By Otsile Kadiege

We recently jetted off to KwaZulu-Natal where we hit the byways and highways of Umhlanga for the launch of the new, second-generation Renault Captur. The nameplate made its debut back in 2015 and has sold 1.5 million units. Locally, Renault sold an impressive 27 251 units in 2022. Renault SA hopes the new Captur will continue the success of its predecessor.

The newcomer was launched back in 2020, however, its launch in SA was delayed due to Covid-19 regulations and known industry delays like the semi-conductor issue. That said, the new Captur has finally landed on our shores and it enters a hotly-contested B-SUV segment where a number of stalwarts are gunning for a bigger piece of the lucrative pie.

The new Captur is riding on a new platform. It has a new, potent turbo-petrol engine, new technologies, an array of driver assistance systems, a 5-star Euro ENCAP rating and many more features.

Athletic crossover exterior design

The new Captur looks the part thanks to an aggressive-looking exterior design with a few styling cues inspired by the brand’s new Clio hatchback. Highlights include a wider grille flanked by standard LED headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) and a lower front bumper with functional air inlets and a skid plate.

In profile, the Captur is striking and is shod with 17-inch wheels throughout the range. The rear also has C-shaped LED taillights with 3D mesh. Compared to its predecessor, the new Captur has grown in size. It now measures 4 228 mm (+107 mm) in length, it’s 1 573 mm (+7 mm) tall, it’s 1 797 mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2 639 mm (+33 mm).

The new Captur is available with the following exterior paint colours: Ivory White; Marine Blue; Mercury Silver; Oyster Grey; Passion Red and Ocean Blue. The Zen model derivative colours are presented in monochrome while the Intens version is bi-colour.

New Captur derivatives

Customers have a choice of two model variants to choose from, namely Zen and Intens. The former is the entry-level model while the latter is the range-topping Captur.

Upmarket interior

Inside, the Captur Intens looks and feels premium and modern thanks to a driver-focused cockpit, soft touch materials all-round, a massive 9.3-inch touch display with crisp graphics (7.0-inch for the Zen derivative), an intuitive infotainment system, a 7- or 10-inch TFT digital cluster, an e-shifter gear selector, piano buttons, sliding 60:40 split rear seats, a decently sized 404 litres boot space (1 275 litres with rear seats folded) and several upholstery colour packs for the comfortable fabric seats.

Safety and driver assistance systems

The new Renault Captur holds a prestigious 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating; with six airbags & Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), Anti-Locking Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).  The Captur still offers front and rear park assist with the reverse camera.  Other standard safety support features include Lane Departure warning technology, cruise control and speed limiter, Blind Spot Warning and Traffic Sign recognition with speed limit warning.

Standard passive safety features include front airbags, head/chest side bags, seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters (front seats), anti-submarining front seats, anti-whiplash head rests and force limiter function (rear side seats) Three ISOFIX 3-point child seat anchor seat attachments are fitted to the front passenger and rear side seats.

New turbo-petrol engine

Powering the new Captur is a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine developing a healthy 113kW and 270Nm. It’s paired to a 7-speed EDC (Efficiency Dual Clutch) auto gearbox. Renault claims the new Captur will average 6.6l/100km.

After a short drive in the new Captur Intens, we were impressed by its peppy 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine and its buttery smooth 7-speed EDC gearbox. The ride quality is also impressive as it handled the rougher roads of Umhlanga’s surrounding areas with ease. We look forward to spending more time with the new Captur for a more comprehensive review.

Pricing and warranty

Captur Zen – R454,999

Captur Intens – R499,999

The new Captur is backed by a 5 year/ 150 000km mechanical warranty, a 3 year/ 45,000 km service plan, and a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.