European Captur pedigree defies Chinese propaganda
Take a little advice from a seasoned motoring man in this ever changing car market. Look well beyond all the smoke and mirrors before you make that all important next new car call. There’s probably something far more real, much better pedigreed and a way better long-term choice lurking behind all that yellow jaundiced propaganda.
Something like this Renault Captur, a real car for living that’s rendered almost secret behind all that yellow peril hocus-pocus, pretence and obfuscation. Packing a 127 year pedigree, rather than some Vim tin invented three weeks ago, Renault knows a thing or two about building cars.
Best of all, Renault has re-invented itself in the face of the onslaught. Far from the jelly mould takes on average of just a few years ago, this second generation Captur punches right out the box to deliver a truly impressive package. Especially at the price…
First off, Captur is designed and built in Europe
Built at Renault’s Valladolid Spain plant, Captur also steps away from Oriental glut of swamping local car dealerships. But it’s still a bargain. Starting at R515K, let’s use the middling1.3T to compare to the R625K Kia Seltos, R600K Chery Tiggo 7 and R580K Omoda C7. Which makes this diamond R615K Esprit Alpine quite the kicker, doesn’t it?
Bold and athletic, Captur delivers on Renault’s latest brand identity in a sportier, more premium and technologically advanced package. This flagship draws inspiration from Renault’s Alpine arm. The one that races F1 and the WEC. It brings a generous, elegant, sporty and splendidly Gallic level of kit, and an inspiring driving experience.
The top of those three trim levels all propelled by the same, lively 1.3-litre turbo petrol lump turning the front axle via a 7-speed EDC double-clutch trannie, Captur makes no bones of its significant strides. A major styling step forward, it embraces the Regie’s diamond heritage in an inspiring new look.
A premium cabin and a wealth of kit
The diamond theme abounds through LED DRL headlight signatures and a multi-faceted grille that play on light and dark to compliment the edgy two-tone theme. Sexy 19-inch Elixir diamond cut wheels add to a staunch poise and a far more upmarket look. All while retaining a certain Captur feel.
Just as big a step inside, the premium cabin brings a wealth of standard kit highlighted by this one’s sultry Alpine trim. Built around Renault’s new Auto and CarPlay rich OpenR Link multimedia tech, the interactive 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen is simple to use, hyperconnected and as intuitive as your smartphone.
A symbol of Alpine sporting elegance, the Tricoleur features across blue top-stitched piping, seatbelts and 26% recycled fabric trim Aluminium-plated sports pedals, branded door sills and a most ergonomic steering wheel add to the vibe.
Captur gets an eager 113 kW 1.3-litre turbo petrol
Generous front and rear, Captur carries its clever sliding rear bench seat over. It adds cabin space in its rearmost state and stretches the modular boot to 616 litres with the bench shoved forward. And a cavernous 1596 litres folded down. 28 litres more storage includes a glovebox and seatback map pockets. So French!
The 113 kW 270 Nm 1.3-litre turbo petrol is eager, as the Auto Test data at the bottom well attests. Ample bottom-end makes heavy traffic a synch. Overtaking is easy. And Captur is as engaging to drive as it’s sexy and smart. You can feel that European quality, class and refinement every inch of the way. Sorry, Vim tin, but this is a real car!
Captur packs four Eco, Sport, Comfort and Perso Multisense driving sensations toggled by a steering wheel button. Each delivers its own specific steering, engine and chassis feel. As well as its own ambient lighting colour and dashboard display theme.
Scratch a little before you buy your next car
Captur also packs Predictive Eco Driving Advice to help reduce fuel consumption and promote safe driving. We handily defeated Renault’s 6.6 litre per hundred claim. And scored an A+ 94%! Other aids include bind spot and hill start assistants and 360° parking sensors.
On the road, steering is crisp, handling sharp and agile enough to deliver a driving experience that actually means something. Which is so far beyond than just another fat, fluffy, improperly developed and unrefined crock hidden behind yet more profound Eastern product propaganda good enough to make one’s eyes water.
Beautifully put together, packing real tactile materials and systems you can actually understand, Captur is also smart, sharp and driver-focused enough to put most segment rivals to shame.
Best of all? This splendid Renault Elixir Alpine comes at almost no premium versus those Johnny Come Lately pretenders, ether. With secrets as sensational as this out there, just be sure that you shop properly before you just go out and buy that next new car… – Michele Lupini
Images & data: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Renault Captur 1.3 Esprit Alpine EDC
Engine: 113 kW 270 Nm 1.3-litre turbo petrol I4
Drive: 7-speed double clutch automatic FWD
TESTED:
0-60 km/h: 3.69 sec
0-100 km/h: 7.98 sec
0-120 km/h: 10.97 sec
0-160 km/h: 19.86 sec
400m: 15.8 sec @ 145 km/h
80-120 km/h: 5.40 sec
120-160 km/h: 8.69 sec
CLAIMED:
VMax: 193 km/h
Fuel: 6.6 l/100 km
CO2: 149 g/km
Range: 725 km
Warranty/Service: 5y 150K/3y 45K km
LIST PRICE: R615K
How does it compare?
Check with Auto's Test Data right here