2017 Renault Captur Review: Features and Performance

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Based on the fourth-generation Clio, the Renault Captur is a crossover that debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. It rivals the Nissan Juke and Kia Soul. With over 15 exterior colors on offer, the Captur is targeted towards young and trendy women, making a bearded and logical alpha male like myself an outlier in Renault’s equation.

Key Features of the Renault Captur

Key Features:
Engine	1.2L Turbocharged / 4-cyl
Transmission	6-speed Automatic
Power	111 Hp / 190 Nm
Top Speed	190 km/h
Price	AED 67,900 As Tested

Exterior Design

Dressed in Diamond Black and sporting an Arizona Orange roof, the Captur presents itself as a brawny hatchback. It combines smooth curves with crisp contours, radiating youthfulness through its pleasing design and luminous hues.

Complemented by a set of 17-inch diamond-cut alloys wrapped around 205/55 Continental rubber, the aesthetic appeal of the Captur surpasses that of the polarizing Juke or the blocky Soul. With a cautious use of chrome, the Captur exudes presence without appearing garish.

Interior Features

Continuing its color-coordinated theme into the cabin, the 2017 Captur features customizable seat covers and trim bits that match the exterior hue. The French design makes the cabin quirky and interesting, revealing concealed cubby holes and a significant amount of high-contrast gloss black trim.

Although composed entirely of hard plastics, the interiors provide excellent outward visibility and surprising amounts of space for all occupants. With 377 liters of cargo room, the Captur offers more than its Japanese and Korean rivals, which typically have 354 liters.

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Safety and Technology

Awarded a 5-star Euro NCAP crash rating, the Captur is equipped with features such as:

• Traction control
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Automatic headlamps
• Rear parking assist with proximity sensors and a camera

More intelligent technologies include automatic vents that open and close to moderate airflow through the radiator, improving fuel economy.

Fitted with cruise control and a speed limiter, the Captur makes highway driving effortless. The 7-inch R-Link infotainment screen provides a wealth of information, including an interesting Outside Air Quality meter with real-time results.

Driving Experience

Powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the Captur’s fuel efficiency is evident in its small displacement. The 111 horsepower and 190 Nm of torque allow the French crossover to reach 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds.

However, the Captur struggles with turbo lag and lengthy gears, leading to shudders in stop-and-go traffic. Additionally, inconsistent brakes can make navigating congested areas challenging.

The Eco drive mode and indicator in the instrument cluster emphasize the Captur’s fuel efficiency, barely sipping 5.1 liters / 100 km, making it one of the most fuel-efficient city vehicles available today.

The Captur’s suspension setup effectively maintains body roll, complementing its precise steering and FWD layout. It is surprisingly grippy, making it enjoyable to navigate through corners.

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Verdict

The 2017 Renault Captur features a two-tone paint scheme and lacks the intimidating styling cues of larger crossovers, making it appealing to its target audience. While there is room for improvement in engine performance, the Captur has already established itself as a winner.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Steering with minimal play allows for easy understanding of the front wheels' position.
• Exceptionally fuel-efficient.
• The most aesthetically pleasing among its rivals.

Cons:

• Long dashboard and sloping hood may pose challenges for new drivers.
• Not all features on the key operate as intended.

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