On the road in Laois: Renault’s popular Captur gets a big refresh

First launched back in 2013 the Captur has proven to be a winning model for Renault with well over two million units sold. The Captur is built on the same floor pan as the Clio so it is not a large car but the SUV styling and practicality have given it real appeal. This latest model gets a new beefier style, lots of added standard equipment and Renault’s rather good infotainment system called R Link.

The model on test in this week's motoring column is their top of the range Alpine version. This car borrows its name from the Renault Alpine Motorsport division but in fact it is a styling exercise rather thana performance one as this “Espirit Alpine” runs the same mechanicals as the standard version. Prices kick off at €29,120 but Laois motorists will need to drop a hefty €38,590 for this Espirit Alpine version!

So has It Any Street Cred?
In my opinion it is the undoubted winner in the beauty contest within the compact SUV class.
This new version boasts the new Renault “face” and I really like it! The whole style isnow more muscular giving the Captur a more distinguished presence on the road. The Alpine detailing and badging on this version alongside lovely two tone alloys make itlook that bit special. Top marks here then for Renault!

What’s it like inside?
The revised cabin is a step up in quality from the previous model. The newly designed seats are very supportive, the driving position is excellent and reach and rake adjustable steering comes as standard. The driving position does give a commanding view of the road and the digital instrument layout is clearly and logically laid out.

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The new Espirit Alpine offers drivers a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) enhancing every aspect of driving. Leather steering wheel, a new larger 10.4 inch portrait style touch screen (but with lovely aluminium look buttons for all climate functions thankfully) R Link multimedia system including satellite navigation and much more. There is plenty of head and legroom up front the rear space is adequate but like most cars in this class the Captur sits four much more comfortably than five. The 348 litre boot ( larger in the non hybrid version) which is accessed via the large rear tailgate is a decent size for this class and of course the rear seats fold downing slide forward to create even more space.

What’s under the bonnet?
This hybrid E-Tech is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol with a self charging 1.26kWh battery and twin electric motors. It actually manages to run on electric power more than I expected. Renault claim up to 80% of the time in city traffic and I could vouch for that. The great thing is as the battery depletes the engine kicks in to re charge so no annoying plugging in and looking for charge points.
Acceleration while not earth shattering is acceptable and it cruises happily all day at motorway speeds. The engine note can sound a bit raucous at times if revved as it seems to stay in a gear much longer than you expect. Otherwise it's all very good and frugal too sipping fuel at a rate of just 5.6 litres per 100km when it's on petrol power. This really is the way forward!

Will I enjoy driving it?
The new suspension set-up is much better enhancing handling and ride comfort. Road imperfections and bumps are all well dampened out and absorbed without a hint of drama. Levels of refinement are high with wind, road and tyre noise all very well suppressed.

So What’s the Verdict?
The latest Captur delivers a very well rounded package. There is a comprehensive specification list, it drives well, has a reasonable degree of versatility and is well priced. Build quality is top notch and the upgrades for 2025 make it feel more classy inside. Because of all of that it will have broad appeal. I give it top marks!