Renault Captur Dynamique dCi 90 Stop & Start Car Review - June 2013

REVIEW
List Price: £16,595
Tax Band: A
Insurance Group: 12
MPG: 78.5
CO2: 95
0-62 Mph: 13.1 secs
BHP: 90 BHP
Range: 777 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4.5/5
The Renault Captur is a crossover model introduced by the French manufacturer intended to do battle with rivals such as the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008. It was shown as a concept at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, but the Clio-based production model made its debut at the 2013 event. The Captur is being let loose into a highly competitive market, but with the combination of individual styling, low running costs, and sensible pricing, Renault may well have managed to hit on the formula for success. The pick of the range in terms of combining economy and performance must surely be the models fitted with the 90bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine, which boasts a tax-busting CO2 emissions reading of less than 100g/km, something which will catch the eye of both company car buyers as well as budget-minded private buyers.

PROS:  Practical and well-equipped, with low running costs and fun looks.

CONS:  The ride quality is unremarkable at best, and very firm on bumpy surfaces.

Behind the Wheel

The 90bhp, 1.5-litre diesel engine in the Renault Captur Dynamique dCi 90 Stop & Start is one of three power units available in the range, but currently the only diesel. Hitched to a 5-speed manual gearbox it is good for 106mph, with a 0-62mph time of 12.3 seconds. The engine produces 162 lb-ft of torque, which gives it the edge over the sluggish petrol powered models in the Captur range. The Captur’s elevated driving position is very good and gives excellent visibility, and still allows for plenty of leg and headroom. The Captur has good levels of grip and surprisingly little roll in the corners, although the ride does feel a little jittery on bumpy surfaces. External noise is minimised, in particular from the engine which is well insulated, but wind noise does increase at higher speeds.

Looks & Equipment

The Renault Captur is a relative newcomer to the mini-MPV and developed from a concept car of the same name that was displayed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The production model has less radical styling, and is essentially a larger, more upright bigger brother to the latest generation Renault Clio. The Dynamique trim-level comes as standard with power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front and rear windows, cruise control, immobiliser, bluetooth, Mp3 connectivity and satellite navigation. Further optional extras include metallic paint for an additional £495. The mid-range Captur Dynamique dCi 90 Stop & Start gains climate control and satellite navigation over the entry-level Expression models, but the range as a whole has competitive levels of standard kit.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The Renault Captur has been tested by Euro NCAP, who conduct safety testing on new cars released on the continental market, and passed with flying colours by achieving an overall 5-star rating. The Captur does include as standard driver, passenger, a front side airbags, as well as other driver aids such as stability control, and also comes with an impressive 4-year, 100,000-mile manufacturers warranty. Cabin space is good for fully-grown adults, even in the rear, but where the Captur does impress is luggage capacity. The 377-litres of seats up boot space trumps rivals such as the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008, and once the split folding rear seats are lowered it grows further to 1,235-litres.

Value for Money

The £16,395 Captur Dynamique dCi 90 Stop & Start has the most economical engine in the range, with a combined fuel economy return of 76.4mpg and a Road Tax Band A rating thanks to its sub-100g/km of CO2 emissions. Those low running costs make the model the pick of the range, as they will bolster resale values and make the Dynamique dCi 90 Stop & Start more desirable in both the new and used markets. The Captur also gets the jump on rivals with both its superior luggage space, and confidence-inducing warranty length. The Renault Captur takes its place in a sector of the market where the competition is hotting up all the time, but could well prove to be a much-needed success story for the French carmaker.

Renault Captur Dynamique dCi 90 Stop & Start Car Review - by 
All Renault Captur Reviews
Renault Captur Dynamique dCi 90 Stop & Start - June 2013
The Renault Captur is a crossover model introduced by the French manufacturer intended to do battle with rivals such as the Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008. It was shown as a concept at the 2011 Gene...
Comments
Medium Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Renault Captur. Here are some popular Renault Captur alternatives:

NEW RELEASE
Jeep Avenger revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
Ferrari Purosangue revealed
NEW RELEASE
Ford Mustang revealed for 2023
NEW RELEASE
New BMW M2 has been revealed
NEW RELEASE
Electric SUV coming soon
NEW RELEASE
Popular hatchback gets an update