With minor upgrades added this year, the Renault Captur is a more attractive offering, both literally and figuratively.
The Renault Captur Intens is part of my recent insight into the Renault range starting with the Clio, and is priced from $28,990 for bonus features like leather seats, park assist, sunroof and more sensors than you can poke a stick at.
There’s only one other option in the range – Renult Captur Zen – and the entry point is $23,990 (that’s driveaway).
External
The Captur has always been a well-designed, compact looking small SUV (some may say cute) with nice curves, chrome skirting and roof spoiler.
But now the 2017 version comes with a new grille design, C-shaped daytime running light surrounds and rear taillights, LED lights and silver skid plates (just for the look only).
Body colours are available in two tones with personalised combinations of several shades of blue, grey as well as orange, red and brown, which only adds to the allure.
Internal
The interior finish is similar again to that of the Clio with an in-built 7” touchscreen on the dash, auto A/C controls, storage space for the key FOB, USB and 12V inputs.
Boot capacity is hatch-like but Renault threw in a removable floor panel that increases the depth, at the same time stops objects from sliding out when you open the door.
Overhead is a large panoramic roof but with no sunroof, meaning it doesn’t open, and a completely opaque blind that you have to pull open manually. The solid edge that spans the blind does help facilitate this though.
Although cabin storage is limited compared with SUVs of a comparative size, there is a small hutch on top of the dash and another compartment in the seat mounted ratchet armrest.
While we’re on the topic of seats, the leather upholstery is of course a pleasant inclusion but the material isn’t the most premium, lack a tight fit and has a matte finish.
Features
The rather user friendly R-LINK system is fitted with sat-nav, DAB+, Android Auto and park assist which will only engage when you flick the indicator.
On the other hand, the middle of the instrument cluster has a very small driver info display; most of this is taken up by the speed indicator.
However, there is a handy selection for the amount of fuel used which is rarely seen.
Drive and Engine
Like the previously tested Renault Clio, for me, the let down again was the performance.
The 1.2L turbo engine also only produces 88kW/190Nm and is slow off the mark with a throttle more spongy than a chiffon cake.
The brakes are equally as soft and the steering isn’t all that direct.
Having said that, the drive is quite good, is easy on passengers’ derriere and given the small size, can be thrown around quite adeptly.
My tested fuel economy came out at 7.6L/100km higher than the recommended 5.4L but still acceptable.
Safety
As mentioned there are front, rear and side parking sensors all around ensuring you don’t hit anything.
There is a dial for off road drive mode selections which will switch off beyond a speed of 25km/h so it won’t spoil the gear box but you’re unlikely to use them in a car of this nature but it’s there if you need it.
The Renault Captur has not yet been tested by ANCAP.
Good Bits
Nice compact design- Fitted with R-Link system
- Large panoramic roof
- Sensors all round
- Good fuel economy
Not So Good
- Rather basic interior
- Small driver info display
- Underpowered engine
- Soft brakes and vague steering
Facts and Figures: 2018 Renault Captur Intens
- Engine: 1.2L turbo petrol four-cylinder 88kW/190Nm
- Transmission: Six-speed auto dual clutch
- Warranty: 5 Yrs
- Safety: Not yet tested
- Origin: Spain
- Price: From $28,990
2018 Renault Captur Intens
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Overall Rating
Summary
I’m still in two minds about the place for small crossover SUVs in the spectrum of car segments, the Renault Captur is a pretty neat offering albeit lacking in the power stakes.
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