Short test: Renault Captur TCe 150 EDC (2019) // Book one, second chapter

Cars are like books. Some have more sequels, some have only one part, and in all of them we usually find two chapters: the first, which is slightly longer and contains a red thread, and the second, which stretches that thread a little and then ends. the story or sends it to a new part, whatever it may be.

Sasha Kapetanovich

And if you postpone the introduction to the Renault Captur, we see the Renault crossover moving the story into the second chapter of the first book.... The story hasn't changed much, but it's got a little more interesting nonetheless, especially if you read it between the lines. So the Captur doesn't look much different at first glance, the story continues, but it has experienced several additions that have made it a little more exciting, more engaging, so that it can keep drivers and customers in the market for the rest of its life. history.

Renault dedicated the Captur last year to the top of its petrol engine lineup. We already know about this from the larger Renault models, as it is available in the Espace and Talisman in particular. Despite the volume of 1,3 liters, the driver controls 110 kilowatts or 150 "horsepower" with the help of the accelerator pedal.. Given that Renault also uses it in other mainstream models, it was expected that it would not have undue problems mobilizing the Captur. He also lived up to expectations, both on the freeway, where he easily followed all the other contestants - and could easily dictate the pace - and between city and suburban trips. Fuel consumption is solid - given the power of the engine and the fact that this is a crossover. In practice, the car consumed about six and a half liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers per day, while on our standard track consumption was even half a liter less.

Between this engine and the front wheelset on the test model was a six-speed EDC automatic transmission, which costs € 1.500 at Renault. For a quiet ride, all three exemplary performances work together and the gear ratio is well thought out, however, he doesn't like dynamic driving at all, which he expresses with restless and (too) slow gear changes.... The soft feel of the gear lever in manual gear selection is also somewhat unusual, so drivers accustomed to manual transmissions will likely choose to decide and leave the transmission running.

The car deserves further criticism from the infotainment system and safety technologies, where it may lag slightly behind the competition. The system is a bit complicated at times and requires too many steps to get to your desired destination. That being said, of course, one should not ignore the fact that the car is basically six years old (and is based on the outgoing Clio generation), so it is understandable that Renault has not decided to follow all the latest trends. ... But even though it's based on the Clio, the Captur's cabin feel is much better.where, due to the higher ceiling, the test piece was also equipped with a (fixed) glass roof. On the other hand, accessories are ingenious, such as elastic bands to attach trim to the backrests of the front seats to replace the classic bag, and a box in front of the passenger. This drawer is designed as a drawer for your bedside table, and therefore, its design gives it much more volume and ease of use.

Regardless of the Captur's age, the designers managed to keep its appearance fresh and attractive during the last exterior renovation. Perhaps this is helped by the black and white combination of the body with additional tinted windows in the second row and aluminum wheels measuring "only" 17 inches, which at first glance (and second) look at least a centimeter larger. Therefore, the exterior is without a doubt one of the most attractive and positive aspects of the Captur.

As such, the Captur remains an interesting and engaging car, even after a refurbishment or with a second chapter - to the extent that its sequel is certainly worth a look. It is worth noting that our version was equipped with durable covers and an additional cover to protect against dust or with a complete kit that will make your wallet lighter by at least $ 21.240 (no extra charge for an automatic transmission), which again isn't exactly a small amount. However, there is the option to purchase a more affordable paperback book here.

evaluation

• The test Captur is definitely a vehicle that offers a lot of room and ease of use, but it is somewhat familiar with technological obsolescence at times. However, for a fairly rich set of accessories, like the one in the test car, you have to dig deep enough in your pocket.

We praise and reproach

Appearance

motor flexibility

solutions inside

price

slow automatic transmission

sophisticated infotainment system