Stylish Renault set to Captur the market

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While the Cactus is based on its not-so-popular CS range (which it replaces), the Captur has the same underpinnings as its top-selling Clio siblings range.

Of the two, the Captur oozes more style and class and it does a grand job of combining the three key elements of urban crossovers - the cheeky character of an SUV, the practical spaciousness of an MPV and the sportiness and handling of a nippy hatch.

The eye-catching Captur no doubt has its sights set on the same target audience as the Cactus and they will both be slogging it out against the likes of Opel Mokka, Peugeot 2008, Ford Ecosport, Nissan Juke and Kia Soul.

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Like most of the others in this class, the new Renault is much more of city charmer than a rough rider, although it does handle dirt roads in a confident, dignified manner, courtesy of its 170mm ground clearance and steady footwork - but like the rest of the bunch, it is better suited to boulevard parading than clambering over rocky mountainsides. For that, its Duster stable mate is much better equipped.

The swanky Captur is available in three specification levels, starting with the Expression and followed by the mid-level Dynamique, both powered by the same 66kW/135Nm, 898cc engine which also does duty under the hoods of Sandero and Clio. This engine is linked to a five-speed manual gearbox (there is no option of an automatic at this level). For this engine, Renault claims a top speed of 171km/h and fuel consumption of 4.9litre/100km

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The flagship EDC Dynamique gets its power delivered by a 1.2-litre turbo-fed, four-cylinder mated to a six-speed auto box. This combination delivers 88k and 190Nm and a top speed of 192km/h. The claimed fuel consumption is 5.4l/100km.

At the media launch we only got to drive the top of the range version on a longish return trip between Muldersdrift and Sun City. Besides it stylish exterior (including options of bright two-tone colour combinations), sporty alloys and snazzy chrome trimmings, what did impress immediately was the living quarters and its rich spread of handy features such as automatic climate control with one touch quick demist function and air regulator which has comfort and health options. Other niceties are a hands-free key card, electric windows and mirrors, plus a one-touch MediaNav multimedia system with 7-inch touch screen, satnav, radio, Bluetooth, USB, hands-free technology and fingertip remote controls.

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The shell-shaped racing style seats are comfortable and equipped with what Renault calls its Zip Collection. These are seat covers which can be removed, washed and replaced with ease. (Leather seating is an option on the flagship).

In terms of passenger comfort and flexibility, the rear seat can slide backwards or forwards by up to 16cm and can be folded flat or partially. The boot is fairly spacious considering the Captur's overall size and the luggage hold also has a "false bottom" which offers additional space as well as a secure, out-of-sight hideaway for valuable items.

As is the not-too-popular trend these days, the spare wheel is a space-saver which can be a bit of a turn-off for some back roads fans and outdoor-loving families.

Occupant protection is comprehensive and the list includes daytime running lights, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, front and side airbags, three-point seatbelts and child-seat Isofix anchor points.

Out on the road the Captur is quite happy to trot on enthusiastically once up at cruising speed, but it is a tad hesitant and sluggish at take-off. The transmission is smooth and the cabin is fairly well-insulated against noise intrusion. The suspension is fairly firm and feels stable through twisty sections, even when you pour on the coals. The fancy Frenchy handles rough patches with relative ease, although it is inclined to be a tad thumpy and jumpy when the gravel deteriorates.

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Unlike many French and Italian cars, finding a comfortable driving position is easy thanks to the Captur's adjustable steering column and driver's seat. All-round visibility is good, thanks to acres of glass and the driver's raised seating position.

As a package, the Captur is well-equipped and stylishly stand-out different enough to capture a decent slice of the competitive B-segment small utility vehicle (SUV) market, particularly when also taken into account its proven European track record of 255,000 units sold since launch, competitive local pricing, and its five-year/100,000km warranty and three-year/45,000km service plan.

The models and prices are:

• 0.9 litre Expression - R219,900
  
• 0.9 litre Dynamique - R239,900
  
• 1.2 litre EDC Dynamique - R279,900