As this is written, Renault showrooms across the land are being emptied of their few remaining unregistered, old-model Capturs as the all-new version pushes at the gates. In fact, you can order the new Renault Renault Captur now for delivery in February.
Still, here we’re interested in its predecessor, a Renault that did a sterling job in helping to establish the market for small SUVs when it was launched in 2013. Such was its popularity that in 2016 the outgoing Renault Captur was Europe’s best-selling small SUV.
When it first landed, reviewers complained about its poor ride on scarred roads, a tendency to lean heavily in corners, lacklustre performance and uncommunicative steering. To the model’s fast-growing army of admirers, however, these were mere technicalities.
Click here to buy your next used Captur from Autocar
Instead they focused on its plus points: stylish looks (especially in one of the two-tone colour schemes), chunky presence, lofty driving position, space-efficient interior featuring a sliding rear bench, four years’ servicing, warranty and breakdown cover, and keen pricing.
The model was facelifted towards the end of 2016 (restyled grille, smarter lights all round with LED daytime-running lights, improved interior trim) and then last year the line-up was simplified.
It’s these post-2016 Capturs we’re interested in here since they’re almost indistinguishable from today’s few remaining unsold ones. Prices start at £8000 for a 2017 0.9 TCe Expression with 23,000 miles, rising to around £19,000 for a pre-reg 1.3 TCe 150 GT Line EDC automatic with delivery mileage.
For a small car, there are lots of engines to choose from. If you spend your time pottering around town, lightly loaded, you’ll be fine with the 89bhp 0.9 TCe 90 petrol. There’s a more powerful 118bhp TCe 120 available with the EDC automatic gearbox. Later on, a choice of two 1.3-litre engines arrived: a 128bhp TCe 130 and 148bhp TCe 150, the latter also offered with the EDC ’box.
Join the debate
Add your comment
Warranty quandary
Capturs registered up to 31 January last year were sold with a four-year/100,000-mile warranty, but from 1 February cover was trimmed to three years/60k miles.
Didn't I just read the other day that Renault were now going to 5yr warranty? That's not going to cause confusion amongst owners is it.
Total confusion
Just checked, they introduced a 5yr warranty on all new cars yesterday ( 18th Dec ). Yep, total confusion.
Very slow
I've had a few of the 0.9 TCE as hire cars from work and they are the worst modern cars I've driven. Driving the duel carridgeway in Cornwall you are down to 3rd gear on the hills and struggle to maintain 60mph with only 2 people and little luggage. Fuel consumption in mid 30's is all you get in the real world.
Maybe the larger engine is better but the 0.9 is awful. (Similar experience with the Quashqi with the same engine)
chris1969 wrote:
The Qashqai has never had the 0.9 TCE, fortunately. That really would be dangerous.
Wouldn't have expected it to
Always thought the downsized turbos would be thirsty as they're so often on boost.