The first official images and details of the Renault Captur have been revealed ahead of the stylish compact SUV’s debut at the 2013 Geneva motor show in March.
Taking its name from the high-riding crossover coupe concept that turned heads in Geneva two years ago, the production model retains some of the concept’s key design elements and styling flair while adopting a more conventional compact SUV form.
Sharing its underpinnings with the recently launched Clio city car and measuring 4.12m from nose to tail, the Renault Captur will slot beneath the mid-sized Koleos in the French car maker’s line-up, taking on the Volkswagen Tiguan and Nissan Dualis and newcomers like the Ford EcoSport, Holden Trax and Peugeot 2008.
Set to launch into European markets later this year, Renault Australia says the Captur – while still not officially confirmed for our market – is a good bet to reach our shores during 2014.
The brand’s first baby SUV, Renault says the Captur combines the expressive styling and high driving position of an SUV with the cabin space and versatility of an MPV and the agility and driving enjoyment of a compact sedan.
Renault is promising best in class fuel consumption and CO2 emissions from its petrol and diesel powertrain line-up, including one variant emitting a hybrid-rivalling 96g/km on the combined cycle.
The Renault Captur is tipped to borrow a number of engines from the new Clio range, including an 89kW/190Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol, a 67kW/220Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel, and potentially the pint-sized 0.9-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol in entry-level variants.
The Captur’s expressive styling follows the lead of the Clio, incorporating the brand’s new signature grille and badge with contoured side panels and a confident rear end.
Renault says personalisation will be a highlight of the new model, with customers able to select between a number of body and roof colours and alloy wheel designs.
The standard equipment list will include keyless entry, rear parking sensors and hill start assist, while Renault’s R-Link touchscreen multimedia system with downloadable apps, Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming and an Arkamys sound system will be available on higher models.
The Captur will be manufactured at Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain following its debut in Geneva on March 7.
