Just a few hours ago Renault introduced the all-new Kaptur in Moscow, reportedly one of the 10 new models that Groupe Renault’s President and CEO Carlos Ghosn announced for this year as Renault continues to expand outside of Europe, notably in Russia.
The specific needs of the Russian market were dialled into the new crossover from the very beginning of the design process. In addition to its name, which starts with an emphatic ‘K’, the Kaptur’s dimensions are also specific, while its four-wheel drive transmission stands out as a major ally to cope with the country’s harsh climate.
But hold on, is the Kaptur the same as the Captur? Not at all: the latter is based on the Clio and smaller, while the Kaptur is based on the Duster. It is slightly larger in terms of overall dimensions. This naturally points to a larger cabin too. In some markets (no reason to believe the Kaptur is solely for Russia, is there?), it will even sport third row seats.
The styling
“To design Renault Kaptur, we have mixed the best of Renault’s eye-catching design with a specific attention to Russian needs for off-road abilities, travelling comfort and versatility,” said Laurens van den Acker, Corporate Design, Vice President, Groupe Renault, at the model’s presentation. “It is a genuine crossover, with a robust, expressive design.”
The front end features Renault’s new styling cues, including a bold Renault logo set against a gloss black background. The wide upper section of the distinctive grille features a new honeycomb mesh pattern, while the broad lower part of the bumper visually widens the car. The sculpted forms of the bonnet and door inserts are other bold crossover cues that express strength.
As at the front, a key feature at the rear is the C-shaped lighting signature of the 3D-effect LED taillights.
Dimensions
The Kaptur’s stance points to the reliability expected of a genuine all-terrain vehicle, including approach and departure angles of 20 and 31 degrees respectively, plus record ground clearance of 204mm (unladen).
The Kaptur’s specific dimensions are:
- Length: 4,333mm
- Width (not including door mirrors): 1,813mm
- Height:1,613mm
- Wheelbase: 2,674mm
Let’s go inside
In addition to its bold yet elegant exterior lines, the Kaptur features a stylish, comfortably-appointed, occupant-friendly cabin that can be customised to obtain a unique interior ambience.
All occupants enjoy outstanding comfort, while the driver benefits from the highest driving position (708mm from the ground) in the segment. The rear bench seat comfortably accommodates three adults.
The Kaptur’s boot volume is 387 litres and carrying capacity increases to 1,200 litres with the 60/40-split bench in the fully-folded position. Loading is facilitated thanks to a wide tailgate aperture (1,002mm).
The Kaptur comes with a modern equipment package for everyday use, including intuitive technologies such as keyless entry, ignition and locking for all versions. The Kaptur is also available with the Media Nav system which covers all the basic multimedia functions, complete with a seven-inch touch screen display, a radio and Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and hands-free use of mobile phones.
Made for Russia
The Kaptur is an all-terrain 4×4 crossover engineered to cope with the conditions that can be encountered in Russia thanks to its high ground clearance of 204mm, heavy duty suspension and reliable all-wheel drive transmission incorporating a locking centre differential. Other key features that make it ideal for the harsh wintry conditions that can be found in Russia and CIS countries are Renault’s Remote Engine Start system, heated front seats and a heated windscreen.
The Kaptur, which will go on sale starting this summer season, is manufactured at Renault’s Moscow plant.
