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NEW RENAULT CAPTUR E-TECH HYBRID PILES ON THE STYLE.

New Renault Captur Hybrid piles on the style.

Over 14,000 Renault Captur models have been sold in Ireland since it was launched in 2014. The new Captur remains a pace-setter in the urban SUV market with a host of new features alongside the many qualities that have built its identity and its success over the years.  Along with a new front end and distinctive athletic lines, the new Captur gains a more stylish, more premium look. This change is best illustrated by the new esprit Alpine level trim, with its sporty features and elegant nods to the Alpine brand. Driving pleasure is enhanced by a more dynamic ride with high-tech upgrades for a more connected and more efficient experience.

Generously-Equipped Trim Levels.

Available in ‘evolution’, ‘techno’ and ‘esprit Alpine’ trim levels, the new Captur features an extensive list of standard equipment across all trims. The entry-level Captur ‘evolution’ comes with key features such as: 17” nymphéa flex wheels, black glossy air deflectors, black front and rear door pillars, textured upper dashboard skin, refined fabric steering wheel, 7” HD customisable digital driver instrumentation, wireless Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay™ mirroring, 10.4” openR link multimedia system with integrated radio, wireless phone charger, and a six-speaker Arkamys™ auditorium audio system, along with a suite of safety and driver assist systems. Mid-spec ‘techno’ trim includes 18” alloy wheel rims, satin chrome-plated air vent surrounds, privacy glass, glossy black front and rear door pillars, 10” HD customisable digital driver instrumentation, 10.4” opelR link connected multimedia system with Google built in, and a height-adjustable passenger seat, along with power-fold door mirrors. Flagship ‘esprit Alpine’ trim adds even more sportiness and luxury to the mix, with features like 19” elixir alloy wheels, shale grey front and rear skid plates, aerodynamic front bumper with shale grey blade design, and Alpine-style badges on the front wings, along with glossy black roof bars. Exclusive ‘esprit Alpine’ interior design features include blue-brushed upper-strip trim, lower textile sheathed strip with red, white and blue flag, Alpine marking and red, white and blue flag on front seats, frameless electrochromic rear-view mirror, heated leather steering wheel with red, white and blue stitching, and a floating centre console with e-shifter gear lever and central armrest.

Striking Design, Inside & Out.

The big styling change is the Captur’s less rounded front end, which features a complex grille design. The styling takes its cues from the all-electric Scenic E-Tech, and the brand’s redesigned logo is included, along with a new vertical lighting design on either side of the revised front bumper. The rear of the car now features a new bumper and diffuser, while the rear light housings are now transparent. The new Captur has a hugely versatile interior, with a sliding rear bench to allow optimisation of rear seat space and boot space according to what is required. From ‘techno’ trim upwards, the new Captur has openR Link multimedia system with Google built-in offering the best of in-car technology with Google Maps navigation, voice assistant with Google Assistant and Google Play with over 50 applications available – a world first in the B-segment. No leather is used in the new Captur. Instead, bio-sourced and recycled materials are used where possible within the cabin. The new Captur is available with up to 28 driver aids, from adaptive cruise control to a driver-drowsiness warning system, and it also features a ‘My Safety’ button that allows the driver to activate personalised settings from the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite.

Fuel Savings – Up To 40%.

The new Captur E-Tech features a full-hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors – one drives the front wheels, and the other is a starter-generator to fire up the engine. This produces a total of 145bhp, allowing the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in 10 seconds. The e-motors are powered by a small 1.2kWh battery, which means the Captur E-Tech can cover short distances on electric power alone. A new E-Save function has been added to the hybrid model, which maintains battery charge of at least 40% for use later in your journey, or to maximise performance when needed. The battery recharges during deceleration and braking. In town, you can drive up to 80% of the time in electric mode and enjoy fuel savings of up to 40%.

Test Car Details.

My test car was a new Captur ‘esprit Alpine’ E-Tech Full Hybrid 145bhp Auto, which was finished in ever-popular Iron Blue metallic paintwork with a Diamond Black metallic roof for maximum visual impact. Standard exterior design elements consist of stylish 19” elixir alloy wheels, while additional standard features include front and rear parking sensors, ‘Multisense’ drive modes with customisable ambient lighting, intelligent cruise control, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, electrically-heated and adjustable power-fold door mirrors, along with Renault’s latest-generation ‘openR link’ multimedia system with Google built-in. There is sufficient mid-range pulling power to make the car enjoyable to drive throughout the rev range, and by selecting the ‘Sport’ drive mode, the driving experience become even more dynamic. The ‘My Sense’ drive mode blends the petrol engine and electric motor outputs for maximum fuel efficiency, and the ‘Pure’ mode (or the ‘EV’ button on the centre console) prioritises battery electric drive up to approximately 59km/h, providing there is sufficient charge to do so. The new Captur is based on the latest Renault Clio hatchback, and that is a major advantage in itself. The steering is suitably weighted and precise, with a good amount of feel, making the car easy to place on the road. The lively response from the petrol/electric powertrain perfectly suits the pliable nature of the automatic transmission. City driving can be enjoyed in near-silence and comfort, as the suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and road undulations with ease, and wind noise is very well suppressed. At motorway speeds, the car feels well planted on the tarmac, and the powertrain remains willing to accelerate when called upon for overtaking manoeuvres, and the likes. 

Verdict and Pricing.

The new Renault Captur E-Tech Full Hybrid Compact SUV is an impressive all-rounder that comes with an efficient and fuss-free hybrid powertrain. Occupants are sure to enjoy the practicality and versatility on offer, as well as the raised seating position that provides excellent visibility. With plenty of on-board tech and an impressive suite of active safety features, the new Captur provides occupants with terrific peace-of-mind on every journey. I very much enjoyed my time behind the wheel of my test car, and I can genuinely say that the new Captur E-Tech Full Hybrid is highly commendable in every respect. The new Renault Captur is also available with a pure-petrol engine (TCe 90), with prices starting at just €29,270. Pricing for the E-Tech Hybrid 145bhp Auto starts at €33,990. My flagship test-car specification is priced from €38,590. Visit www.renault.ie for further information.

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