New 2020 Renault Captur shapes up for small-SUV fight
The second-generation Renault Captur promises more space, additional tech and even an efficient plug-in hybrid version
Since the Renault Captur was launched back in 2013, the compact-SUV class has exploded. According to Renault, the number of competitors it faces has increased from one to more than 20, so the French firm has completely redeveloped its Nissan Juke rival for this all-new second generation.
The visual changes are easy to pick out; the Captur now sports LED headlamps – like those on the latest Clio – and they’re standard across the range, while the whole car is 110mm longer, 20mm wider and marginally taller than before. Those new proportions have helped the Captur morph into a proper crossover and one with a boot capacity of 536 litres; that’s 81 litres more than in the previous-generation car.
The rear end also sports a new set of C-shaped LED tail-lamps, while 11 exterior colours and four contrasting roof finishes mean there are 90 different configurations for buyers to choose from. The alloy wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches.
Renault has switched the Captur to its new CMF-B platform, and this has made the gains in size possible. It’s the same basic architecture that underpins the latest Clio and is lighter and stiffer than the current Captur’s underpinnings, potentially improving refinement and handling.
The platform has also allowed Renault to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of the Captur for the first time, called the E-Tech plug-in. Its powertrain comprises a four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine, two electric motors powered by a 9.8kWh battery and a multimode direct-transmission gearbox. Renault says the E-Tech plug-in should be able to cover 28 miles on electric power at up to 83mph. Fuel economy and CO2 figures have yet to be announced.
The rest of the Captur range is made up of three petrol and two diesel engines. The 99bhp three-cylinder 1.0-litre TCe with a five-speed manual gearbox is the entry-level option. Above that sits a four-cylinder 1.3-litre TCe engine with 129bhp or 153bhp. Both versions are offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto gearbox; a six-speed manual is available on the lower-powered model. Check out the Renault Captur price at your nearest Group 1 Renault.
The two diesel options are versions of Renault’s four-cylinder 1.5 Blue dCi with 95bhp and 115bhp. Both come with a six-speed manual, while the seven-speed auto is offered on the 115bhp version.
It’s all change inside, too; Renault has completely redesigned the Captur’s interior, replacing the dated infotainment system with a slick 9.3-inch portrait display, which is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It has also added a new 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster in place of analogue dials. The set-up will be optional on lower-spec models, which will instead feature two seven-inch displays as standard.
A unique feature across the range is the new floating centre console that not only increases the amount of storage space but has also enabled Renault to introduce a wireless charging pad beneath it. The new Captur retains the old model’s sliding rear bench, which moves back and forth by 16cm to maximise legroom or boot space.
Artcle source: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/renault/captur/105085/new-2020-renault-captur-shapes-up-for-small-suv-fight
