2020 Renault Captur Review: Stylish and Improved Subcompact Crossover

Introduction

The subcompact crossover segment is one of the most in-demand and profit-making spaces in the automotive industry. It includes cars that cater to both affordable models and those perched much higher in the pecking order. One of the crossovers in this genre is the newly updated and chic-looking 2020 Renault Captur. In markets such as the United Arab Emirates, the second generation of the Renault Captur battles it out with contestants like the Chevrolet Trax, Kia Soul, and Mazda CX-3. In a world where manufacturers are trying to outdo each other, Renault is making strides to give their new Captur a solid boost in this congested space.

Overview

The 2020 Renault Captur represents this soft-roader’s second generation since its global launch back in 2013. To bring about some technical changes, the all-new Captur is based on the marque’s revised CMF-B platform - an architecture it shares with the new-gen Nissan Juke. The new model is larger and has been improved in many ways over its predecessor. With the battles within this hotly contested segment, the 2020 Renault Captur is coming out swinging.

Exterior

If you are looking for a radically new design, you are probably not going to find that here with the 2020 Renault Captur. However, the French automaker has done more than enough to set this one apart from the siblings that came before it. For one, the bodywork on the new iteration features:

• More sculpted corners, edges, and facades
• Stylish headlamps with C-shaped LED DRLs
• Signature Renault grille with chrome accents
• Revised bumper with sculpted air intakes and a faux skid plate

Around the sides, there are newer and more stylish alloy wheels along with a very conspicuous alteration to the car’s roofline - there’s now a faux ‘floating’ roof effect to enhance the new Captur’s styling. As always, the black body cladding and chrome detailing remain untouched. The rear is now highlighted by:

• A narrower back window capped by a spoiler
• Exaggerated C-shaped LED tail lamps
• A restyled tailgate
• A revamped bumper unit with updated lighting elements and a pseudo skid plate application

The 2020 Renault Captur comes in at 4.232 meters in length, 1.778 meters in width, and 1.566 meters in height. The wheelbase is longer (at 2.626 meters), while the 530-liter boot is larger too.

Interior

The interior of the new 2020 Renault Captur features what the company calls a "Smart Cockpit". This design includes a driver-focused layout along with an all-new 9.3-inch ‘floating’ infotainment head unit. Key interior features include:

• Sportier seats offering more support and comfort
• Improved quality of materials in the cabin
• A digital instrument cluster
• A sportier multifunction steering wheel
• Multi-layered and multi-colored trim
• Cool ambient lighting

Space in the back is adequate, and the contoured seats hold passengers in place well. However, taller passengers might find the headroom a bit tight, especially with the sunroof installed.

Engine and Performance

The most powerful variant of the 2020 Renault Captur is equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 155 hp and 270 Nm of peak torque. This particular unit is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. With this engine, the Renault Captur can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in around 8.5 seconds, achieving a top speed of over 200 km/h.

Verdict

With the 2020 Renault Captur, the French automaker has tackled many of the car’s former issues and improved upon many of its strengths. Once launched in the UAE, the 2020 Captur will undoubtedly perform better than its predecessor.