New Renault Captur - First drive

By Chad Lückhoff

While the South African passenger car market is down by 1% this year, Renault is celebrating the fact that their numbers are up by 22%. There are not many that can claim growth of that magnitude locally. It's takes more than a single change to get this sort of growth right in a market that is as volatile as the South African one is at the moment. Attention to the local market concerns, tempting package deals and striking new designs all form part of the solution. Undoubtedly, one of the key elements for Renault has been the hugely successful Captur range.

With design cues that never strayed too far from the original concept, the Renault Captur entered the compact crossover segment and the hearts of many a South African consumer. Since it's introduction in 2015, Renault have shifted over 6500 Capturs, averaging around 150 units a month.

Renault's B-segment SUV, if you will, has be face-lifted and revitalized for the late 2017 and 2018 model year, all the while keeping in mind that price plays an important part in this segment of the industry. This means that while you'll be receiving a better product, you won't be paying more for the privilege.

Changes for the current model year range from new exterior detailing, interior trimmings and design as well as the addition of a new drivetrain for 88kW models.

Visual Changes

The front end of the new Captur has been updated to now include Renault's Pure Vision LED headlights with auto leveling function for improved visibility and throw at night. Below these, C-shaped LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and active cornering fog-lamps rest in the bumper. Additional chrome detailing adorns the grille and while it may sound garish, nearly all the cosmetic enhancements have been done in an elegant, up-market fashion.

Dynamique models flex the SUV heritage of the Captur by featuring aluminium-look skid plates at the front and the rear, while the taillights have been upgraded with concentric C-shape detailing on all models.

New design 16- and 17-inch, multi-spoke wheels with gloss black and machined diamond faces grace the arches and the Captur retains its versatile 170mm ground clearance.

Several new colours are available, including an Atacama Orange, Ocean Blue and Passion Red; offered on Dynamique models with either a Diamond Black or Ivory White bi-tone roof colour scheme.

Interior Enhancements

Renault has improved on the overall fit and finish of the materials in the cabin of the new Captur, adding a soft-touch surface to the dashboard and door cards while the new, redesigned multifunction steering wheel is now thicker and smaller in diameter.

The design of the center fascia has been changed somewhat and now appears to be more integrated into the overall design, rather than carrying the floating theme of past. It too has been re-trimmed with an aluminium edging and smaller piano black inserts.

Leather seats are now available on Captur models with heating functionality for those chilly winter mornings. Dynamique models also see the addition of a retractable center armrest with storage compartment to complement the new center tunnel design.

In order to keep the pricing competitive with a weaker Rand and the enhancements, Renault South Africa has chosen not to spec the Blaze variants (which replace entry-level Expression models) with the MediaNav infotainments system, opting rather to fit their new R&Go radio unit that includes a cradle for smartphones. Through a USB connection and utilizing the R&Go app, users will be able to unlock a host of functions, tied into the cars computer system as well as benefit from integration with their favourite music, media and navigation apps. I can only liken it to a version of Apple's CarPlay, but without the iOS app restrictions.

New Captur Drivetrain options and pricing.

Answering the public's demand for a manual gearbox in the range topping 88kW Dynamique models, Renault now offers a 6-speed manual gearbox with the 88kW 1.2-litre turbopetrol Captur Dynamique. Offering an additional 15Nm of torque, this model now produces 88kW and 205Nm while still managing to return claimed figures of 5.4l/100km. They retain the 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) version as well.

While this is the only major change to the line up, it means that you have the following models to choose from, with pricing as follows:

New Renault Captur 66kW Blaze	R229 900
New Renault Captur 66kW Dynamique	R269 900
New Renault Captur 1.5 dCi  Dynamique	R294 900
New Renault Captur 88kW Dynamique	R294 900 (New)
New Renault Captur 88kW EDC Dynamique	R309 900

 

The Blaze is now R20 000 cheaper than the 66kW Expression it replaces while the rest are no more than R5 000 more expensive – hardly a leap in price considering the mitigating circumstances faced locally.

Standard across the range, at no additional cost is a 5-year / 150 000km mechanical warranty; plus a 3-year / 45 000km service plan.