Renault Captur review

Model review

Hot on the heels of Nissan’s successful Juke, Renault was quick to enter the small crossover segment in 2013 with its stylish Captur. Based on the Renault Clio, this model is a larger and more spacious alternative for not a lot more money. 

Back when it first reached showrooms it had just a handful of rivals, but with just about every mainstream firm having a smaller crossover in its range, the Captur now has more than 20 rivals. 

With funky styling, a roomy cabin and lots of standard kit, it was a big hit, with more than 1.5m being produced, and a big chunk of those coming to the UK. Despite being popular, its low-rent cabin  was a limiting factor and something the next Captur needed to address.

Latest model

Jump forward to 2020 and there is now a new second-generation Captur. It’s again based on the Clio’s new CMF-B platform, which allows it to be roomier and incorporate hybrid powertrains for the first time. In fact, the Captur is Renault’s first plug-in hybrid model to be produced, while a regular hybrid model has helped to broaden the French firm’s electrified range too.

This new Captur also sees some major advances when it comes to the interior, with the cheap cabin of its predecessor being replaced by a much classier and upmarket look and feel. There’s a touchscreen available measuring up to 9.3 inches, along with a large digital dial system, though this is optional – even on the most expensive version. 

As for styling, it’s best to say Renault has taken an evolutionary approach, though given the styling was one of the things that attracted people to the Captur in the first place, it’s easy to see why. 

Value for money

Prices for the Captur start from £20,595 and it’s pretty bang on the money considering the levels of standard kit. It’s a bit pricier than the Nissan Juke but noticeably cheaper than rivals like the Ford Puma. Given it comes with LED headlights, a touchscreen and a host of safety equipment, it’s certainly appealing. The lower-spec Play and Iconic models also are undoubtedly the best value, as top-spec S Edition cars aren’t cheap, and you have to question whether you really need all the extra tech. 

At the time of writing, the Captur had only just reached showrooms, though there were already some good savings off nearly-new models. You can expect to save around £2,000 off a model that’s just a few months old, in fact. 

If you’re not fussed about the latest model, used Capturs start from as little as £5,000 for a low-mileage example, which makes it an appealing small family car. 

Looks and image

Renault says the design of the Captur is one of the key reasons why buyers choose it, and it’s easy to see why as this is one of the best-looking crossovers around. Whether you go for the first- or second-generation version, both look fantastic, and come in various bright and bold colour schemes to add to the appeal. 

This new model is even more stylish, though, thanks to its cool C-shaped lights and more modern look. All versions bar the entry-level Play also come with great two-tone styling, which sees the top half of the car painted in a different shade to the rest. 

But this interior feels like the biggest step forward for the Captur. The old car’s cabin was let down by a cheap interior littered with hard plastics, but this new car is a big improvement, both in terms of quality and look, with all versions now featuring a touchscreen and digital dials on the high-end versions. The bold personalisation of the exterior also features on the cabin, with colour packs available for a touch more character. 

Space and practicality

While the previous Captur wasn’t the most spacious car in its class, it was significantly roomier than the Clio. However, this new version is far more practical – helped by all versions coming with a sliding rear bench, allowing you to increase boot space if needed. In terms of the boot, it offers 422 litres, but it increases to 536 litres if you slide the rear seats forward. There’s plenty of rear space for adults, too, with lots of legroom and headroom.

Despite being a new model, this latest Captur has already been put through its paces by Euro NCAP and scored the full five stars – maintaining Renault’s reputation for producing very safe cars. It performed well across all categories, and with plenty of driver assistance tech, the Captur is a very safe small family car. 

 
Engines

Renault debuted its latest Captur with a broad range of powertrains, but the line-up has been reduced hugely in a short space of time.

Past options included the TCe 100, TCe 130, TCe 155 (all petrol) and the Blue dCi 95 and 115 diesels, but today there’s just a pair of petrols and a choice of hybrids. 

Let’s start with the TCe 90, which uses a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine producing 90bhp. Paired to a six-speed manual, it manages 0-60mph in a rather lethargic 13.8 seconds. The TCe 140 is a far better option, with its 138bhp 1.3-litre petrol engine able to reach 60mph in nine seconds when specified with the automatic gearbox, or a second slower with the manual.

Next up are the E-Tech models, with both a Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid available. Each uses the same 1.6-litre petrol engine combined with a clutchless automatic gearbox, with the Hybrid producing 140bhp and the PHEV 162bhp. Each can reach 60mph in around 10 seconds, with the plug-in hybrid featuring a 9.8kWh battery next to the standard hybrid model’s smaller 1.2kWh unit.

Running costs

If you want low running costs, the new E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid is the version to go for, as its 30-mile electric range allows for some impressively low running costs. Renault claims it’ll return up to 217.3mpg, along with low CO2 emissions as low as 30g/km. That CO2 figure gives it a benefit-in-kind percentage of just 11 per cent – making it a very appealing company car. 

The standard Hybrid could also be a frugal option, with Renault claiming 56.5mpg, along with CO2 emissions of 114g/km. Even the standard petrols should prove frugal, with Renault claiming around 48mpg, with CO2 emissions at a maximum of 135g/km. 

Things to look out for

The latest Captur is still a new model and there are still question marks surrounding its reliability – given it’s based on a new platform and largely features new engines. The predecessor’s biggest problems were its poor build quality and infotainment system, but given these have both been altered for the new car, there’s little reason to worry. 

Rivals

The compact crossover class is one of the most competitive, and there is no shortage of options to choose from. While the Captur is undoubtedly one of the best in this class, other models you should take a look at include the Citroen C3 Aircross, Seat Arona, Skoda Kamiq and Ford Puma. 

In terms of rivals to the Hybrid model, there are few options, though you could have a look at the Kia Niro PHEV and Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid. 

Depreciation

Despite its stylish looks, the Captur has never been a model that’s held its value well – it’s a Renault which is well-known for its depreciation issues. However, given the new model is a big step forward and has a higher-quality cabin, expect versions to hold their value better than before.