New SA-Bound Renault Captur Ups The Ante

2020 Renault Captur

Renault’s Captur for 2020

Since the Renault Captur was first introduced in 2013, the brand has come a long way to where it is today. In fact, it is one of their most important cars as they sell more than the Renault Clio and the Renault Megane. They’ve invested a lot of time and money in the second-generation Renault Captur and it has certainly paid off.

Like the Clio, the French automaker has based the Renault Captur around their modular CMF-B platform. This is significant as this platform was specially designed for an electric powertrain and the latest electronic architecture. At the same time, it’s also pioneering semi-autonomous driving technologies and the Captur will be the first Renault to have the new E-Tech Plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV).

Styling And Specifications Of The New Renault Captur

Taking a page from the Clio, the new Renault Captur not only looks stunning but also has the performance to match. The new styling accentuates the effort that has gone in to produce this impressive compact SUV-type vehicle.

It is now 110mm longer, 20mm wider and slightly higher than before with an almost ‘grown-up’ exterior. This increase in size has resulted in 17mm more rear legroom and boot capacity is a luggage-swallowing 536 litres (81 litres more than the previous model). They have also incorporated a sliding rear bench seat which gives drivers more options between the two compartments.

The design is modern and stylish but not over the top and it’s further amplified by full-LED headlights as standard across the entire range. There is also talk of much-improved materials and as with the two-tone exterior, drivers can individualise the cabin thanks to a wide range of colour packs. Among others is the bright orange scheme that is noticeable in many of the featured images and why not, it looks brilliant.

Interior And Autonomous Driving Features

In terms of the interior, a new ‘floating’ centre console with a TFT digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen highlight the Captur’s classy design. It’s been mentioned that it could, in fact, be the biggest in its class. The console is angled towards the driver, making it easier to see and interact with all the tech.

They’ve also added an all-new Easy Link multimedia system with ‘always-on 4G connectivity’ that supports various services. While the cabin looks similar, it is not identical to the new Clio and a far cry from its predecessor. The new Renault Captur promises to “set new standards for the class”.

The new Renault Captur will have more equipment and advanced driver assistance systems in its class. Among the most captivating is the new Highway & Traffic Jam Companion as it offers Level 2 autonomous driving assistance. That said, drivers must still keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times and don’t treat this technology as a self-driving car.

Renault Captur Engine Specs And Performance

There is no confirmation yet on the engine specifications for the South African versions but it might be similar to the European market. People can choose between various petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrain options.

The petrol engines include Renault’s brand new 1-litre, 3-cylinder TCe turbo-petrol producing 74kW and 160Nm. Then, there is the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol which is available in either 96kW/240Nm or 114kW/270Nm derivatives.

In terms of diesel, the Renault Captur in Europe is currently available with an enhanced version of the familiar 1.5 dCi engine with a choice of either 70kW/240Nm or 85kW/260Nm. They can also choose between a six-speed manual and seven-speed EDC dual-clutch gearbox which all depends on the engine.

From 2020, the Renault Captur is set to become the first vehicle in its class to offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain (PHEV) option. Their new E-Tech powertrain seamlessly connects an electric motor to a 1.6-litre petrol engine offering a decent range of up to 45 km between charges.

No release date has been confirmed but Renault is aiming to launch the new Renault Captur in South Africa towards the second half of 2020. They will also only announce local specifications and pricing closer to the launch date.

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