Capturing the heart

Renault’s little Captur Crossover model has proved to be a strong seller for the French company, but since its initial introduction, an army of fresh rivals have been launched to try and eat into its market share.

Hence the need for this facelifted version which offers a smarter look, a classier interior and extra safety technology. As before, it’ll appeal to supermini buyers wanting extra versatility, as well as family hatchback customers in search of something more interesting and affordable.

It’s based on the Clio supermini, is priced to sell at the affordable end of this segment and was launched in 2013.

Buyers have liked the Captur’s versatility and scope for personalisation, plus efficient running costs and a decently responsive driving experience have also made it popular. The result has proved to be good enough to make this Renault’s second-best seller.

Under the bonnet, almost all Captur owners will find 90bhp beneath their right foot: most will want the dCi 90 diesel, a unit also available in 110bhp guise.

If you’d rather have petrol power, there’s a manual gearbox three cylinder 0.9-litre TCe 90 unit – or a 1.2-litre 120bhp petrol powerplant with a choice of either manual transmission or a twin clutch six-speed EDC automatic gearbox.

Don’t get any designs on off-roading though. There’s no 4WD option and there won’t be because the platform this car rides on hasn’t been designed to take it.

The Captur’s certainly an eye-catching thing, especially when specified in contrasting colours.

Changes made to this facelifted version include a modified radiator grille that features smarter chrome trim and can be flanked by full-LED Pure Vision front headlights that bring the look of this baby Crossover even closer to that of its larger Kadjar stablemate. At both the front and rear, the bumper incorporates smarter skid plates.

The cabin has been upgraded too, benefitting from higher-quality plastics, extra chrome trimming and more comfortable seats.