New models are rolling out thick and fast this year from Renault and no sooner have they dropped the mike on one press unveiling, it appears we are on to the next! This time, it’s the familiar Captur model that has been heavily revised for 2024. Naturally these revisions aim to keep the Captur competitive in the growing compact crossover segment by blending modern design, advanced technology, and efficient powertrains for the various markets it will enter. Before we go in to detail on this new model, let’s take a look at where it all started for Captur. Based on the Renault Clio the first-generation Captur was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013. It offered a high driving position with decent ground clearance, and many personalised styling options including two tone paint. A face-lifted version was introduced to keep the Captur competitive in 2017 which, featured mild bumper and headlight upgrades with improved interior quality. It wasn’t until 2019 when we officially got the second generation built on the CMF-B platform again shared with the Renault Clio. This version featured a completely redesigned exterior and interior, with more advanced technology.
Over the following years, the Captur would get more powertrain options including the E-Tech Hybrid but now, the 2024 variant has arrived wearing a new look, fresh interior and impressive technology. Still built at the Valladolid plant north western Spain, this new Captur is now available in Ireland with three levels of trim to include Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine. A recent visit out to Madrid gave us our first walk around of the Techno and Esprit Alpine variant along with test drive opportunities. The design looks fresh and inline with what Renault are dishing out across the range currently with the likes of Austral, Rafale and indeed Scenic. With ground clearance of 169 mm the new Captur sits proud on stylish alloys and generally looks and feels more premium. Inside a new welcome sequence brings the large 10.4-inch central screen into life as you slide into the comfort of the drivers seat. Our test car featured Renaults OpenR Link with Google built-in multimedia system, Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play along with access to over 50 applications.
Powering the new Captur we had on test was the 145 hp, E-Tech full hybrid which is an excellent little powertrain. Setting off on our first test drive, heavy traffic gave us time to familiarise ourselves with the various driving modes, and test the turning circle on tight one-way Madrid side streets. Both the drivetrain geometry and the calibration of the power steering have been revised considerably to aid in tight conditions and it’s noticeable! Getting out onto the motorway, the cruise control was armed and 40 minutes later the Captur was still mile munching returning 4.7l/100 km in normal mode with three passengers on board. A new E-SAVE function is also available to maintain battery charge at 40% minimum. Ideal if you want to save battery for city use etc! Getting off the motorway and onto the twisting pass of Torrelaguna, the new force-velocity settings of the four shock absorbers got a little workout as we pushed on to make up some time. You know body roll is kept well in check when no passengers complain of nausea even whilst moving at pace.
Returning from the pass and backdown onto less challenging roads gave us time to reflect on how far the Captur has come. It has now evolved from a fashionable urban crossover into a more sophisticated and technologically advanced compact SUV, appealing to a broader range of drivers. Irish punters will have a choice of two engines with the TCe 90 Manual kicking off at €29,120. Entry into the E-Tech full hybrid 145 will cost €33,990 for the Evolution trim level. Expect to pay €36,190 for the Techno variant or indeed €38,590 for the top of the range Esprit Alpine we got to send some time with. The new Captur is already rolling into showrooms around the country and we urge you to go see one up close!
