Small SUV aiming to Captur market share T
HIS week’s test car really has its work cut out as it sits in one of the most hotly-contested sectors of the car industry. Almost every mainstream manufacturer these days seems to have a small SUV, meaning this is a very crowded market place making it hard for a particular model to stand out.
The Renault Captur might look like a chunky baby SUV but it’s actually a cunningly disguised Clio on steroids.
Like the Clio, a range of economical petrol and diesel engines are available and only the front wheels are driven but the Captur does have plenty of appeal - distinctive on the outside and comfortable and practical on the inside… plus it won’t break the bank.
An all-turbocharged engine range includes an entry-level 0.9litre three-cylinder petrol with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol has the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. There are also two 1.5-litre diesels with either 89 or 108hp, which are manual only.
Our 0.9 with mid-range Iconic trim feels nippy and is ideal for use around town, where Captur’s soft, typically French, suspension is good at soaking up bigger bumps and potholes at low speeds. Even on our dodgy UK roads, it’s one of the most comfortable urban runabouts in this class and on motorways it is a relaxed cruiser, despite that diminutive power plant.
As the Captur is based on the Clio there is no surprise that the handling is very hatchback-like, despite the raised ride height to give that baby SUV look. It is nimble yet predictable through corners with slight body lean and plenty of grip.
Engine noise is well suppressed unless you rev really hard and on a motorway cruise wind and road noise are more than acceptable.
Most of the controls are within easy reach and are simple enough to use and our car had a good spec sheet which included smart 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, hill start assist and stop start, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, auto climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav and DAB radio.
Our car also had a few sensiblypriced options including a £600 Techno Pack, which brought Renault’s R-Link system (online connectivity, voice control, enhanced sat-nav software with live traffic updates, safety alerts and weather) a reversing camera and upgraded sound system.
But, like its Clio sibling, don’t bother with the Eco button which should be renamed the DULL switch - as things get very ordinary in the performance department when it is engaged.
And speaking of economy the Captur can hit a shade over 52mpg while delivering reasonable performance considering the size of that threecylinder motor - 0 to 62 in 13.1 seconds and a top speed of 106mph.
A 2017 facelift really improved the Captur’s interior and load space is impressively practical. There’s a variable-height boot floor on all models, which in its highest position brings the floor flush with the load lip. The boot opening is also a practical square shape, which helps make loading bulky items easy.
The Captur is good value, undercutting most of its rivals on purchase price and offering some of the lowest CO2 emissions in its class. The diesels and the 0.9-litre petrol also promise low running costs.
The range starts at Play (from £15,300) then our Iconic (from 16,500) and tops out at GT Line (from £18,300).
So if you want the SUV look but are not planning on doing any greenlane adventures this little motor could be just the one for you.
More information at www. renault.co.uk