Renault Captur (2013-2020) Review

• May 2013 Renault Captur SUV goes on sale
• October 2013 EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) automatic gearbox arrives
• October 2014 Signature Nav trim level added to range
• March 2015 More powerful dCi 110 diesel joins engine line-up
• April 2015 Recall of 31,000 Jan ’13 to March ’15 Capturs for potential brake problem
• November 2015 Spec upgrade adds DAB radio on all except entry-level model
• November 2015 Limited-edition Iconic Nav spec introduced above Signature Nav
• July 2016 The 1.2 TCe 120 engine with a six-speed manual gearbox is introduced on Dynamique Nav trim upwards.
• July 2016 Iconic Nav special edition includes white pearlescent paint, blue roof, part-leather seats, heated front seats, Grip Xtend system and reversing camera.
• April 2017 Android Auto added to Capturs with R-Link 2 dashboard screen
• July 2017 First deliveries of updated Captur with chunky inserts at the front and back, plus improved interior quality.
• February 2018 Renault reduces its new car warranty from four years or 100,000 miles to three years or 60,000 miles. 
• 2020 All new Renault Captur goes on sale with a complete redisgn and a vastly improved interior.

Petrol: 0.9 TCe 90, 1.2 TCe 120 Diesel: 1.5 dCi 90, 1.5 dCi 110

There are two petrol and two diesel engines to choose from but not all are avalable with an automatic gearbox.

The entry-level 0.9 TCe 90 petrol engine offers reasonable performance and fuel economy, but doesn’t truly shine in either category. It’s only available with a manual gearbox, while the more powerful 1.2-litre TCe 120 is offered with an automatic or manual gearbox.

With 120 horsepower(hp) the more powerful petrol engine offers respectable - but far from sensational performance. Fuel economy isn't going to impress either. Forget the official figures of more than 50mpg, based on laboratory testing: you're more likely to see 35mpg in real-world driving, according to the Equa Index, which measures fuel economy on public roads.

Higher-mileage drivers are likely to be better off in one of the diesel Capturs, which can return more than 50mpg in real-world driving (still a long way off the official figures, which indicate 80mpg or more).

The less powerful 1.5-litre dCi is the best all-rounder in the Captur range. and available with either a manual or automatic geabox. Although it has almost identical performance figures to the 0.9-litre petrol, it feels faster in everyday driving because it doesn't need much revving to deliver a burst of power.

The most powerful 110hp diesel is only a little less efficient than the 90hp engine, but it’s not available in the entry-level Expression+ version of the Captur.

If you do buy a diesel Captur, watch out for the earlier versions, which don't comply with the latest emissions standards, known as Euro 6. These older cars only meet less stringent Euro 5 regulations, which means that they will face charges to drive in any forthcoming clean air zone, which targets the most polluting cars. Owners of Euro 5 cars will also be liable for London's £12.50 ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) daily charge, which begins next year.

Expression+, Dynamique Nav, Dynamique S Nav, Signature Nav, Signature S Nav

The Renault Captur is a fairly well equipped car, no matter which version you choose. The entry-level Expression+ has 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, power-adjustable door mirrors, hill-start assistance, electric windows all round and USB/MP3 player sockets, as standard.

Dynamique Nav is notable for the addition of a leather steering wheel, storage nets, washable and removeable seat covers, climate control and the ‘MediaNav’ system. The latter is the main reason to upgrade to this trim, as it gives you sat nav, DAB digital radio, four speakers and Bluetooth phone connectivity. Dynamique Nav also has bigger 17-inch alloy wheels, plus the roof and door mirrors are finished in a contrasting colour.

Moving up to Dynamique S Nav adds heavily tinted rear windows, power-folding door mirrors, contrasting exterior colour schemes and rear parking sensors. The more expensive Signature X Nav gains part-leather seats, unique 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen display with a TomTom Live sat-nav system and Android Auto, plus a reversing camera. Alternatively, Signature S Nav also builds on Dynamique S Nav trim with extra luxury touches.

Renault’s reliability record has taken a knock with the latest Driver Power 2018 new car owners satisfaction survey. Largely thanks to problems with the gearbox on their new Capturs, owners ranked the Captur 69 for reliability out of 75 new models. This result contributed to the model's position of 70 when it came to the best caars to own.

The fact that Renault has reduced the length of its new car warranty from four to three years on cars sold since February 2018 is unlikely to reassure buyers of the new Captur.

The relatively high price of the Renault Captur when new leads to a large loss if value in the first year of ownership – and some decent discounts on new and nearly-new examples from dealers.

This makes recently-updated versions of the Captur - sold after July 2017 - available for about three-quarters of the price of a new one. Watch out for any over-the-top colour or design combination that excessively ‘creative’ owners may have specified, though – it’s probably better off to stick to more sober and smart colour combinations with one eye on the car’s future resale value. this can also help to keep the cost of finance low.

It's best to opt for a Renault that was sold before February 2018, as this should be covered by a four-year, 100,000 warranty (it's always worth doiuble-checking). After this date, cars only get three year cover that's limited to 60,000 miles.