Renault Captur 2015 tested, specs and pricing
The booming B-segment SUV market in South Africa just gained another player – the new Renault Captur. With rivals like the Nissan Juke and the extremely popular Ford EcoSport, the Renault Captur has arrived just ahead of the Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade, into a segment which South Africans seem to love more than a braai on a Saturday afternoon.
Renault Captur is a Clio-based SUV – something which is immediately evident from the cutesy looks. The design is fresh and unique, and with the ‘Bi-tone’ paint scheme available on higher-end derivatives, Captur brings a touch more funk to the segment. Of course, the Renault Duster is also a B-segment SUV, but Renault South Africa says the two pavement-hoppers speak to different audiences. Where Duster appeals on a more rugged, off-roader level, Renault Captur is definitely a city-bound runabout, and Renault refers to it affectionately as a crossover.
The new range comprises three derivatives, all powered by new-age turbocharged petrol engines and all are only available with front-wheel drive. The Captur Expression and Dynamique 66 kW Turbo models feature the same 900 cc turbo petrol engine found in the Clio, which offers 135 Nm of torque and a five-speed manual gearbox. Overboost in second and third gears avails an extra 4 kW and 15 Nm – great for a quick overtake in traffic. Fuel economy, which is aided by stop/start technology, is claimed to be as low as 4.9-litres per 100 km with CO2 emissions at 113 g/km.
The range-topping Dynamique 88 kW Turbo EDC is powered by a 1.2-litre four-pot turbo, bringing 190 Nm to the table and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic ‘box. Economy is claimed to be 5.4-litres per 100 km; carbon emissions are 125 g/km.
With 85% of these dinky SUVs priced between R210- and R290 000, pricing for the range is key if Renault SA wants to bring some of Captur’s European success, where 161 000 were sold in 2014, to South Africa.
With the entry-level Expression 66 kW model priced at R219 900, the initial impression is very good, especially considering just how much standard kit you get for your money.
Much like the Clio, Renault Captur is loaded from the get-go with smart extras which in theory should warrant a higher purchase price – including satellite navigation, Bluetooth, cruise control with speed limiter, 16-inch alloy wheels, electric windows all-round, keyless entry and starting, climate control, automatic lights and wipers, rear parking sensors, LED daytime running lights and chrome detailing. Practicality is enhanced thanks to a sliding rear bench with a total of 160 mm travel, and a multi-point adjustable boot floor.
The Dynamique 66 kW model (R239 900) gains 17-inch alloys, cornering fog lights, privacy glass and two rather unique and clever concepts – Bi-tone paintwork whereby the roof and mirrors can be either black or white in contrast with the body colour, and ‘Zip Collection’ interchangeable and machine-washable seat covers – great if you get bored of the pattern or your children mess ice cream everywhere.
The R279 900 Dynamique 99 kW Turbo EDC features the same specification level, with heated leather seats available as an option. Naturally, safety is top-notch and all models feature a 5-star Euro NCAP rating thanks to the likes of four airbags, ABS, EBD, EBA, Electronic Stability Control and Hill Start Assistance.
Driving the newbie from the Cradle of Humankind out to the Ukutula game reserve and then Sun City, initial impressions were good for the most part. Ride quality is great, the soft nature of an urban runabout conducive to soaking up the usual challenges our badly-tarred roads tend to serve up. Power from the 1.2 turbo model is great, but the experience falls slightly short thanks to a large amount of lag on pull away. Fuel consumption was also rather a lot more than claimed – by almost double.
The EDC gearbox is alright, but feels more like a conventional automatic rather than the ilk of VW’s DSG. Slightly lethargic shifts and an erratic shift pattern means the useable power isn’t always within grasp, particularly during overtaking manoeuvres.
Perceived quality on the Renault Captur is deceptive. Don’t get me wrong – it’s good, but a number of niggles on the launch vehicles, including rattling dashboards and sticky door handles, let the side down somewhat. Most alarmingly, after driving on a heavily-rutted dirt road, a loud knocking noise emanated from the front of the car as well, bringing build quality into question.
That said, the bang-for-buck factor is high with Captur. Competing against the likes of EcoSport, Juke and the Peugeot 2008 – all of which are overall a bit pricier on a like-for-like basis – the Renault’s aggressive pricing and exceptional specification levels should see the French manufacturer claiming a decent slice of the pie, aided largely by the Captur’s fashion accessory factors which will undoubtedly be a hit with young moms and adventurous ladies especially.
Renault Captur Pricing
Expression 66 kW Turbo R219 900
Dynamique 66 kW Turbo R239 900
Captur Dynamique 88 kW Turbo EDC R279 900
Pricing includes a 5-year/ 150 000 km warranty and 3-year/ 45 000 km service plan.
