Renault Captur Review (2018)

Caroline reviews the 2018 Renault Captur.

The Renault Captur is one of Ireland’s favourite compact crossovers and since launch in Ireland in 2013, it’s established itself as a good value small car with mini-SUV appeal.

The Captur is Renault’s smallest SUV, with the Kadjar and Koleos completing Renault’s SUV range.

For 2018, Renault has given the Captur a mid-life refresh with the front-end getting some cosmetic treatment in the shape of a new lighting signature and revised grille. The 2018 Renault Captur is still ‘a good-looking bus’ with a colourful, fun presence and lots of style. The two-tone colour scheme is still a big selling point and new colours have been added for 2018.

The interior design has not changed much but Renault says it’s enhanced the material feel and quality. Hard plastics still prevail and some of the switchgear is starting to feel a bit dated against newer rivals. Still buyers will love the elevated driving position and large feel to the cabin upfront.

There is rear seating for three with reasonably well-sized footwells though like many of the rivals, it will be a tight squeeze for three widthways in the back. The boot is spacious for the class at 377 litres and is practical for easy loading.

Engines for Ireland include the 0.9-litre Tce turbo petrol (90hp) and 1.5-litre dCi diesel with 90hp or 110hp. Manual and automatic gearboxes are available.

My test car was a 1.5-litre dCi 110 in Signature X Nav trim. While the Captur range starts at €20,290 in Ireland, my test car retails at €25,490.

In Ireland there are four trim levels: Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Signature X Nav and a new trim, Signature S Nav. Standard equipment includes 16″ alloy wheels with black inserts, auto lights and wipers, cruise control and speed limiter, Bluetooth® audio streaming and hands free calls, handsfree keycard with push button start/stop and manual air conditioning.

What’s special about the Renault Captur Signature X Nav?

My Signature X Nav model has a particularly nice spec with the two tone look coming as standard (black roof with contrasting body colour – mine was Desert Orange if you’re interested!).

There’s also 17″ alloy wheels with black inserts, automatic climate control, front and rear parking sensors, Renault R-LINK Multimedia system with 7″ touchscreen, TomTom LIVE Satellite Navigation system and Android Auto™ compatible, reverse parking camera, automatic folding door mirrors, leather steering wheel, full LED front headlamps, and rear privacy glass.

This model also includes Grip Xtend advanced traction control system and Mud & Snow tyres for extra peace of mind over challenging road surfaces.

Renault Captur 1.5dCi on the road

On the road, the 1.5-litre dCi is a trusty companion in the Renault Captur offering excellent power and economy. It’s reasonably refined and not too noisy. The controls are light making the Captur easy and effortless to drive – perfect for nifty manoeuvring in urban environments. It’s compact and agile, and though the steering is a bit woolly, the car holds itself well though corners.

The Renault Captur has been a real success story for Renault, especially in Ireland. The Captur is a reliable compact crossover recipe – high ride height buyers lover, compact, and good value. It’s not the sharpest or most fun to drive small SUV among its competitors but the Captur’s pricing, good looks and recognition among the Irish public keep it a strong competitor in its segment.

Caroline Kidd

Model tested: Renault Captur 1.5dCi Signature X Nav
Price: €25,490 (Range from €20,290)
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo diesel
Power: 110hp
Torque: 260Nm
0-100km/h:  11.4 seconds
Top speed: 180km/h
Claimed Economy: 3.9/100km
CO2 emissions:  101g/km
Motor tax: €190 per year