Renault Captur: A Mid-Life Facelift to Keep Up with the Competition
Renault has recently unveiled the mid-life facelift for its popular small SUV, the Captur. Since its launch in 2019, the Captur has sold over two million units worldwide, making it a significant player in the global B-segment market. However, with fierce competition from rivals like the Ford Puma, Hyundai Kona, and Nissan Juke, Renault knew it needed to make some updates to keep the Captur relevant.
Design & Styling: A Fresh Look for the Captur
The most noticeable change in the facelifted Captur is its updated design. Gilles Vidal, Renault’s head of styling, has introduced a new design language that brings the Captur in line with other Renault models like the Clio, Rafale, and Scenic. The front end features a new emblem that pulsates, giving the Captur a fresh and modern look. The daytime running lights have also been redesigned to be more angular and lightning bolt-shaped.
Interior & Technology: A Modern and Upmarket Cabin
Inside, the Captur has received a comprehensive overhaul. The highlight of the interior is the new 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen, which runs Renault’s latest OpenR Link infotainment platform. The touchscreen is integrated with Google, offering seamless connectivity and wireless smartphone mirroring. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, with key functions like maps, vehicle controls, phone, and music readily accessible. However, the rear camera quality could be improved compared to rivals.
The cabin materials and finishes vary depending on the trim level. The mid-range Techno trim features soft-touch plastics and a metal-feeling bar in front of the passenger. The top-of-the-line Esprit Alpine trim replaces much of the plastics with a soft-touch cloth design and adds Alpine logos. However, closer inspection reveals some harder and cheaper-feeling surfaces and fixings in the lower parts of the cabin.
Space & Practicality: Smaller than Rivals, but Still Functional
While the Captur offers a practical and functional interior, it falls slightly behind its rivals in terms of space. The smaller Clio actually offers more headroom than the Captur, although both cars provide adequate space for passengers. The rear seats can be slid forward or backward, allowing for flexibility in balancing legroom and boot space. Speaking of the boot, the Captur offers an impressive 484 liters of space with the seats in their rearmost position, expanding to 1,275 liters when folded flat.
Engines & Performance: A Hybrid Option and Fuel Efficiency
The facelifted Captur will be available with two powertrain options in the UK. The entry-level engine is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine producing 90bhp, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The more exciting option is the full-hybrid E-Tech powertrain, which combines a 1.6-liter engine with a 48bhp electric motor and a 1.2kWh traction battery. This hybrid powertrain offers 145bhp and impressive fuel efficiency, with Renault quoting 60.1mpg.
Ride & Handling: A Balanced and Intuitive Driving Experience
The Captur’s driving experience sets it apart from many of its rivals. It strikes a balance between comfort and agility, offering crisp and intuitive handling. The steering is medium-paced with progressive response, making it easy to navigate the road. The suspension provides good body control and clean chassis response, with stability and traction control electronics that discreetly intervene when needed. However, the ride can be slightly brittle on rougher roads, especially with larger wheels.
MPG & Running Costs: Aggressive Pricing and Fuel Efficiency
Renault plans to position the Captur aggressively in terms of pricing, undercutting many of its rivals. The mid-range Techno trim, which offers standard tech features like a rear-view camera, parking sensors, wireless phone charging, and automatic headlights, is expected to hold its value well. Additionally, the Captur offers decent fuel efficiency, with a reported average of 63mpg for the E-Tech hybrid powertrain during mixed driving.
Conclusion: A Competitive Package
Overall, the mid-life facelift for the Renault Captur brings significant improvements to design, technology, and value. The updated exterior gives the Captur a fresh and modern look, while the revamped interior offers a more upmarket and connected experience. The hybrid powertrain option provides both power and fuel efficiency, making it an attractive choice for eco-conscious buyers. Despite some minor drawbacks in rear camera quality and cabin space, the Captur remains a competitive option in the oversaturated small SUV market. With its combination of style, value, and practicality, Renault hopes that the updated Captur will continue its strong sales performance.