I’m not sure where Renault got the name from for their first venture into the supermini crossover segment, but the Spanish-built Captur certainly captures the look and feel of a solid 4×4, writes Ian Strachan
Which is odd, because it’s not a 4×4. The Captur is an “urban” crossover which is well-built, roomy and well specified with high ground clearance and big alloys, but don’t expect to go mud-plugging in it. Despite its looks that’s not what it’s for.
Based on a concept of the same name first seen at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the Captur is flexible and roomy with the ability to seat five adults in comfort with no shortage of stowage space.
It’s also very pleasant to drive. A combination of great visibility, supremely comfortable seats, a commanding driving position, and nimble handling make negotiating the city’s jams about as pleasurable as it gets.
I test drove the Captur in Dynamique specification, powered by a smooth 90 bhp 1.5 litre diesel engine. With its stable handling and excellent ride, the Captur manages to be much more car-like than many of its competitors. Not surprising as it’s based on the same underpinnings as the Clio.
The first thing that strikes you about the Captur is its confident, distinctive styling, with a huge amount of glass. My test car came in a striking Oyster Grey with a black roof emblazoned with a diamond pattern. At first glance this pattern looks a little like another vehicle’s tyre tracks, but maybe that’s just me.
The Captur handles well for its size and height. Cornering is sure footed with little or no body roll and a sensible suspension set up ensures a comfortable ride.
The engine provides more than adequate performance throughout the speed range, delivering power smoothly but with plenty of mid-range pull. It’s helped by a pleasant five speed manual transmission. It never feels flustered or needing a sixth gear.
Fuel consumption – at 76.4 mpg in mixed driving – is staggeringly frugal for quite a big car and demonstrates just how fuel efficient Renault’s Euro5 common rail diesel engine is. The interior is light and spacious with plenty of room. The large luggage area can be further improved with a 60/40 split rear seat which folds flat into the floor. The boot has a false floor with storage beneath it, and the floor can be reversed with carpet trim or rubber uppermost. A clever touch which keeps mud off the boot carpet..
There’s lots of storage space around the car including big door pockets, stowage space on the top of the dashboard and lots of oddment space. Equipment levels on the Dynamique MediaNav trim level that I tested are generous. Standard features include multimedia satellite navigation with touchscreen, smart 17 inch alloys, rear parking camera, removable and washable seat covers (great idea), cruise control, climate control, all-round electric windows, hands-free key-card with push button start, front fog lights, leather steering wheel and automatic headlights with cornering function.
I was impressed with the Captur which, at £16,395 won’t break the bank. Optional extras fitted to my test car included metallic paint (£495), extra-tinted rear windows (£250) and European mapping (£110).
