New Renault Captur Improves Gas Hybrid Powertrain

Renault launches its third-generation Captur compact crossover claiming more passenger and cargo versatility with extra space despite a modest increase in length and width.

Powertrain options remain in the here-and-now consumer favorites with an urban-focused turbocharged gasoline 1.0L 3-cyl. and a more powerful gas-hybrid configuration.

Dubbed the Captur E-Tech full-hybrid 145, the vehicle employs an electric motor coupled with a high-voltage starter-generator working with a gasoline 1.6L 4-cyl. claiming a combined power output of 147 hp. Combined with a claimed 151 lb.-ft. (205 Nm) of torque, the car claims the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 10 seconds while delivering 48 mpg (4.9 L/100 km).

It features a clutchless smart multi-mode dog-clutch gearbox with four gears for the gasoline engine and two gears for the main electric motor. Energy efficiency is achieved by the 14 possible operating combinations of the combustion engine and the electric motor.

A new E-Save function, activated by a button to the left of the steering wheel on the dashboard, maintains a battery charge of at least 40%. This helps performance in certain situations, such as when driving uphill. This powertrain claims to cut CO2 emissions compared with the previous generation gas-hybrid to just 105 g/km.

For city dwellers, the gasoline 1.0L 3-cyl. TCE, claims 91 hp with 118 lb.-ft. (160 Nm) of torque paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox to achieve the 0-62 mph sprint in 14 seconds. Claimed fuel consumption is 39.8 mpg (5.9 L/100 km) with CO emissions of 131 g/km.

Inside Captur claims a maximum luggage volume of 18.9 cu.-ft. (536 L) when the rear bench seat is pushed fully forward gaining 4 cu.-ft. (114 L). The trunk is modular, with a rear bench seat sliding more than half an inch and a removable floor creates a flat space. With the rear seats folded (2:1 split), the load length is 5.1 ft. (155 cm).

As part of Renault’s aim of completely phasing out animal-derived materials by 2025, the esprit Alpine trim includes more than 26% recycled and recyclable fabrics in its upholstery through the use of bio-sourced materials such as grained cover material and hemp.

The digital offering is powered by Google and front passengers have access to two USB-C sockets and a 12V socket, with another in the trunk. On techno and esprit Alpine trim versions, two more USB-C sockets are available behind the central armrest for rear passengers, while a wireless phone charger in the center console is standard across the range. Built at company’s Valladolid, Spain, plant, the Renault Captur will be available from Q3 2024.