A brief introduction to the Middle East bound 2020 Renault Captur

The subcompact crossover segment is one of the most in-demand and profit-making spaces in the automotive industry. It includes cars that rope in the ones in the affordable category and the ones 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 one-up on one corner or another, Renault is doing what they can give their new Captur a solid boost in this congested space.

The 2020 Renault Captur represents this soft-roader’s second generation of existence 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. At the pointy end, the stylish headlamps sport the brand’s C-shaped LED DRLs, while the signature Renault grille is laden with chrome bits. The revised bumper gets 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 boost 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 that’s capped by a spoiler, exaggerated C-shaped LED tail lamps, a restyled tailgate, and a revamped bumper unit 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 comes with (what the company calls) "Smart Cockpit". This feature ropes entails a more driver-focused layout along with an all-new, 9.3-inch ‘floating’ infotainment head unit. The seats have been modified to look sportier and offer more support and comfort. Renault has also (supposedly) worked on improving the quality of the materials in the cabin and improved upon the Captur’s build & fit-and-finish.

You also now get a digital instrument cluster, sportier multifunction steering wheel, multi-layered and multi-colored trim, and cool ambient lighting. Space in the back is fine, and the contoured seats do a decent job of holding you in place. 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 comes equipped with a 1.3-liter turbocharged four-popper that develops 155 hp and 270 Nm of peak torque. This particular unit is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic that drives the front wheels. With this engine, the Renault Captur can make the run from 0-100 km/h in around 8.5 seconds, and go on to a top speed of over 200 km/h.

Verdict

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