Renault Captur

As the word suggests, a facelift starts with a new face. However, the Captur has not been sharpened or modernised, it has been given a completely different face! Previously, the Captur presented itself as a compact SUV. That adventurous character has given way to a more refined and modern look. Henceforth, the emphasis is on width rather than height thanks to a finely patterned grille, just like in Renault's more expensive models. The bonnet now has a less convex shape, making it less in the driver's field of vision and therefore the Captur is also perceived less as an SUV.

Also new is the two-tone version shown here in white with a silver-grey roof and silver-grey mirrors ("pearl grey"). The effect is much more subtle than on similar cars with black accents, and that adorns the Captur!

Space

Because this is a facelift, the cabin space has remained the same. Space in the front is good. Since the rear seat is on rails, it can be moved over a 16 cm distance for more legroom or just more luggage space.

The interior trim has changed, though. For instance, the new "Esprit Alpine" trim (not shown here) has blue accents and details such as French flags for an exclusive feel. When leather is used, it is always vegan, which, according to Renault, reduces pollution by 5 to 10 times. Moreover, the vegan alternative is said to last longer than animal leather. 26% of the materials in the cabin are now  from recycled materials.

The Captur has been revamped because the European Union has new requirements from 2024. Therefore, on any mistake or carelessness on the part of the driver a warning will sound , with the Captur giving woefully little leeway. If only a moment the speed is too high, a warning is already triggered. This is why the features have been deemed a nuisance and an "individual safety profile" has been created that allows all unwanted functions to be switched off at the push of a button.

Also new for the Captur is an Android Mobile-based infotainment system. With this, 50 apps are now available in the car, including Google Maps and many music services. With Google's smart assistant, 50 functions of the car can be controlled via voice commands. Note that many of these features require a Google account and thus the user is tracked everywhere and with every action. Android Mobile can be switched off, but then the driver is entirely dependent on a smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Also new is the audio system from specialist Harman-Kardon. This has a rich and spacious sound. However, the sound is not so clear and realistic that it deserves the title "high end audio" or "hi-fi".

Hybrid

From model year 2024, the plug-in hybrid will no longer be available because there was too little demand for it (2% of Capturs sold were PHEVs). Instead, the standard hybrid (i.e. not the mild hybrid) accounts for 50% of sales, which is why it has been retested for this occasion.

The mechanics of the 145hp hybrid have remained the same. However, the software has been revised. In practice, therefore, a greater difference is noticeable between comfort, eco and sport modes. In sport mode, the petrol and electric motors are more often active at the same time. This way, the Captur reacts more alertly to the accelerator better. A nice bonus is that the electric motors can also brake more effectively. Therefore, more energy can be recovered in sport mode, while braking with the accelerator like an electric car.

In eco mode, engine power drops sharply and throttle response is hesitant to enforce an economical driving style. Then the Captur lends itself ideally to driving calmly with the flow of traffic and the car shows its comfortable side.

During the test drive in very hot weather (with air conditioning blaring!) through a hilly landscape, test consumption came to 4.5 litres per 100 km (eco score of 70%). Compared to the previous test drive with the Captur hybrid, this is slightly more economical, even though the conditions were more unfavourable than in the previous test drive.

Handling

The Captur sits on the so-called CMF-B platform on which the Renault Clio is also built. During test drives in the past, handling has therefore always been perceived as good, but the Clio scores better thanks to its lower build and lower centre of gravity. Renault engineers came to that conclusion. Therefore, for the 2024 model year, the Captur has been fitted with new shock absorbers, different tyres and the chassis has been fine-tuned again.

Although the differences are limited, it is indeed slightly less noticeable that the Captur is a tall car. Handling is more confidence-inspiring and the difference with a hatchback has narrowed slightly. This is even more true for the Esprit Alpine version. Because that version is on 19-inch rims, the tyres have lower sides and the feeling in the steering is cleaner.

Conclusion

Is it right to speak of the Captur Phase II from model year 2024? Yes, but not for the reasons Renault gives. The new software makes the hybrid engine slightly more fuel-efficient and the improved suspension gives a little more stability. The Android Mobile-based infotainment system offers more features, but raises privacy concerns. In short: minor changes that merely ensure the car moves with the times.

The big difference is in the character! From model year 2024, the Captur will have a completely different look. The small SUV has become a modern, sleek family car. Customers who previously didn't find the Captur attractive might fall for the compact Renault now. Thus, the Captur appeals to a new target group and that means the start of a new phase of life!