TC Euro Cars, the sole franchise holder for Renault cars in Malaysia today previewed the Captur, Renault’s first urban crossover – a sporty and versatile compact crossover that delivers driving fun, enjoyable performance, a comprehensive safety package and remarkable fuel efficiency.
Combining the best of three different worlds, the new Renault Captur stands out from the crowd by offering the expressive styling and high driving position of an SUV, the cabin space and modular interior of an MPV and the agility and driving enjoyment of a compact sedan.
Renault Captur’s smooth, fluid, balanced forms express an assertive yet unpretentious personality. Thanks to its compact footprint (4.12m X 1.77m X 1.57m) and large 17” wheels, it proclaims its sporty vocation and lust for adventure while its substantial high driving position raises it to the level of a number of crossovers and 4x4s from the next segment up.
The Captur feature’s Renault’s new frontal identity, which has as its centrepiece a large Renault logo, set vertically against a dark surface. The interior is designed to be both welcoming and occupant-friendly. The passenger compartment is restrained and pure, while seat-covers are removable for easy washing. The carbon bucket-style front seats and steering wheel trimmed in grey textured leather reassert the sporty side of the design.
Downsizing without sacrificing power and performance continues to be a key element in Renault’s product strategy. The Captur features the company’s Turbo Control Efficiency or TCe 120 engine – a thoroughly modern powertrain that comes in a small engine displacement with a turbocharger, delivering performance equivalent to a traditional 1.8-litre engine.
Mated to a 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission that delivers smooth gear changes, Renault’s punch new drivetrain enables the Captur to deliver maximum power of 120hp at 4900 rpm and peak torque of 190Nm at just 2000 rpm.
The Captur is the 15th Renault to secure Euro NCAP’s maximum five star passive safety rating. There are four high-efficiency airbags – dual frontal and dual head/thorax side. Impact detection is improved thanks to the inclusion of 2 sensors on each side with new algorithms to determine the speed the airbags need to be deployed.
Electronic Stability Control with Roll Movement Intervention makes is also equipped on the Captur. Unlike regular stability control, this module is programmed to even compensate for excessive body roll in extreme situation to minimise the possibility of rollovers. Pedestrian protection is also a top priority for Renault, with the Captur being designed around reducing injury should a collision occur.
In terms of accessories and equipment, it will come with auto headlights and wipers, a 7” MediaNav unit with the works, a reverse camera, keyless entry and start, as well as a unique multi-position, reversible boot tray.
In Europe and the rest of the world, the Captur has been one of Renault’s most successful models, with over 360,000 models sold thus far. During the preview, TC Eurocars announced that the crossover will be priced between RM118,000 and RM123,000, which is a very competitive price point.
Arguably the Captur’s biggest trump card is the colour schemes that Renault have given it. Given it’s sportgear-inspired design, it’s only fitting that the car comes in a number of two-tone paint jobs. They are as follows (body/roof):
Arizona Orange/Diamond Black
Pacific Blue/Ivory
Beige/Diamond Black
Ivory/Diamond Black
With the looks, the novelty of owning a Renault and great customisability options, the Captur looks like it’s going to give its Japanese rivals a real run for their money when it is introduced in Q4 2015.
What makes it an even more attractive package is five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty with service intervals spaced at just once a year/10,000km.
