Renault tries to Captur the hearts and minds of buyers with ‘latest’ SUV

I think most people would see the latest Renault Captur compact SUV as a decent overhaul as such, but is it a new car in the strict sense of the word?

When challenged on this, a Renault executive energetically insisted on calling it “new”.

For a start, this Captur has all the latest Renault technology in operation in one vehicle for the first time – more than any other model in the range.

Is that enough to call it new? Part of the on-board technology comprises the OpenR Link multimedia system with Google built-in, which they claim bestows the right to proclaim it as a “world first” for a compact SUV. That’s new.

Google interface includes assists and navigation and there is a 410-watt Harman Kardon nine-speaker system. I did notice the effect of the car’s improved suspension on the test drive around Madrid recently. They have retuned and recalibrated the shock absorbers, the drivetrain geometry and the power steering for a much-improved handling and ride.

It felt more solid too, something that transfers not just to the driver, but to passengers. It is now a more substantial car in most respects.

It is also roomier, with particularly good knee space at the back where I took up residency for a period to see what it was like for passengers.

Having a 16cm sliding bench allows you to pick and choose the space for passengers and/or luggage. It’s an area overlooked because there is so much emphasis on the dash with its displays and switches.

The cabin is styled smartly and for practical use, the large tablet-like central display didn’t throw up any glitches and there was great visibility out front. The seats were a little narrow for my rear, lacking under-thigh support.

The full hybrid 145 powertrain – they call it E-Tech, and there is a TCe manual petrol as well, but we stuck with the hybrids – had plenty of power and only betrayed a bit of boom when put under pressure to accelerate on the motorways.

Renault claims a 4.6l/100km return on your fuel and just a 105g CO2/km rating. Not bad at all.

In urban driving, that figure can be easily improved. Renault claims it can cover up to 80pc of your town driving solely in electric-drive mode thereby saving a lot of fuel and cost.

There is a new E-SAVE function with the E-Tech hybrid 145 powertrain which maintains battery charge to have a reserve for when electric power is more suitable for the density of traffic or road conditions. That way you are tailoring the options for the right time.

Many drivers will be happy to learn there is a “My Safety Switch” function that lets you enable or disable preferred settings for five ADAS (driver assist systems such as lane departure warning and driver alertness).

And there is a new esprit Alpine level trim in high-gloss black window surrounds, special 19-inch aerodynamic splitter and front and rear skid plates.

Perhaps biggest of all the impacts are the visual changes. Renault has done a big job on the front with a new bonnet, lights and clusters, while at the back there is a new light treatment. Even though it is built on the same platform as the Clio, this looks bigger than the current model. And in conjunction with the more substantial feel it appears larger than its 4.24m length. There is luggage capacity of 616 litres with the rear seats folded, and there’s a spare wheel.

Expect first deliveries from the middle of this month. Prices, in some cases lower than current models, include TCe 90 manual in evolution trim from €29,120; TCe 90 manual techno trim at €31,320; E-Tech full hybrid 145 from €33,990 for evolution, €36,190 for the techno trim and €38,590 for the esprit Alpine.

There is no doubt Renault has added new dimensions of design, room, tech, drive and build. Importantly, these elements show it, and you feel it more than the existing one. So we’ll call it the “new” but not “all-new” Captur. Regardless of what we call it, it has chalked up a big improvement.