![]() ![]() While the stoppers did their thing with sufficient reaction during our week behind the wheel, we fear that repeated use might eventually lead to fade.Īlong with the current Clio, the Captur has been criticised for not providing rear-seat side head airbag protection. Unfortunately – and quite shockingly considering how much the French company values safety – drum rather than disc brakes are found out back. Backed up by a longish wheelbase and 163mm ground clearance, the Renault quietly and effortlessly soaks up bumps and road irregularities. The Expression is fitted with a 16-inch wheel and tyre package, which is the ideal combo if a supple ride is also a high priority. This is the sort of runabout that you can revel throwing around bends. Sadly, no triple auto option is currently in the pipeline.īalanced, controlled, and agile sum up the Captur’s handling, with responsive steering and a flat, surefooted roadholding attitude. Renault reckons a 4.9L/100km average is possible (on 95 RON-plus premium unleaded), though anything under a seven in this size of vehicle is a bonus. The benefit, of course, is exceptional fuel economy, especially if the driver elects to leave the pretty unintrusive idle-stop system on. Thankfully, and despite having quite a long throw, a driver handy with the five-speed gearbox can easily drive around the torque shortfall. ![]() Introduce inclines, or a full complement of passengers, however, and the extra burden will be felt. It’s not as if the front tyres will burn with every prod of the go-faster pedal. If you find a quiet enough road, it is possible to extend the Captur out in each gear, making this a particularly spirited experience. In most driving situations, the TCe 90’s 898cc turbo triple will provide more than adequate performance, especially if the Renault is only carrying two people and their gear.Īided by a smart set of gear ratios, the thrummy yet smooth and eager engine is surprisingly quick off the mark, and pulls away lustily all the way beyond the 5000rpm power max. The floor itself is adjustable, with wet or dry compartments. Cargo capacity varies from 377 litres to 455L with the backrests erect, or 1235L with them dropped down. The cushion and backrest themselves are soft and cushy, accommodating two adults easily. ![]() The rear seat works well too, as it slides for the benefit of extra boot space. Solid and easy to navigate, all the functionality needed is right there, along with plenty of space, supportive front seats, a thoughtful driving position, and excellent ventilation. Both define what is a clear and contemporary dash. Fat A-pillars also create blind-spot hazards.ĭominating proceedings is a large central tablet-style touchscreen with full Bluetooth phone and audio streaming functionality, while a very funky set of instrument dials could be out of a sportscar. Note, however, that the cabin might come across as a tad too monotone in base Expression guise, unless some of the personalisation trim has been fitted. The J87 Captur is basically a 100mm higher-riding version of the Clio IV that donates most of its underpinnings, meaning entry and egress is about on a par with most compact SUVs. What the TCe 90 doesn’t offer is an auto option, sadly, meaning most buyers overlook it for the $25,990 TCe 120 Expression with a laggy dual-clutch transmission. Plus, there’s capped-price servicing and a five-year warranty with roadside-assist. Starting from $22,990 plus on-road costs, the 88kW 0.9-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo includes satellite navigation, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, touchscreen connectivity with Bluetooth phone/audio streaming, climate control, auto headlights/wipers, keyless entry, and alloy wheels. Still, the Captur is far from a faded star, especially if what you want is a sporty and strikingly styled Euro crossover, which the surprisingly affordable TCe 90 Expression manual base addresses admirably. ![]() In 2014, this would have been our compact SUV of choice by far. The downside of such popularity has been a long delay in the Spanish-built Renault getting here, meaning the wow factor it could have had last year has been somewhat diminished by newer rivals the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and now the Suzuki Vitara. The French are back.Īussies may not (yet) see it fully, but the Captur compact SUV is a perfect example, selling strongly in most overseas markets, and even breaking segment sales in its homeland. RENAULT is in the middle of a new-model renaissance driven by advanced downsized engine technology, lightweight engineering, and seductive styling.Ĭlio, Captur and soon Megane. ![]()
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