Powering the top-spec Dynamique Auto model is a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (a new addition to Renault South Africa) good for 88kW and 190Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Besides with generous height adjustment on the drivers seat, you can sit as low as you would on most hatchbacks. You're never really aware of the Captur's higher stance on the road unless you're completely over ambitious with corner entry speed. Leather pews are an option and were present on my higher spec test car, however, the quirky cloth seats which can be zipped off and cleaned are a neat feature and will surely appeal to parents off little (dirty) children. Dynamique models also get rear parking sensors, automatic headlights and rain sensitive front wipers as well as a tyre pressure sensor. Standard spec is impressive, and, to be honest, is impressive across the Renault range with hands-free key card, electric side mirrors and electric windows, auto climate control all fitted as standard. The boot is a decent size (377-litres) and with the rear seats slid to their forwardmost position that increases to 455-litres, fold them down completely and you have an impressive 1 235-litres of flat loading space. The boot is split level allowing you to store more valuable items completely out of sight and features a reversible floor, smooth on one and anti-slip on the other. It's practical too with MPV-like flexibility, the rear bench seat can, for example, be moved forward or backwards by up to 160mm. Thanks to the increased roof height, the interior is actually far more spacious than what you might presume. Overall the Captur's interior feels very upmarket, with all models featuring a 7-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation as standard, as well as Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, music streaming, USB port and steering column mounted fingertip controls. If you've sampled the superb new Clio recently, then the Captur will feel immediately familiar, with gloss black surfaces on the doors, steering wheel and centre dashboard accentuated by smatterings of chrome finishes on the speaker surrounds and gear lever for example. Nice! Dynamique models are further distinguished from the entry level 66kW Turbo Expression model by 17-inch alloy wheels, cornering fog lights, and body coloured door handles and side mirrors. My test unit (88kW Turbo Dynamique Auto) sported Sunset Orange bodywork offset by a white roof. The prominent chromed diamond logo clearly announces its arrival in rear-view mirrors as do the LED daytime running lights and blinged-out foglight surrounds.Īvailable on the high-spec Dynamique models, the option of a two-tone colour scheme adds further design flair over the somewhat staid EcoSport. In comparison to the exceptionally popular EcoSport, the Captur is a bit of design revolution, but then it is French and we all know the French tendencies towards the dramatic. A few bits of plastic cladding on the front and rear bumpers and plastic wheel arches trim adds to the dual nature of the Captur, although I think roof rails would've been a nice visual addition. In truth, it is a slightly beefed up Clio riding on bigger wheels (16 or 17-inch depending on spec) and rubber on an elevated ride height (170mm). The Captur is billed as a Crossover which, to be honest, is a more accurate description than SUV, as it blurs the lines between hatchback and miniature SUV more than ever. Renault says the Captur will compete in the small SUV segment, a segment dominated by Ford's EcoSport. With confirmation of a Duster-based compact double-cab bakkie on the way, the future looks bright for Renault. The new Renault Clio was the first new model in French manufacturer’s product offensive, now joined by the Captur and (hopefully) be bolstered by the larger and very good-looking Kadjar, a Qashqai-sized competitor and (hopefully) replacement for the ill-fated Koleos. Of course, the Renault Sport division caters perfectly to those seeking ultimate hot-hatch thrills. Renault's three-fold strategy has allowed them to plug the bottom end of the market, with the Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Duster combined with a new product offensive to tackle the middle to higher end. As competition to the establishment, this can only mean good things for you the willing punters out there. If you hadn't noticed, Renault is staging somewhat of a comeback recently, with stunning design, solid mechanicals and in some cases backed up by class leading warranties.
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