#RENAULT CAPTUR REVIEWS MANUAL#

The plug-in hybrid E-Tech model is the obvious choice for company car buyers, but if you’re set on a regular combustion engine model then the diesel emits slightly less than the petrols. Insurance groups are between 7 and 15 of 50, so pretty affordable and comparable to rivals. Our pick of the powertrains, the TCe 130 petrol, claims up to 44.8mpg. When it comes to fuel economy, the diesel will get you up to 58.9mpg on paper, compared to up to 47.9mpg for the lowest-powered petrol. Prices start at almost exactly the same as a VW T-Roc or a Nissan Juke. It’s not as affordable as a lot of close competition, including the Kia Stonic, Seat Arona and Dacia Duster, but it’ll cost you considerably less than a Toyota C-HR or Mini Countryman or premium models like the BMW X1. When it comes to monthly leasing costs, the Captur is at the upper end of its rivals. If you’re a company car driver, don’t do anything until you’ve checked out the E-Tech plug-in hybrid, as it’ll prove much cheaper on company car tax. The pay-off to a lack of urgency is much better fuel economy. Diesel engines tend to have more grunt low down in the rev range, and this saves it from feeling strained like the lower-powered petrols. It has 94 horsepower, which isn’t a huge amount, but it’s just about enough to do the job as long as you don’t hurry it. If you’re doing lots of longer journeys then the diesel-powered Blue dCi 95 engine might be up your street, although at the time of writing it was only available in one trim level.

#RENAULT CAPTUR REVIEWS MANUAL#

Models from mid-2021 replace the manual 130 with a manual version of the 140, but at the time of writing, both were available It comes with a manual gearbox, but if you want an automatic then there’s a slightly more powerful version called the TCe 14, with 138bhp. The power figure is up to 128bhp and it’ll easily get you up to speed on the motorway, and feels lively around town. The next level engine up, the TCe 130, is much better. There are two versions, the TC3 90 with 89bhp and the TCe 100 with 99bhp, but both lack the punch of similar engines, and feel rather lethargic unless you rev them hard. Unfortunately, Renault’s effort isn’t one of the better ones. The engine range starts with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, of the type that plenty of rivals are also using. Overall, the Captur feels a step behind the best-behaving cars of this type, namely the Skoda Kamiq, VW T-Roc and Ford Puma, but most people aren’t likely to have too many complaints. Wind and road noise is on the high side at motorway speeds This doesn’t do much to make it feel agile, but it’s great for manoeuvring around town and never feels less than confident on country roads. The Captur’s ride is a little on the bumpy side, especially at lower speeds, but it’s better with smaller alloy wheels.Ĭornering performance is similarly reasonable, with steering that’s on the light side. Customers won’t want something so stiff and agile that it clatters its way over bad road surfaces, but neither will they appreciate a ride that’s soft and supple if it then feels all wallowy through the corners. Renault has tried to tread a line between sportiness and comfort with the way that the Captur drives, and it’s mostly successful.

There’s a sliding rear bench to let you choose between extra luggage space or more legroom, and under the bonnet you can choose one of several different powertrains, including diesel and petrol. Inside, it’s similarly stylish, with some unusual features including a portrait-orientated infotainment touchscreen.

As with most of its rivals, don’t be fooled by this off-road derived styling – you can’t get a Captur with four-wheel drive, and it’s very much aimed at on-road driving.

It has the familiar small SUV proportions, with hatchback dimensions but raised-up ride height, and all models have alloy wheels and bright LED headlights. Whether or not it’s handsome is a subjective decision, but enough people think it is that the Renault is instantly elevated above some of its humdrum opposition, even those that are actually very good. The Captur’s primary selling points are its looks. Renault hopes that a much-improved interior with an eye-catching infotainment system will also win it some fans, as well a choice of petrol and diesel engines and several trim levels to suit different budgets. The addition of a plug-in hybrid model will raise it up considerably for some potential customers, as will the snazzy looks. It also means that it’s swimming in a pond with some very talented fish. That makes it a rival for a wide range of cars, including the Ford Puma, Seat Arona, Skoda Kamiq and Volkswagen T-Cross. The Captur is Renault’s smallest SUV, sharing mechanical bits with the similarly-sized Clio hatchback.

Renault captur reviews