CAPTUR THE MARKET
than mainstream passenger models, although it is making inroads into the SUV market with the Koleos range.
The Captur is smaller than the more conventionally looking Koleos, and is the higher-riding version of the Clio hatchback.
It also holds its own in terms of practical, usable, space. With the rear seats up there is 377 litres of space, which is more than in the Nissan Juke. With the rear seats folded, 1255 litres of space becomes available.
The Captur also has sliding rear seats, which means more rear space can be created simply by sliding the rear seats forward or backwards.
There have also been improvements to the interior, with better-quality materials in the cabin, and a new leather-covered multifunction steering wheel, and gear lever.
The front-wheel-drive Captur feels secure on the road, with direct steering that you would expect from a European model.
It is powered by a 1.2 litre turbo
engine which makes 88kW at 4900rpm, and 190 Nm at a low 2000rpm. The performance is not stunning but nor does the Captur feel slow when taking off at an intersection.
It winds up smoothly, using a sixspeed dual clutch automatic gearbox. Dual-clutch gearboxes are not universally popular but this one works well with the engine to provide quick and appropriately smooth progression through the gears.
Along with the relatively low kerb weight of 1200kg, the engine and gearbox help deliver good fuel economy, with a claimed 5.4 litres/ 100km.
Our test drive failed to reach that figure but the figures we achieved were in the high fives, so the Captur delivers good economy, even when driven relatively aggressively.
Although the cabin looks and feels better than the previous model, it is by no means plush. But the seating is comfortable and, in what could be a bonus for parents with younger passengers prone to spilling drinks, the upholstery on the front seats can be simply unzipped and washed or cleaned.
The front seating is relatively flat rather than sumptuous, but there is plenty of space for both the front passenger and those in the rear seats of the Captur.
The car is not without European quirks, the most obvious being the cruise control buttons, which sit on the floor between the two front seats.
There are three separate — and different sized — cupholders on the unit between the front seats, including one that could accommodate a tiny espresso coffee.
Renault New Zealand general manager Henry Belt says Captur’s new pricing makes European sophistication available to a new group of SUV buyers.
“The SUV remains New Zealand’s favourite vehicle type,” he says. “It suits our lifestyles, which blend urban weekdays with active leisure at the weekends. It brings European style, convenience and practicality to Kiwis, who might not otherwise have been able to experience a French SUV.”
The Captur carries the raft of driver assist and safety features buyers have come to expect in their new vehicles: ABS antilock brakes with emergency brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, rear parking sensors and reversing camera, along with dusk-sensing headlights and automatic rainsensing wipers.
It has the Euro Ncap five-star safety rating and there are driver and passenger comfort features such as hands-free entry and engine start, and a navigation system.