Effortless Captur set free
Renault releases new SUV into competitive market
Friday May 15, 2015
THE SUV is the fastest growing market segment in the South African motor industry at the moment. The sport utility vehicle, sometimes called the crossover, has found favour with families as the most convenient form of transport.
This segment has seen a lot of competitors jostling for a spot as a top seller.
Chief among these are the Opel Mokka, Citroen C4 Cactus, Nissan Juke, Mini Countryman, Peugeot 3008 and the Ford Ecosport.
Last week it was the turn of Renault to launch the 2013 French car of the year, the Captur, in the South African market.
Renault says the Captur is a multi-functional and multifaceted crossover that strikes the ideal balance between beautiful design and practicality: the ultimate all-in-one package – and who can argue with that!
With the launch of this very good looking crossover, Renault is set to expand SA’s competitive Group B SUV segment.
The vehicle is available in three derivatives, all petrol-powered: the flagship Dynamique EDC featuring a new generation 1.2 litre 88kW EDC turbo power plant, the Dynamique 66kW Turbo and the Expression 66kW Turbo. These new generation turbo engines are a direct result of Renault’s renowned adaptation of Formula 1 (F1) technology and transfer to road cars.
The launch of the flagship Captur Dynamique EDC (dual-clutch 6-speed automatic transmission) sees the introduction to South Africa of Renault’s 1.2 litre 88kW Turbo engine which delivers an excellent, fuel efficient drive in tandem with slick, smooth gear changes as the World of Wheels discovered on the launch drive to Sun City from Johannesburg last week.
With maximum output of 88kW at 4 900rpm and peak torque of 190Nm at 2 000rpm, the Dynamique EDC reaches a top speed of 192km/h. At 5.4 litres/100km (in combined cycle NEDC), fuel consumption is frugal. CO2 emissions are a low 125g/km.
The Captur Expression and Dynamique 5-speed manual derivatives are fitted with Renault’s new generation 66kW turbo petrol en- gine with overboost. This serves to underscore the fact that access to efficient and technologically advanced engines is no longer the preserve of more expensive vehicles.
Delivering maximum output of 66kW at 5 250rpm and peak torque of 135Nm at 2 500rpm, these two models attain a top speed of 171km/h. Fuel consumption figures are impressive (from 4.9 litres/ 100km in combined cycle) as are its CO2 emissions (113g/km).
Driving the Captur is easy and effortless while on the open road. Overtaking needs a bit more effort but should suit most drivers.
The finish inside is good with fashionable French styling.
Captur crossover comes stand- ard with a five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty; a three-year/ 45 000km service plan and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty. Services take place at 15 000km or one year intervals. Prices are 66kW Expression R219 900; 66kW Dynamique R239 900; 88kW EDC Dynamique R279 900.