Renault last week introduced the Renault Captur Urban Crossover, its first urban crossover in it’s model line-up. What’s interesting is that the unveiling was hot on the heels of the unveiling of the Peugeot 2008 Urban Crossover. It seems the “Urban Crossover” is currently one of the key buzzwords in the automotive sector.
The key differentiators according to the company are the styling, driving position, the cabin space and modular interior of an MPV, as well as the agility and driving enjoyment of a compact hatchback.
According to Benoît Bochard, Director, A/B-Segment Product Range, ““Renault Captur is a compact, unaggressive crossover which is particularly user-friendly. It benefits from Renault genes through and through…”
The styling borrows heavily on the new Renault Clio 4, which we have to admit have liked since it’s unveiling. But in true fact the styling follows on the styling cues first seen on the Renault Captur concept car revealed in February 2011 and it also rides on the same platform as the new Renault Clio 4.
The lines of Renault’s new crossover are unpretentious, yet the forward position of its steeply-raked windscreen emphasises its dynamic stance.
The combination of its compact dimensions, raised ground clearance, wide wheels and sill guards will enable it to take every aspect of everyday motoring in its stride. Renault Captur will be easy to customise and notably comes with an original two-tone colour scheme which produces an attractive contrast between the roof and pillars and the rest of the bodywork.
According to Renault the interior design gives it a rather spacious feel. A warm and relaxing feel is also enforced by the interior customisation options on offer which offer a choice of different colour motifs for the different trim features.
Renault Captur also boasts the appointments and comfort refinements expected of an MPV, such as a high-up driving position, large boot, modular interior and innovative stowage solutions.
The standard vehicle will have an equipment specification worthy of that of the next segment up, including hands-free entry, hill start assist and rear parking sensors. Also available will be the new, connected, in-dash Renault R-Link touchscreen multimedia tablet, plus a system that comprises six loudspeakers, Bluetooth® connectivity, audio-streaming and Arkamys® hi-fi sound.
The petrol and diesel engines available for the model benefit from the very latest Renault technologies and will return best-in-class fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, starting from as low as 96g/km.
Renault Captur will be manufactured at Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain and will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
