Next-gen Renault Captur caught testing before 2019 release
Renault's ever-popular crossover will follow an all-new Clio, sharing its sibling's design and advanced technology
Renault is readying a replacement for its ever-popular Captur, and new spy shots give a glimpse of the upcoming crossover's design for the first time.
The Nissan Juke and Peugeot 2008 rival is due to arrive in the middle of next year, a few months after its platform-sharing supermini sibling: the fifth-generation Clio. Despite the extensive disguise of this test mule, we can see the Captur will benefit from an evolved design rather than a radical styling rethink, much like the new Clio.
The familiar curvy front end with an oversized Renault badge is clearly visible, although the high bonnet line takes inspiration from the larger Kadjar SUV. A more steeply rising waistline with a broader shoulderline can be seen behind the camouflage, as can a pinched rear window and sloping roof.
As with the new Clio, Renault will make more extensive changes to the Captur's interior design than the exterior. A technology upgrade is the brand's top priority for its B-segment models, and we're expecting to see a Tesla-style portrait infotainment system adapted from that found in the latest Mégane. A raft of semi-autonomous driver assist features, shared with Nissan's upcoming ProPilot system, will also ensure it has the high-tech appeal of premium-badged rivals.
Both the Captur and Clio will be based on a modified version of the existing CMF-B platform, shared with the latest Nissan Micra. New 1.0-litre and 1.3-litre turbo petrol engines - the latter co-developed with Mercedes and seen in the A-Class - will be drafted in to improve performance and efficiency, while a 1.5-litre diesel unit will also be offered.
A 48V mild-hybrid variant of the diesel is in the product plan but won't be available at launch, while it's likely a full plug-in hybrid option will appear by 2020. A fully electric variant would fit in with Renault's desire to launch eight EVs before 2022, although it remains to be seen if the platform can be adapted in a cost-effective way to accommodate such a powertrain.
Like many crossovers, sales of Renault's Captur have been climbing steadily, with more than twice as many sold in 2016 (215,000) than the brand shifted in 2013 (84,000). Only in the past year have sales started to tail off as newer models, such as the Seat Arona, attract buyers. With the new model expected to be on sale by the summer of 2019, it could help the French car maker regain ground in the sector.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/next-gen-renault-captur-caught-testing-2019-release
