomier and more practical than before. Boot capacity has been increased by 81L to 536L.
Renault claim the interior sets new standards for the class. The entire passenger area has seen improvements in quality and comfort rivalling models from the class above with its high-grade materials, soft coverings for the dashboard, door panels, fittings and a new seat design.
Like the New Clio, the New Captur gets the ‘Smart Cockpit’ layout which features the optional 9.3-inch infotainment screen, the biggest in its class. It gives easy access to the connected Renault Easy Link multimedia system, navigation and infotainment services etc. A TFT digital screen replaces the traditional analogue instrument cluster. When specified with the 9.3-inch and 10-inch screens, this latest Captur has one of the biggest combined display layouts in its class.
An array of driver assistance systems is offered including a 360deg camera and active emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection (both firsts in the Renault range), Active Rear Vehicle Detection and all-round parking sensors. The highlight is the optional Highway & Traffic Jam Companion, a first step towards autonomous vehicles that combines adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
New exterior colours include Atacama Orange, Flame Red and Iron Blue. In total, 11 bodywork colours, four contrasting roof colours and three external customisation packs will be available at launch giving the potential of 90 possible combinations. The car can also be fitted with longitudinal roof bars or a semi-glazed opening sunroof.
Captur is one of the key models in the French car maker’s Drive the Future (2017-2022) strategic plan as it is sold on every continent and will also be manufactured in China, a key market for Renault.
The car meets the three pillars of the mobility of the future as presented in Renault’s strategic plan: It is electric powered, offers high end connectivity technology and will be one of the pioneers with some form of autonomous driving technology.
By the end of the company’s strategic plan, Renault will have 12 electric models in its range, and this New Captur will be the first Renault model to benefit from the E-TECH Plug-in hybrid engine.
Again, by the end of the plan, 100pc of vehicles in the company’s key markets will feature connected systems - New Captur has the new connected multimedia system and the brand’s Easy Connect Platform. On Autonomy, by 2022 Renault will be marketing 15 models equipped with some form of autonomous driving technology.
Captur has sold 1.2 million units since its launch in 2013, rapidly becoming the best selling model in its class across Europe.
