HAPPY TO COMPETE IN THE very crowded compact SUV market, Renault is pinning its hopes on the all-new Captur.
The new Captur is the first Renault SUV to be built on the advanced CMF-B (Common Module Family, B-segment) platform.
More spacious and refined and boasting cutting-edge driver assistance and infotainment systems, new Captur is better placed to compete in the light SUV segment.
Captur retains the Renault SUV terminology with a three-model line-up: Life, Zen and the range-topping Intens. All versions are extremely well-equipped, giving Captur a truly upmarket look and feel. With prices starting at $28,190 (plus on road costs), Captur delivers the kind of value that will see it added to many shopping lists.
A pioneer of the light SUV market, Captur has sold over 1.5 million vehicles since its launch in 2013, rapidly becoming the market leader in Europe.
Interior
The interior of the new Captur sets a new standard for sophistication in the light SUV class. Material quality and practicality have been improved, with innovative technology added.
The cabin design delivers style and refinement, with a strong horizontal emphasis on the dashboard, emphasising the car’s width and spaciousness. At its centre is a hub, which brings cutting-edge innovation and technology.
A new ‘Smart Cockpit’ layout featuring a responsive infotainment screen angled towards the driver, with a 7-inch multimedia screen standard on Life and Zen, while the Intens version gets a 9.3-inch portrait format.
Both give access to Renault’s EASY LINK system, which combines infotainment in one intuitive package.
Intens versions feature MULTI-SENSE functions, which alter a number of elements including powertrain response to acceleration and ambient lighting, depending which mode is selected – Normal, MySense, Sport or Eco. Also included is ambient lighting that allows drivers to choose from eight different LED colours that bathe the interior in a calming glow.
A 10-inch TFT instrument cluster is available as an option on Intens with the Easy Life Package. It has a fully configurable display that enhances the driving experience by allowing the driver to choose their preferred set-up, including turn-by-turn navigation instructions displayed directly in front of them.
Combined with the 9.3-inch infotainment display, it gives all-new Captur one of the largest screen combinations in its class.
Carefully selected materials and careful design enhance the premium feel. Soft-touch surfaces and satin chrome finishes are used throughout, while the front seats have an entirely new ‘wraparound’ architecture providing comfort and support levels associated with more expensive brands.
An elegant new steering wheel design has a smaller diameter for an improved view of the instrument display, as well as re-designed backlit controls that add to the modern, luxurious ambience.
One of the highlights of the interior is the new ‘flying centre console’ available on the range-topping Intens. This elevated centre console emphasises the all-new Captur’s sophisticated yet practical character, with a futuristic ‘E-Shifter’ gear selector on top and additional storage space and wireless smartphone charger below.
Building on the first model’s pioneering range of personalisation options, the Captur offers scope for interior customisation, with the availability of an Orange Signature Package on the Intens version that includes orange inserts for the dashboard, doors and centre console.
Practicality, a core strength
The overall length of the car has increased by 110mm, helping create more room for occupants and their luggage. Rear legroom has been boosted 17mm, thanks in part to re-designed front seats that also benefit from slimmer, comma-shaped headrests to improve visibility.
Boot capacity has been boosted by a significant 81 litres to a maximum of 536 litres. This has been achieved via a sliding rear bench offering 160mm of movement that allows the cabin space to be prioritised towards either passengers or loads for maximum versatility.
The rear seat backs can be folded in a 1/3 or 2/3 configuration to suit different needs, and fold down completely to give an almost completely flat load floor of 1.57m – 110mm more than in the previous Captur.
In addition, a movable floor allows the boot space to be configured either for maximum space or to create a totally flat load entrance with hidden storage under the floor. Standard on Intens, the premium BOSE audio system, meanwhile, is fully integrated into the side of the boot so that it does not reduce luggage space.
Clever interior design details include front door storage compartments that can each accommodate a 1.5-litre drink bottle and a sliding central armrest with useful storage bin.
Dynamic new exterior
More dynamic than before, and with an even stronger SUV identity, the new Captur has a commanding road presence. The totally redesigned exterior is more modern and expressive, while remaining true to Renault’s core design values.
An increased length of 110mm, and with a higher waistline, the all-new Captur has a true SUV stance emphasised by tough-looking front and rear protection skid plates, chunky protective mouldings that run the length of the lower body and pronounced wheel arch extensions.
Beneath a wider front grille and prominent Renault emblem, the all-new Captur’s front bumper incorporates two wide air deflectors. These are functional elements, specially designed to channel air at speed to improve aerodynamic performance and assist in reducing fuel consumption.
The deeply scalloped sides and floating roof continue the design themes of its predecessor, with an enhanced dynamism thanks to the increased wheelbase and more pronounced roof slope.
At the rear, the flush-fitting tailgate creates a cohesive appearance and demonstrates quality and attention to detail. The slim tail lights with the C-shaped light signature proudly identify Captur as part of the new generation of Renault cars, while bold design accentuates the car’s width. Pronounced 3D elements inside the lenses on the Intens create a crisp, technical look.
Full-LED headlamps are now standard across the range, giving the Captur a distinctive presence and providing the driver with optimum illumination at night. These powerful headlights are seamlessly integrated into the design, with chrome elements that appear to flow into the front grille.
The headlights on Intens also feature Renault’s signature C-shaped daytime running lights.
Personalisation has always been a big part of Captur’s appeal, and the all-new model provides buyers with more ways to create a car that’s perfectly in tune with their tastes. From launch there are 15 colour combinations on Life and Zen and 16 on Intens – all based on 8 main bodywork colours.
Improved dynamics, efficient powertrain
The new Captur is at the heart of the group strategy of reinforcing the synergies within the Alliance. This is realised, in particular, by the development of common technologies and by the use of new platforms, such as the CMF-B platform which forms the basis of the new Captur.
Safety and dynamic performance are improved over the previous model, thanks to a strengthened body structure that makes extensive use of high-tensile steel. The new architecture is also lighter, and features an underbody fairing which enhances aerodynamic efficiency.
The new, stiffer structure is integral to Captur’s exceptional refinement. In addition, special attention has been paid to noise reduction inside the cabin, with materials providing greater insulation and soundproofing, especially in the engine compartment. As a result, noise in the cabin is reduced by up to 2dB, at speeds of up to 110 km/h.
One turbocharged petrol engine will be used across the line-up offering class-leading power and torque. The 1.3-litre TCe 155 is designed for those who wish to take advantage of the dynamic qualities of the Captur and its new CMF-B platform chassis. This punchy engine has extremely impressive figures of 113kW of power and 270Nm of torque delivering assured performance in all conditions, making it the most powerful engine in its class. The driving experience is enhanced by the 7-speed automatic dual-clutch gearbox. The gear change paddles located behind the steering wheel and the MULTI-SENSE Sport mode provide a greater feeling of sportiness and enjoyment at the wheel.
The Captur delivers a refined, lively driving experience to match its impressive and athletic looks. Thanks to its lighter, stronger CMF-B platform, increased dimensions and refreshed components throughout, Captur has an even more responsive yet stable feel behind the wheel.
The driving experience is further enhanced with MULTISENSE technology, which allows drivers to choose from Eco, Sport or MySense modes that alter the settings of the engine mapping, steering, interior ambient lighting, EDC transmission and TFT instrument cluster.
Eco mode optimises efficiency, for the lowest possible fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while Sport prioritises driving pleasure, agility and responsiveness. MySense gives the driver the option of tailoring the dynamics to their personal taste by picking and choosing their preferred settings.
In urban situations, all-new Captur’s optimised driving position and excellent visibility give the driver a real sense of confidence. This is in addition to the front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera that are standard across the range, and the 360-degree camera on the Intens.
Technology for a safer driving experience
The original Captur’s focus on innovation helped it to become the best-selling urban SUV in Europe. The all-new model builds on that tradition, with a range of technologies to make driving safer, simpler and more enjoyable.
Captur uses technology to enrich the ownership experience, offering a range of digital and connected features that allow users to do more, more easily. Every model comes with Renault’s latest EASY LINK multimedia system, which groups useful functions and services together.
Access is via a responsive, centrally mounted touchscreen that’s within easy reach of both the driver and front passenger. Life and Zen models have a landscape-format 7-inch screen, while Intens boasts a vertical format 9.3-inch screen.
In both versions, the screen’s smartphone-inspired interface feels familiar and intuitive. Clear graphics make it easy to view information at a glance, while pinch and swipe functionality ensures quick, simple operation on the move. Users can customise screens, creating shortcuts that allow them to directly access their favourite features.
A selection of functions can also be activated by voice control, allowing the driver to simply speak instructions while keeping their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
EASY LINK functionality makes life easier on board Captur by integrating the digital worlds of the driver and passengers into the car.
On Intens models it also works in conjunction with the seven-inch TFT driver display features turn-by-turn satellite navigation directions directly into the eye line of the driver, for optimum convenience and safety. The optional 10.25-inch fully digital instrument display (part of the Easy Life Package) offers even more opportunity for the driver to customise the display in front of them, offering a range of different themes and settings.
Innovative MULTI-SENSE technology has been added to Captur. This exclusive Renault feature allows the driver to personalise their driving experience to match their mood, or their journey, by selecting from three modes – Eco, Sport and MySense, which allows the driver to adjust settings to their preference. As well as changing the car’s engine and steering response, each one adjusts the interior ambience to match by activating different lighting themes. There are eight light colour options to choose from, with each one subtly changing the mood of the interior.
Under the EASYDRIVE label, there is a complete range of ADAS driving aids on offer. Standard on all versions is Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian & Cyclist detection, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, cruise control with speed limiter, front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera.
In terms of parking aids, the new 360-degree camera on the Intens is very useful when manoeuvring. The Easy Life Package available on Intens adds Easy Park Assist and automatic high/low beam headlights.
Captur was awarded a 5-star safety rating by Euro NCAP.
Three-model range
In line with the rest of the Renault SUV family, all-new Captur will be available in three levels of trim – Life, Zen and Intens.
All models come standard with heated door mirrors, height-adjustable driver seat, six airbags, electric parking brake, dusk-sensing headlights, smartphone replication, front & rear parking sensors with rear-view camera, distance warning, AEBS with Pedestrian & Cyclist detection, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition and full-LED headlights.
Zen models add items such as a heated, leather steering wheel, two-tone paint, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, automatic folding door mirrors, hands-free key card, wireless smartphone charging, Blind Spot Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The range-topping Intens raises the bar even higher, bringing a sense of contemporary luxury to the light SUV sector. On the inside, upgrades include a 9.3-inch touchscreen, MULTI-SENSE, satellite navigation, auto-dimming rear view mirror, BOSE sound system, 7-inch TFT driver display, LED interior ambient lighting, flying centre console, 360-degree camera and leather upholstery.
Externally, Intens is the most exclusive expression of Captur, with 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish, roof rails and plenty of added chrome highlights.
Recommended Retail Price
| Model | Plus on road costs |
| Captur Life | $28,190 |
| Captur Zen | $30,790 |
| Captur Intens | $35,790 |
Once we have tested and assessed the new Renault Captur, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.