See all New Car Reviews
What is it?
The formula is pretty simple: jack up a chunkily-styled body using a supermini as its basis, dial the lifestyle and marketing knob around to 11 and watch them fly out the showrooms. It’s worked for Nissan with the Juke, and alliance partner Renault now offers the Captur from around €19,400 to customers sold on the concept of a high-rise, space efficient and daringly-styled machine. All are front-wheel drive, so forget muddy excursions, but buyers are more likely to be interested in economy, which is good in all.
What is it like?
You won’t miss it, the Captur a bold-looking crossover, particularly if you’re adventurous with your colour choices. Under the bonnet is Renault’s familiar 1.5 dCi turbodiesel, it working well here, though unless you’re doing huge mileages the small turbocharged 900cc petrol engine mixes good economy with willing performance. After the excitement outside you might be a little disappointed with the interior, as the dash is a bit cheap and plastic. It’s competent enough on the road, if not as enjoyable as Peugeot’s 2008. Good standard kit and pricing appeal, too.
Carzone verdict: 3.5/5
The three most obvious rivals in this market include the Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and the Captur, all driving competently rather than memorably. It’s more likely you’ll buy on looks, then, and here, outside at least, the Captur impresses. The interior is spacious, too, with a big boot, and in typical Renault fashion there’s plenty of choice of trim levels and equipment. It’s reasonably priced, and you’ll not have to pay much tax on it thanks to low emissions. A good all-rounder.