Renault Captur: The Little One Stays True To Himself

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 05:39

The Renault Captur remains true to itself even after the model revision. The small SUV of the French will not be available with all-wheel drive in the future either. But otherwise the Captur has a lot to offer

Small cars that turn on SUVs are becoming increasingly popular. So it's no wonder that almost every manufacturer has a corresponding vehicle in their portfolio. Renault added the Captur to its range back in 2013. With success: The little one with the optical SUV characteristics and the high seating position sells well and was at the top of the approvals in the B-SUV segment for a long time.

So that it can continue to assert itself despite the increasing competition, the French gave it a facelift in the middle of its model life, the focus of which was on visual refreshment. The newly renovated vehicles will be available from dealers from June 24th at prices starting at 15,890 euros.

Sharper front

With the Captur, attention is drawn to the shape and color. The front is now sharper and borrows from the big SUV brothers Kadjar and Koleos. The underrun protection, which is clearly visible at the front and rear, now ensures the striking appearance. Buyers who have the courage to use color will be happy with the Captur. Renault now offers three more eye-catching colors, including a bright orange (surcharge 690 euros). Most customers opt for a two-tone paint scheme anyway. With the new gray roof color, there are up to 35 color combinations for designing the exterior appearance. In addition, the side moldings and hub caps can be spiced up in color.

The interior continues colorfully. The surrounds of the center console, ventilation nozzles and loudspeakers now also glow in color. For drivers who don't like to see red or blue everywhere, a classic chrome tone is also available. In addition, a new leather steering wheel, new upholstery fabrics and softer plastic materials are finding their way into the Captur.

Without all-wheel drive

Where competitors such as Opel Mokka X, Audi Q2 or Fiat 500 X offer at least 4x4 drive as an option, the French remain loyal to the SUV look and leave it with front-wheel drive. There is also no change to report in the tunneling. As before, Renault offers two petrol and two diesel. The volume engine is the 0.9-liter three-cylinder, which has an output of 66 kW / 90 hp and is linked to a five-speed gearbox. The 87 kW / 117 hp four-cylinder turbo, which is available from 20,590 euros, is also in demand. The turbo goes well with the vehicle. It should be a good choice for frequent drivers who do not want to resort to diesel (66 kW / 90 PS or 81 kW / 110 PS).

It accelerates quite quickly and creates a top speed of 182 km / h. Although the four-cylinder does not come close to the torque of the diesel, the offered 205 Nm convey a certain liveliness. An average of 5.5 liters of fuel should flow through the pipes. As an alternative to the standard six-speed gearbox, a six-speed DSG (surcharge: 1,500 euros) is in the price list. The chassis is tuned as soft as butter, potholes are gently filtered away.

Tidy space

The design of the interior shows that Renault has not forgotten its van competence despite the SUV hype. The 4.12 meter long vehicle offers ample space on the comparatively small footprint. The rear seat can be shifted 16 centimeters lengthways in favor of more knee or trunk space. The luggage volume varies from 377 and 455 to 1,235 liters with the rear seat backrest folded down. Many shelves and the glove compartment designed as a drawer help to keep the car tidy.

To the delight of Renault dealers, customers are not only keen on color, but also indulge in a little more comfort. The basic version, which is available from 15,890 euros, therefore has a niche existence. In demand are the high equipment lines, which can be customized with all sorts of options such as leather, reversing camera, panoramic glass roof or, brand new, with blind spot warner or parking assistant. On top of that, Renault is now offering the top-of-the-line “Initiale Paris” for the Captur, following the Espace and Talisman models. From 25,490 euros, this equipment line leaves little to be desired. Modern driver assistants apart from the blind spot monitor are also sought in vain here. (SP-X)