Renault Captur: Now with Google on board
Eleven years ago, Renault managers recognized a gap in the automotive hierarchy that no one had registered until then. At the time, sport utility vehicles, also known as SUVs, were of a massive caliber and operated in the higher vehicle segments. And then came the Renault Captur, establishing the B-segment SUV class, replacing the small Modus van and taking on a pioneering role. In the years that followed, the once popular vans gradually disappeared from the model ranges and were replaced by SUVs.
Renault has sold more than two million Capturs since 2013, making it the brand's bestseller alongside the small Clio. In Germany, around 197,000 Capturs have been sold in the past eleven years. However, the brand's marketing managers now refer to it as a "crossover à la Renault". Now the thoroughly revised Captur is being launched on the market, which differs from its predecessor primarily through new design elements. These include a new Mégane-style front section with a narrow light unit and a similarly modernized rear section. For the first time in its history, the top-of-the-range Esprit Alpine version of the Captur rolls on 19-inch wheels.
The dimensions have remained unchanged, so that the new Captur still has a generously dimensioned interior. The rear bench can also be moved by 16 centimetres to create additional space for passengers in the rear, although this comes at the expense of luggage space. Even in the normal position, according to an initial seat test, there is a pleasant amount of space in the rear, and then the compartment for suitcases or larger purchases reaches a roof-high 616 liters, which can be increased to up to 1596 liters if a visit to the Swedish furniture store is on the agenda.
The person behind the wheel looks at a tidy digital information center, which is supplemented by a central screen, and the third generation of the Captur is now the first representative of the B-segment to come to customers with a Google connection. The digital partner responds to questions via "Hey Google". A total of 50 apps from the Google Playstore are available. For safety, up to 28 assistance systems are on board. It is pleasing that the Renault developers have not dispensed with switches to control the standard settings.
When it comes to drive technology, Renault relies on its tried and tested offerings. The LPG version, which is said to enable a range of up to 1100 kilometers, has also remained in the range. "We are thus offering our customers an alternative to petrol and diesel engines," explains a brand spokesperson. The E-Tech hybrid technology also remains in the model range, with which, according to factory specifications, up to 1000 kilometers are possible between two refueling stops. With its values, the Captur hybrid is the best representative of its class. With an average fuel consumption of 4.7 liters, the versatile crossover pollutes the environment with 105 grams of CO2. The developers in Paris refrained from making any significant changes to the chassis, leaving it with a gentle overhaul by giving the vehicle new dampers and readjusting the power steering.
In Germany, the new Captur will be launched in June with five different engines, including the hybrid version E-Tech Full Hybrid 145 with the Extended Grip System, which improves traction in difficult driving conditions. So far, 35 percent of customers have opted for the hybrid variant. Prices are not yet known. (aum)
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