RENAULT CAPTUR 66 kw TURBO BLAZE

Renault's recently updated Captur range now includes a compelling new entry-level offering

R229 900

T13,78 sec 66 kw/140 N.m 171 km/h WO years into its local lifecycle, the quirky Renault Captur continues to make the most of its chic, Clio-based styling, sought-after raised ride height and relative value. It has confirmed its stature as a worthy contender in the ever-popular light-crossover segment. Not resting on its laurels, though, and keen to build on the success of this important model, Renault South Africa has used a mild refresh to introduce a compelling new entry-level variant. It 6,48 L/100 km 125 g/km is one aimed at (cough) capturing the attention of buyers who may not have had the budget to afford this French offering.

While the popular Daciaderived Sandero Stepway wears its adopted Renault badge with pride, providing buyers with an honest, well-built and relatively well-specced “bumped-up” experience, the Captur, with its inherent French flair, represents a more palpable entry-point to the best of what the Renault brand has to offer. Yes, it’s a little disappointing that the characterful dual-tone colour scheme synonymous with this model is not available on this entry-level Blaze specification, but the rest of the package, with its sharper new bumper and headlamp treatment, 16-inch alloy wheels and colour-coded handles (mirrors remain black), largely mimics the more upscale Captur derivatives. Distinctive C-shaped LED daytime-running lights are now fitted throughout.

Matching the transformative ef-