I recently had the opportunity to drive a few models from the revised Captur range, which now includes a more affordable entry-level variant.
Updated looks
The latest model is certainly a noticeable change in terms of its design. Up front, there’s new LED headlamps with the brand’s Pure Vision technology, an updated grille lined with chrome along with the characteristic C-shaped daytime running lights.
In side profile, the Captur remains indistinguishable from the outgoing version, but can be had with new 17-inch alloy wheels, two tone colour options and a range of new hues such as Ocean Blue, Atacama Orange and Passion Red.
At the rear, there’s very little to write home about in the way of changes, besides a silver skidplate below the front and rear bumpers. Overall, the Captur is an even more attractive offering than before, and is sure to attract those looking for a stylish crossover.
Interior updates
The interior has also been updated, with improved material quality, an armrest for the front occupants, a new manual gear knob, the addition of more gloss black inserts and a new leather steering wheel. There is also the option of heated leather seats if you’re after the Dynamique specification
The interior remains a relatively practical place with space to seat four adult occupants comfortably whilst carrying their luggage. The boot has a volume of 377-litres, but with the rear bench pushed forward, capacity increases to 455-litres and all the way to 1 235-litres with the seats folded down.
Updated specification
Renault wanted to provide customers with a more affordable Captur derivative and as such, have dropped the Expression model and replaced it with the new Blaze, which also comes with a wonderfully low price of R229 000, some R20 000 less than before.
The Blaze gets R&Go infotainment setup, which is a smartphone/tablet multi-function application that turns your smartphone into a mini-infotainment system, complete with an adjustable cradle to house your device and Bluetooth connectivity. It also gets 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, electric mirrors and automatic headlamps/wipers to name a few.
The Dynamique adds the MediaNav touchscreen system, with Bluetooth/USB/AUX compatibility, rear park sensors and reverse camera, electric windows all round, fingertip controls behind the steering wheel, cruise control and cornering headlamps.
Powering Captur
The engine range within the Captur line-up remains largely unchanged. At the bottom of the range, we find the familiar 898cc turbo petrol motor with 66kW/135Nm, and a claimed fuel consumption of 5.4-litres/100km.
Next up is the 1.2-litre turbo petrol, which produces 88kW/190Nm when mated with the brand’s six-speed EDC gearbox, and 88kW/205Nm with the new-to-the-range six-speed manual transmission with claimed fuel consumption of 5.4-litres/100km. I had a chance to drive the new manual variant at launch, and found it to be far more involving than the EDC, but for daily use, the automatic still makes more sense.
The sole oil-burner in the range is the 1.5-litre dCi, which produces 66kW/220Nm. This model is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, which I managed to sample at the media event. Renault claims a consumption figure of 3.6-litres/100km, and while I didn’t see anything close to that figure, the car did achieve 4.7-litres/100km with very little effort. The dCi is certainly my pick of the range from an overall value and cost of ownership proposition perspective.
Safety
The Captur range achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating back in 2013. Contributing to this is ABS with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Start Assist (HSA) well as front, head/chest side airbags and three ISOFIX three-point child seat attachments.
Warranty and service
All new Captur models come with a five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a three-year/45 000km service plan as standard.
Pricing
Captur 0.9 TCe Blaze - R229 900
Captur 0.9 TCe Dynamique - R269 900
Captur 1.5 dCi Dynamique - R294 900
Captur 1.2 TCe Dynamique - R294 900
Captur 1.2 TCe Dynamique EDC - R309 900
