5 reasons to like the Captur
Local Renault vehicle distributor TC Euro Cars is aiming to expand the French brand’s reach with the Captur.
Loaded with attractive styling and practicality, the B-segment mini crossover or SUV (sports utility vehicle) has been a resounding success for Renault.
According to automotive data provider Jato Dynamics, the Captur is Europe’s top-selling mini SUV.
Having had access to the car for three days, it was easy to understand why the Captur is so popular in Europe.
It looks great and stands out with its flowing lines and distinctive curves.
Our test drive unit came with a nice and costly two-tone finish featuring a warm Arizona Orange paint job.
According to Renault, the Captur which is built at the Valladolid plant in Spain, uses a high durability clear-coat finish that gives improved lustre and transparency, plus greater resistance to scratching.
We liked the black and orange seats, which are solid and comfortable.
The sporty interior is accentuated by chrome highlights for the air-conditioning vent surrounds, centre console and door-mounted audio speakers.
It is obvious that the Captur is targeted at urbanites with active lifestyles, and Renault came up with some nice touches.
These include elasticated mesh pockets on the front seat-backs, instead of the usual fabric or leather pockets.
The bright orange-coloured elasticated mesh pockets in our test drive unit are unconventional, but certainly useful as they can hold items such as 1.5-litre water bottles.
This means that removing stubborn stains from the car’s seats is made easier.
We also liked the removable boot floor, which is reversible and has carpeted and rubberised sides.
The rubberised side is great for putting our sweat-stained clothing after a gym workout, or fresh food from the wet market.
Conveniences also include automatic headlights and rain sensors for the wipers.
The Captur also has a reverse camera, and seven-inch touchscreen with AUX, USB, Bluetooth and navigation functions.
As for the driving experience, this is where the Captur shines.
It is not a heavy car in its class, with a 1,180kg kerb weight.
Fitted with Michelin Primacy 3 205/55 R17 tyres, it is surefooted in tackling road curves when we were in a spirited and playful mood.
The electric, variable-rate power steering is pleasantly precise and has a nice, direct feel for eager drivers.
When cruising on the highway at 110kph, we noted that the tachometer needle was at 2,500rpm.
At 80kph, the needle was at 1,750rpm.
It feels smooth and refined, and it helped that interior materials feel and look far from cheap, thus providing a premium European cabin ambience.
We found very decent legroom, and rear headroom is more than adequate for 1.7-metre people.
Renault also claims it is possible to achieve a low fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100km.
The ECO mode, activated by pressing the ECO button on the centre console, improves fuel economy by up to 10% as it reduces engine torque and changes the gear mapping.
It also reduces the efficacy of the automatic climate control, which means you wouldn’t want to press the ECO button on a hot day.
The Captur is well designed with a fuel efficient, peppy powertrain and delivers what it promises - a higher driving position, a decently roomy cabin and the driving enjoyment, and agility of a compact sedan.
A maintenance-free timing chain also helps to reduce the cost of ownership.
For added peace of mind, like all Renault passenger cars, service intervals for the Captur are 10,000km or six months, whichever comes first.
Due for local launch soon, the Captur also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.
