Renault Captur Review

Fancy a small car, with a high driving position, for a low price? The second-generation Renault Captur is a great all-rounder for the money

Strengths & weaknesses

  • Far better than old version
  • Comfortable
  • Long warranty
  • Short on driving thrills
  • Pricier than similarly-sized superminis
  • Not the most desirable car

2020 Renault Captur prices from £6,851   Finance from £146.91 per month

Back in 2013 when the original Renault Captur was introduced, small crossovers were fairly rare. In fact, it only really had the Nissan Juke (Nissan is part of the same group of brands as Renault) for company. The 2020 Renault Captur is not so lucky when it comes to the number of rivals it has to compete against.

Even ignoring other brands for a moment, though, the new Renault Captur has big shoes to fill as the previous version was the French car maker’s best-selling model in the UK. That popularity stretches beyond the UK, too, with more than 1.2 million Capturs having been sold globally in its first seven years.

The number of small crossovers has mushroomed in that time, however, with rivals such as the Volkswagen T-Cross, Peugeot 2008, Seat Arona, Ford Puma and Audi Q2 all now available to name a few. This means that now drivers can choose from a wide spread of models ranging from basic, affordable options to luxurious all-singing-all-dancing options.

For perspective, the new Renault Captur was available from £17,595 to £24,795 for well-specified models with an automatic gearbox at launch. Options include manual and automatic transmissions paired with petrol and diesel engines, with seven gearbox and engine combinations in total.

Meanwhile, the more upmarket Audi Q2 weighs in from £22,720, the newly introduced Ford Puma around £20,500 upwards and at the more affordable end of the spectrum Dacia’s Duster a mere £10,995, though that is for a super-basic model.

One area Renault has struggled with in the past is build quality, but the new Captur marks a major step forward in that regard. No longer is there a gulf between the Captur and equivalent models from the likes of VW and Ford. Furthermore, cabin tech - such as the 9.3-inch media system offered in top-spec models - offers a more upmarket vibe than the outgoing model.

Underneath, the Captur is built on the same platform as the new Renault Clio, which is a good thing. Why? Not only does this boost practicality, but the setup is lighter than before which has helped to improve both comfort and refinement. Also, thanks to its greater size than the old model (110mm longer and 19mm wider) room in the cabin is increased, helping make the new Captur easier to live with than its predecessor.

When it comes to safety, the new Renault Captur has been given the highest praise possible – a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating.

The individual scores contributing to this rating are, 96% adult occupant protection, 83% child occupant protection, 75% vulnerable road user (such as pedestrians) protection and 74% safety assist (which measures how effective the available safety equipment is). For those with child seats and most likely a child or two to match, there are two Isofix locations in the rear outermost seats and one for the front passenger seat, too.

Key facts

Warranty Five-year, 100,000 miles
Priced from £17,595
Tax £170 to £210 in the first year and £145 thereafter
Length 4,227mm
Width 2,003mm (including mirrors)
Height 1,576mm

Best Renault Captur for...

Best for Economy – Renault Captur Iconic dCi 115 Manual

All diesel Capturs claim 58.9mpg (under the latest fuel economy test conditions) but the dCi 115 paired with a manual gearbox also offers a good level of usability, affordability and performance.

Best for Families – Renault Captur Iconic TCe 130 Manual

While all Renault Capturs come well equipped, opting for Iconic spec brings goodies that help take the edge off family motoring, such as rear tinted windows, rear parking sensors and roof bars.

One to Avoid – Renault Captur S Edition dCi 95

When the entire range of diesel engines promise the same economy (although CO2 emissions do vary) there is little sense slumming it with the least powerful diesel engine wrapped in the most expensive trim.

History

  • Mid-2013 Renault Captur Mk1 launched
  • Late-2013 Renault adds 1.5 dCi 90 diesel engine to the range
  • October 2014 Renault introduces range-topping Signature trim
  • Spring 2015 a higher-powered diesel engine (dCi 100) joins the Mk1 Captur range
  • Spring 2017 Renault reveals the updated Captur
  • Summer 2017 Iconic Nav models are launched as a range-topping special edition
  • October 2017 A new automatic gearbox is offered with dCi 90 models
  • May 2018 Renault overhauls the Captur range to include only Play, Iconic and GT Line models
  • December 2019 Renault reveals pricing and specification for the 2020 Mk2 Captur
  • May 2021 R.S. Line and SE Limited trims added; both get TCe 90 and TCe 140 engines, R.S. Line gets 160hp PHEV option capable of 188mpg

Understanding Renault Captur names

Engine TCe 155

Renault includes fuel type and power output in its engine names. TCe refers to a turbocharged petrol engine (dCi is used for diesel models) and 155 refers to the amount of power on tap - 155hp here.

Trim Iconic

Iconic spec sits in the middle of Renault’s range. Unlike some of the French car maker’s model ranges, there isn’t currently a particularly sporty version (aesthetically or otherwise) offered. This means, when looking at the different trims, these largely affect equipment levels, rather than boosting performance or adding aggressive styling changes.

Gearbox Auto EDC

Renault denotes an automatic Captur by including “Auto EDC” in a model’s name. There is no special name for a Captur with a manual gearbox.

Renault Captur Engines

Petrol: TCe 100, TCe 130, TCe 130 Auto EDC Diesel: dCi 95, dCi 115, dCi 115 Auto EDC

Even though the automotive market is in general moving away from diesel as a fuel, the new Captur is offered, initially at least, with two diesel engines. That said, it is expected that petrol units will be the strongest sellers, with the TCe 100 likely to be UK buyers’ favourite.

Economy and emissions of the TCe 100 are the strongest of the petrol models at 47.1mpg and 136-137g/km of CO2. Performance from the 1.0-litre unit is best described as gentle, with 0 to 62mph taking 13.3 seconds and a top speed sitting at 107mph. The TCe 100 is solely available with a five-speed manual gearbox.

A more powerful petrol unit, the TCe 130 is available with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. Irrespective of ‘box the TCe 130 boasts 129hp but there are differences in other performance figures. The automatic transmission promises a 0 to 62mph time of 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 120mph. Meanwhile, the manual gearbox promises a 0 to 62mph time of 10.6 seconds and a top speed of 121mph.

At the top of the range in performance terms is the TCe 155. This engine is only available with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, which promises 152hp and claims to emit 142g/km of CO2. Top speed is the highest of all the new Capturs (126mph) and 0 to 62mph takes 8.6 seconds.

As the Captur isn’t designed to be a performance car, none of these options are especially well suited to those wanting a thrilling drive. That said, those after a practical small SUV will find performance ample.

Moving over to diesel engines, there are two on offer, and both have an official economy figure of 58.9mpg.

Go for the 94hp dCi 95 engine (and mandatory six-speed manual gearbox) and it can go from 0 to 62mph in 14.4 seconds before going on to a top speed of 110mph. Claimed CO2 emissions come in at 124-125g/km.

The more powerful dCi 115 packs 113hp, though the rest of the performance figures are dependent on whether the six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox is installed. For those with a clutch pedal, the dCi 115 powers the Captur from a standstill to 62mph in 11.9 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 116mph. CO2 emissions measure in at 125 to 126g/km.

Automatic dCi 115 variants can reach 62mph from a standing start in 11.0 seconds and go on to a top speed of 116mph. The corresponding claimed emissions are 124 to 126g/km depending upon which one you go for.

Those disappointed that there is no plug-in hybrid option need not be for long as Renault has confirmed that such a Captur will be along shortly. It is expected to be called the Renault Captur E-Tech and use a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with a high-voltage battery and electric motor. The electric range is expected to be around 30 miles while top speed when driving under battery-power only is anticipated to be 85mph.

Engine

Fuel

Economy

Carbon Dioxide Emissions*

Power

Acceleration (0-62mph)

Top Speed

TCe 90

Petrol

47.9mpg

133g/km

90hp

14.0 seconds

 

TCe 100

Petrol

47.1mpg

136g//km

100hp

13.3 seconds

107mph

TCe 130

Petrol

44.1mpg

144g/km

130hp

10.6 seconds

121mph

TCe 130 Auto EDC

Petrol

44.8mpg

141g/km

130hp

9.6 seconds

120mph

TCe 140 Auto EDC

Petrol

47.9mpg

134g/km

140hp

9.2 seconds

122mph

TCe 155 Auto EDC

Petrol

44.8mpg

142g/km

155hp

8.6 seconds

126mph

dCi 95

Diesel

58.9mpg

124g/km

95hp

14.4 seconds

110mph

dCi 115

Diesel

58.9mpg

125g/km

115hp

11.9 seconds

116mph

dCi 115 Auto EDC

Diesel

58.9mpg

124g/km

115hp

11.0 seconds

116mph

E-Tech PHEV

Petrol-Electric

188.3mpg

33g/km

160hp

10.1 seconds

107mph

Renault Captur Trims

Play, Iconic, S Edition

Renault has kept the latest Captur’s range simple and easy to understand with just three trims. Kicking things off is Play spec, then there is Iconic and finally, S Edition.

Play spec really does offer all the equipment most people will need and or want. Standard goodies include 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch central touchscreen media system (including sat-nav), dual-zone climate control, full LED headlights, traffic sign recognition (helpful for keeping track of changing speed limits), automatic headlights and wipers, keyless entry/start, a 10-inch digital driver's display, emergency brake assist and lane keep assist. Not too shabby.

Moving up to Iconic (for around £1,500 more than Play), brings only a handful of additions. The additional spec includes roof bars, tinted rear windows (including the tailgate glass), contrasting roof, folding wing mirrors and a different alloy wheel design for a sharper overall look.

Top spec S Edition models (which again cost around £1,500 more than the model below) feature even more kit. This includes a wireless phone charging pad, leather steering wheel, rear-view parking camera, automatic high-beam headlights, larger 9.3-inch central touchscreen media system, blind-spot monitoring and the same alloys as Iconic versions, albeit with black inserts.

There is a strong argument that Play spec is the trim to go for – especially if Renault offers missing equipment as options, allowing buyers to cherry-pick tech offered on higher models. That said, those with specific needs, such as having kids or having to regularly park in tight spaces should have no problem opting for the better-equipped models as they still represent good value for money.

Used buyers have the easiest decision to make, as the difference in price between models should be much smaller. With that in mind, opting for the extra style of Iconic trim or luxury kit of S Edition is likely to be a wise choice for many drivers, as you'll get much more equipment for your money for a smaller premium. 

Renault Captur Reliability and warranty

Renault recently improved its warranty offering, meaning the Mk2 Captur is now offered with a five-year/100,000-mile warranty. This is a substantial step above the industry standard of three-years/60,000 miles, and having a couple of years' extra cover is not only good for new car buyers, but is even more valuable for those purchasing a used car. An affordable two or three-year old model with two or three years' warranty cover remaining makes a lot of sense as a used buy.

As the latest Captur is only just going on sale, there hasn’t been any chance for buyers to feed back on how reliable and long-lasting it is. Furthermore, Renault ranked 19th (out of 30) in Auto Express’ 2019 Driver Power ownership satisfaction survey. This may not initially seem impressive but 19th saw Renault finish ahead of brands such as BMW and Mercedes.

Used Renault Captur

The arrival of a new Captur makes it a great time to pick up a used version of the outgoing car, as second-hand values should be down. This makes the original Captur a great car for the money.

The original Captur was launched in 2013 with a facelifted model arriving in 2017. Furthermore, from 2014 Signature trim was the range-topper before being out-specced by Iconic Nav models in 2017. Also, in 2018 Renault changed the Captur range to consists of Play, Iconic and GT Line models.

With the new Captur expected to sell well, it shouldn't be long before an arrray of used second-generation models become available. As it stands, there are currently  155 used Renault Capturs available on Buyacar, with prices starting from  £6,851 or  buyacar_api:lowest_monthly_price] per month on finance.

MK1 RENAULT CAPTUR BUYERS GUIDE (2013 - 2020)

Other Editions

Captur (2013 – 2020)

A practical small crossover with low running costs, the Renault Captur is best value as a used car