IT’S always interesting to study numbers and they add up very well in the case of the Renault Captur.
During the last few years, it has become the best-selling urban crossover model or compact SUV, with 1.5million sold in 90 countries around the world. That’s impressive stuff for the French marque.
In the UK, those who have bought them will know it’s a very good package, well priced and particularly well equipped as well as comfortable. It’s eschewed sportiness for softness, speed for subtlety.
The Captur range extends to more than 20 models, with choices of diesel or petrol engines, manual or automatic transmissions and five trim levels. Our version was one of the most popular in the series with its reasonably powerful petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox in the top GT Line trim.
The trend towards three-cylinder engines continues with the Captur and it was generally adequate, especially if you work the transmission.
Thankfully, the long-travel yet light clutch and direct five-speed gear change made it easy to encourage along. And the powertrain was quiet, composed and unstressed most of the time.
The fuel economy also remained good. We did see more than 50mpg at times but it settled to an overall in the mid-40s, which was very reasonable.
The brakes were up to the task underfoot, applying smoothly and powerfully without much effort from the driver, and the handbrake worked on our regular steep test hill.
Behind the wheel, it was light and the turning circle compact, which is ideal for car destined to spend many miles in urban use. On open roads, the handling was good, predictable and safe, and it really absorbed the worst potholes without too much complaint or shocks.
What the suspension missed, the seats soaked up very well and, with their wrap-around bolsters and wide adjustment range, they were a highlight of the driving experience.
Access was good throughout, particularly up front, and room adequate. It was naturally more restricted in the back but it still took a couple of teenagers without them complaining more than you might expect.
The boot was fairly good with the rear seats used and much better when they were folded. I liked the storage room throughout.
Visibility was very good, with a low waistline, big windows, and good wipers and headlights – supported by parking sensors and reversing camera, as well as big door mirrors.
For the driver, the secondary controls were well marked and operated easily and smoothly, bolstered by simple, clear instruments.
There was also a small infotainment screen that covered a lot of functions, while the air conditioning was straightforward, well distributed and had strong output without being intrusively noisy.
The Captur is the sort of car that settles into a family and is not demanding or troublesome but is there to be used, enjoyed and fulfil many roles at modest cost. That must add up to a lot for many drivers.
Factfile:
- Model: Renault Captur GT Line TCe 90
- Engine: 0.9-litre petrol
- Power 90hp
- Top speed: 106mph
- 0-62mph: 13.1 seconds
- Average mpg: 43.5
- CO2 emissions: 125g/km
- Warranty: Five years/100,000 miles
- Price: £18,730
