Renault Captur is a practical family car you might be looking for. It is a fuel-efficient and cost-effective package that will undoubtedly check off all those boxes on your list.
This subcompact crossover SUV received The Auto Express Small SUV of the Year award in 2020. It earned a 5-star safety rating from ANCAP and is one of the best small SUVs to buy.
Now let us look at the journey that Renault went through from its inception to its present models.
The First Generation of Renault Captur (2013-2019)
The Renault Captur concept was first revealed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Its futuristic design language portrayed it as a two-door crossover with a removable roof. It was a one-off concept car and a very bold one at that.
Two years later, the consumer version of the Renault Captur made its debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and started getting marketed in France in April of the same year. The Australian market was expected to wait a year more; it wasn't made with the Australian market in mind, and it would take them some time to comply with ADR.
In reality, it took way longer for the Renault Capture to make its debut in the Australia but finally landed in early 2015. The target market for the Renault Captur was customers who desired the high ride of an SUV in a smaller form, practicality, and lots of room inside.
Initial Model Range
In Europe, it was launched with five very well-equipped trim levels, i.e., Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav, Signature X Nav, and Signature S Nav.
The entry-level trim Expression+ came with 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic lights and wipers, Bluetooth, and a DAB radio.
The Dynamique Nav came with a 7-inch colour touch screen infotainment system and a sat-nav system. The Dynamique S Nav added bigger 17-inch alloys.
The Signature X added a BOSE sound system, and the top of the line Signature S Nav came with headed part-Nappa leather seats and a reverse parking camera.
In Australia, only two models were launched. The Captur Expression and the Captur Dynamique.
2017 Facelift of Renault Captur
In 2017, the Renault Captur got a slight facelift. It was treated to new bumpers, a chrome trim, restyled front and rear lights, and a revised interior.
The dashboard got some soft-touch plastics, and some subtle changes were made throughout the interior. In Australia, with the launch of the new facelift, they reduced the number of trims to two. The entry-level Zen model and the flagship level Intens model.
Engines and Transmission
In Australia, the Captur Expression came with these options:
- turbocharged 0.9-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a five-speed manual transmission (66 kW /135 Nm)
- turbocharged 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (88 kW /190 Nm)
The latter engine was also available with the top-of-the-line Captur Dynamique.
In 2019, Renault also introduced:
- 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a dual-clutch automatic transmission (110 kW /250 Nm)
The Second Generation of Renault Captur (2019-present)
Delivery of the second generation Renault Captur was supposed to start in mid-2020, but there were delays due to the pandemic. The two model years of the second generation were a complete overhaul of the previous-gen Renault Captur.
The new Captur grew in size. It is 105mm longer, 19mm wider, and 10 mm taller than the first generation and packs a new, more powerful engine under the hood, featuring one of the most powerful engines in its class:
- 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (113 kW /270 Nm)
On the outside, it looks more muscular and planted. The refreshed styling includes new C-shaped head and tail lights while keeping the general lines of the first generation.
It comes in three trim levels: Life, Zen, and Intens with many optional extras.
What Should I Check When Buying a Used Renault Captur?
In the first-gen Renault Captur, issues with the DAB radio were quite common. It would say that the system is on, but it would not receive any stations. Sometimes the start-stop button won’t work or might work randomly.
This might be due to a faulty sensor or a depleted battery. You should also check if there’s a tyre inflation kit in the boot as it is standard with All Captur models.
When buying a used Captur, you should also inspect the service records of the car and check if it’s been serviced on time or not.
Is a 2015 Renault Captur Used Car a Good Buy?
The Renault Captur 2015 did not have a very smooth transmission. It was a good car to get you from point A to point B, but it didn't offer much in the way of driver satisfaction or enjoyment. It also had typical battery and touchscreen issues.
The interior used a lot of cheap plastics. The rear legroom was OK but not great. It had lots of boot space and was very practical. Personally, I would not recommend it; there are better options to choose from in 2021 in the same price range.
Are Hard-to-Find Parts a Problem for You?
Do you happen to own an old Renault Captur and have trouble finding parts for it? Do you have a car that's missing parts or rotting away because they have been discontinued? Guess what—we are here to help you source hard-to-find or discontinued auto parts.
All you need to do is fill out this online form, and we will initiate the search for you. Suppliers across Australia will then contact you with their best offers. What are you waiting for? Get a quote now!
By Asad Mehmood