The French carmaker intends to make a stronger impression in the mid-size SUV/crossover segment. The competition in this segment is pretty tough though, there’s Hyundai’s Creta, which comes packed to the gills with features, and then there’s the newly launched Jeep Compass that’s a true-blue SUV.
On the outside
There’s a version of the Captur that’s sold in Europe, however, the one we’re getting is specifically made for emerging markets, and is built on the company’s M0 platform. This is the same platform that underpins the Duster. This car doesn’t look like it’s built on the Duster’s platform though - it mirrors the European Captur’s design language, with swooping lines, curves and minimum angles. This car is inherently French in its aesthetics. On the outside, it features big wheel arches, ‘crystal cut’ 17-inch wheels and the massive 210mm ground clearance that give it the proportions of an SUV. The Captur’s short bonnet is muscular, drooping down at the front into an elegant headlight cluster, and culminating in a chunky bumper. The bumper also has 'C'-shaped units that house LED daytime running lamps (DRL) and fog lamps. The fog lamp combo, the tail-lights, as well as the headlights, are also full LED. There’s LED ambient lighting on the inside as well.
On the inside
The interiors are a mixed bag. The new wrap-around dashboard certainly feels like a step up from the Duster's and there are also some great design touches like the butterfly-shaped instrument cluster that gets a large digital speedometer in the centre, flanked by a tachometer and a fuel gauge. The ambient LED lighting and design of the air conditioner controls are also great. However, overall quality of materials doesn’t feel as upmarket as they should be for a car in this class. There are a few grouses, the centre armrest doesn’t fold away and interferes with the operation of the handbrake lever. Only the driver’s seat gets height-adjust but, even in its lowest setting, it’s so high that it not only gives you a commanding view of the road but also of the entire top of the very large dashboard. And if you’re over 6ft tall, you are going to be seated uncomfortably close to the roof of the car.
The car’s ‘panoramic’ windscreen and minimal A-pillars, along with the quarter windows are designed to give you an optimum view of everything around and in front of you. The front seats themselves aren’t too bad though - the two-tone white- and-black leatherette seats look and feel good, and there's enough support for your back and under-thighs, as well as sufficient bolstering for your shoulders. Two adults can be seated comfortably, while three might be a bit of a squeeze. Kneeroom isn’t the best here, and the rising window line robs the back of some airiness. There are a set of AC vents at the back as well, which is a useful addition.
The top-spec Platine trim of the Captur is fitted with a 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Bluetooth, USB and aux-in, integrated maps and navigation. It’s fairly responsive and quick, but you don’t get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. What you do get is basic iPod functionality through USB and some voice commands for iOS.
Under the hood
Renault offers this car with the tried-and-tested 1.5-litre H4K petrol, mated to a five-speed manual, and its 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine, with a six-speed manual, on the Captur in India for now. The DCi diesel motor makes 110hp and 240Nm like in the more powerful version of the Duster, but refinement levels are exceptional. This engine is the quietest it's ever been and overtaking manoeuvres are a breeze - it’s also incredibly stable on wide open roads and at fairly high speeds. The Captur is a very capable handler as well, the chunky steering is well weighted and it gives you a good feel of what’s going on with the front wheels. Ride quality is another area that the Captur does really well in. Occupants aren’t completely isolated from bumps, none of them are jarring, apart from the really sharp ones. This car comes fitted with ABS, EBD, brake assist, stability control (ESC), dual and side airbags, and Isofix child seat mounts in the back.
Should I buy one?
The Captur, if priced right, will be a very interesting proposition in this mid-size SUV space. The car may be priced slightly higher than Hyundai’s Creta, but will be cheaper than Jeep’s Compass.
