Renault owns an array of auto brands across the world, including Nissan and Datsun in Japan and Dacia in Romania. Renault has borrowed heavily from its acquisitions. Renault Pulse is originally Nissan Micra and Renault Scala is Nissan Sunny. Renault Duster is originally Dacia Duster and Renault Lodgy is Dacia Lodgy.
It has been a give-and-take approach. Nissan Terrano is just another name for Duster.
Renault's successful partnership with Mahindra gave the Indian market Logan. Logan's origins can be traced back to the Romanian car maker though. Later models such as Koleos and Fluence are definitely French. However, the new Captur is the real Frenchman in the Indian market.
Fresh face
Captur cannot boast of any historical heritage. Unveiled in the Geneva Auto Show in 2013, the car's claim to fame is freshness in design and looks. It is made on the B platform of the world famous Renault Clio hatchback cars. It is a subcompact crossover in Europe and a mini SUV in India.
Captur is a definite head turner. It looks like a crouching beast. The dominating Renault logo, short but muscular bonnet, large wheel arches, black body cladding, LED headlamps, LED tail lamps with 3D effect and the fog lamp with a cornering function are notable features of Captur.
Customisation offers are available including a footboard and dual tone finish of black or ivory.
The European touch
Renault did a good job in abandoning the compulsion to limit the car's length to 4 metres. India does not have an SUV that is longer and taller than Captur. It is 4,333 millimetre long, 1,813 millimetre broad and 1,613 millimetre tall. It has a wheelbase of 2,674 millimetre and ground clearance of 210 millimetre and 17 inch wheels. The larger wheelbase translates into better control and comfort.
The interior takes you straight to Europe. It is neat and elegant with a double colour finish. The metre console, central console and A/C vents have a golden touch finish.
The high-quality plastic adds to the grandeur. The uniquely designed metre console is a fusion of digital and analogue. A digital speedo with large display has replaced the conventional speedometre.
A 7 inch touchscreen multimedia system with Bluetooth, USB, aux-in and navigation facilities, cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers make the interior a class apart.
The gold deco stitched finish of the leather seats in black and white is a sight to behold. The back row has enough leg room. The boot has a capacity of 392 litres. If the seats are folded the boot becomes cavernous with 1,392 litres.
Diesel power
Captur comes with a 1.5 litre diesel engine or a 1.5 litre petrol engine. The petrol model has 106 PS at 5,600 RPM. The diesel model has 110 PS and six speed gearbox. The petrol model has only five speeds. While the petrol model claims a fuel efficiency of up to 13.87 kilometre per litre, the diesel model has an excellent mileage of 20.37 kilometres per litre.
Captur's most alluring appeal has to be its excellent drivability that ensures good performance in highways and city roads. The SUV comes with good stability. Good control is guaranteed even at top speed.
The suspension ensures comfort and control. The high ground clearance will come handy in patchy roads. Captur also comes with hill start assist, ABS, airbags in the front and the flanks, electronic stability control, speed limiter and a reverse camera.
The 2017 model Global edition is a bargain from Renault. The diesel model with all the facilities comes with a price tag of Rs 9.99 lakh. The limited offerings are all in ivory orange. The offer is available only until stocks last. The 2018 model cars with similar options are priced at Rs 13 lakh.
For testdrive, contact TVS Renault at 81118 80523.