Renault Captur 2017 review - Brand new design with improved interior quality
BABY CROSSOVER models are big news. Renault’s best-selling car last year was its Captur crossover, beating the Clio to top its UK sales for the first time.
Renault announce updated version of mini-SUV 'Captur'
But that hasn’t stopped the French firm from updating it.
Having launched the Kadjar medium crossover in 2016 and with a bigger Koleos crossover coming this summer, Renault wants the baby of the three to look like its bigger siblings.
So a nose job was in order and with it comes improved interior quality, more equipment and a new top trim level to reflect the fact that buyers are tending to plump for the more expensive models in the range.
The other big change in looks is the new daytime running lights
It’s useful timing as this sector is poised for a massive influx of new models.
Citroën, Hyundai, Kia, Seat and Skoda are set to launch small crossovers this year, to join Vauxhall’s second model in the segment, the Crossland X, and the established Mokka X.
As the biggest-selling so-called urban crossover in Europe last year, the Captur is well-placed and this new model’s more stylish looks should help reinforce its position in the face of massively increased competition.
Its redesign is noticeable and clearly puts the car in line with Renault’s other crossovers. The big giveaways are the grille’s chrome lining and the bold new skid plate along the bottom of the front and rear bumpers, implying off-road credentials that the front-wheel drive Captur isn’t really capable of fulfilling.
The other big change in looks is the new daytime running lights, with the C-shaped LED arrangement incorporated into the bumper, rather than the simple horizontal line of LEDs on the outgoing car.
New full-LED front lights are available on higher versions, and were the single most expensive element of the reworking, according to Renault’s designers.
The engine range is untouched by the revamp, which means two petrol and two diesel options that are all turbocharged. The petrol engines are 0.9-litre 90bhp and 1.2-litre 120bhp units, while the turbo-diesels are 90bhp or 110bhp versions of a 1.5-litre engine. The most powerful of each get a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, the lower-powered a five-speed, while the 120bhp petrol and 90bhp diesel also have the option of Renault’s EDC automatic gearbox.
The only one to get under 10 seconds for the 0 to 60mph acceleration is the 1.2-litre petrol, which does it in 9.9 seconds, while the most efficient in the line-up is the 90bhp manual diesel, which offers average fuel economy figures of 78.5mpg and 95g/km emissions. Both the 90bhp diesel automatic and the 120bhp diesel engine also get under 100g/km.
The driving experience is pretty neutral. This is a car that doesn’t offend but isn’t the most entertaining of steers.
There is noticeable noise at higher speed with the wind, road and engine all audible but it rides well and the steering is light, so the Captur is a car that’s happy picking its way around an urban setting.
It’s not the widest car and front seat adults can end up rubbing elbows but rear space is relatively good. The cabin has higher grade plastics, chrome inserts and new steering wheel materials and the dash-top cubbyhole has been moved so it’s more easily reached, while the reworked seats offer comfort and support.
Boot space is good for a sector where nobody really offers comprehensive luggage space.
The 455 litres is 99 litres more than a Vauxhall Mokka X and 105 above a Fiat 500X. The trim levels now run as: Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav, Signature X Nav and Signature X Nav, the latter being the new trim level installed to capitalise on the fact that more buyers are choosing more expensive models.
Sat nav is fitted as standard on all bar the lowest trim level, though the system isn’t visually up with the latest ones and seems to track a good distance behind the car’s on-road position. The infotainment system could also do with more shortcut buttons.
Usefully, there’s an Isofix child seat fixing point in the passenger front seat as well as the two outer rear ones and the two Signature trim levels are now compatible with Android Auto, allowing certain smartphone functions to be controlled via the R-link media system.
Apple Carplay isn’t compatible though. Renault’s reworking of its most popular model makes it easier and better to live with and slightly increases its appeal in the face of the high number of new rivals heading towards it.
The Captur is up with the best in the sector as an all-round ownership proposition and that’s more true than ever with this new model.
LOGBOOK LOWDOWN
Prices: £15,355-£23,145
Engines: Turbo-petrol – 0.9, 1.2-litre; Turbo-diesel – 1.5, 1.5 litre 110bhp
Power: 0 to 60mph in 9.9 seconds, 119mph top speed (1.2)
Fuel economy: 78.5mpg (1.5TD) CO2 emissions: 95-127g/km
Rivals: Fiat 500X, Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008, Vauxhall Mokka X
Rating: 8/10