New Renault Captur bares fresh face and impressive interior in pursuit of crossover crown

Renault’s smallest crossover gets a huge facelift. Has it got what it takes to Captur the public’s imagination?

Having sold over two million units in 90 countries around the world since its launch nearly a decade ago, chances are there’s already at least one Captur on your street. However, such u biquity can be both a blessing and a curse, as the model’s success means it now blends in — losing Renault sales from those looking for the shiniest new thing in the crossover world.

Perhaps that’s why the French marque has gone to town with the Captur’s extensive new overhaul. The exterior styling is the most obvious improvement. An entirely new front-end sports a Scenic-style headlight and grille design, with the latter said to look like “…a wave rippling out from the diamond in the centre…” Also new, are inlets next to the redesigned daytime running lights, aiding aerodynamics and brake cooling. 

Moving down the flanks, a new light signature welcomes drivers when the car is unlocked, while a transparent rear light unit and new diffuser all enhance a ‘more contemporary rear end’.  

Still not unique enough for you? Why not indulge in some of Renault’s new customisation options? Aside from the three basic trim levels which, among other additions, span from 17 to 19-inch wheels, Renault now also offers accessories including underbody lighting, sidesteps, towbars, bicycle racks, and illuminated door sills. 

Hop inside and you’ll be greeted by a more sustainable cabin: an absence of chrome or leather mirrors the eco pledge of siblings like Arkana and Rafale. Tech has also been refreshed, with notable improvements in the shape of standard wireless charging and a segment-first 10.4-inch infotainment screen with Google built in.  

As before, the Captur majors in practicality. Class-leading interior space meets a vast 536-litre boot — making it significantly more spacious than Jeep’s Avenger, Ford’s Puma, and Skoda’s Kamiq to name a few. When it comes to storage, we couldn’t find a B-segment crossover which comes close.  

For this type of machine, driving dynamics are of lower priority. Despite this, Renault has been busy tweaking the suspension geometry, shock-absorbers, and steering calibration to ensure the Captur’s chassis can make the most of the grip offered by standard-fit Michelin e.Primacy 2 tyres.  

As well as a confidence-inspiring feel, the e.Primacy 2’s compound is designed to improve fuel efficiency. Therefore, we expect the 1.6-litre, 145-bhp hybrid petrol to achieve its claimed 60.1 mpg with ease — no official figures have been released for the base model 1.0-litre 90-bhp petrol variant.  

Renault’s new Captur certainly lives up to its “compact on the outside spacious on the inside” brief, and touts some handsome new styling and tech to boot. But few segments are as crowded as this one, and we’re not sure if the marque’s done enough to shake the Captur’s magnolia image.  

Are we right? Tell us how you’d spend an (expected) £22,000 on a small family crossover.

Hero image credit: Renault