Renault Captur previewed ahead of Oct launch in Malaysia
TC Euro Cars, the sole franchise holder for Renault cars in Malaysia, today previewed the Renault Captur urban crossover ahead of its impending launch in our market scheduled for October this year. Based on the same platform as the new Clio, the B-segment Captur is expected to be available at prices between RM118,000 and RM123,000.
“The Captur epitomises Renault’s new human design language, which puts people in the forefront of its concerns. Inspired by three keywords – simple, sensuous and warm – this new design strategy will guide the brand’s future vision and pave the way for a clear and consistent range of models,” said Kuan Kim Luen, Chief Executive Officer, TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd.
Competing against the Honda HR-V, Ford EcoSport, as well as the upcoming Mazda CX-3, the Captur’s dimensions measure at 4.12m x 1.77m x 1.57m. It is matched to large 17-inch wheels at all corners, and its seating position raised to levels similar to crossovers and 4x4s from the next segment up.
The forward position of its steeply-raked windscreen emphasises the Captur’s dynamic appeal, and the two-part horizontal rear lights permit a wide tailgate while steering clear of a boxy look. The Captur also features the Renault brand’s the new frontal identity, which has as its centrepiece a large Renault logo, set vertically against a dark surface so as to stand out as clearly as possible.
The interior of Renault Captur 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 which delivers fast but smooth gear changes, Renault’s punchy new drivetrain enables the Captur to deliver maximum power of 120hp at 4900 rpm and peak torque of 190 Nm that is available from as low as 2,000 rpm – enabling powerful acceleration from low revs. At the same time, this spirited crossover also offers best-in-class fuel efficiency of up to 5.4L/100km based on the new European combined driving cycle.
Additionally, by engaging the Captur’s ECO mode which automatically changes the way the powertrain operates – engine torque is restricted, EDC gear change mapping is altered to change gear at lower engine speed and the climate control programme changes to save energy – up to 10 percent of fuel savings can be achieved.
Safety in the Captur is assured by the fitment of four airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) with roll movement intervention, hill start assist, and anti-lock braking system. Structurally, the Captur’s front end is designed to minimise injury to pedestrians. The bumper has no salient edges, while the lower part of the windscreen, which is traditionally very rigid, was designed to reduce the risk of injury in an impact. Meanwhile, the height of the bonnet was raised in order to incorporate a crumple zone between the structure and the uppermost parts of the engine. Having achieved a score of 80.5 percent, the Captur has a maximum five-star rating for passive safety by Euro NCAP.
Comfort amenities, meanwhile, include auto headlights, rain sensors, and keyless entry. At the centre of the dashboard is a 7″ MediaNav touchscreen with AUX, USB, Bluetooth, Navigation, and reverse camera. Clever interior packaging provides a removable multi-position boot floor with carpeting on one side and plastic on the other, enabling it to hold from 377 to 455 litres. Small item storage spaces are offered in the form of a large lidded stowage area set in the top of the dashboard, front door bins that can accommodate 1.5-litre drinks bottles each, and two handy stowage areas located underneath the boot mat on either side of the space saver spare tyre.
Since its debut, the Captur has become one of Renault’s most popular and in-demand models, with over 360,000 units sold globally to date. This increasingly successful compact urban crossover has also been the best-selling model in Europe’s small SUV segment.
For added peace-of-mind, like all Renault passenger cars, service intervals for the Captur are 10,000km or six months. The Captur also comes with a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.
Renault will be previewing the Captur at selected showrooms in August. The preview schedule is as follows:
Pictures: KON
