2020 Renault Captur (2nd Generation)

DRIVEN: New Renault Captur finally lands in SA – here’s what you need to know

First revealed abroad in 2019, it’s safe to say that the second-generation Renault Captur has taken quite a while to reach our shores, with many pandemic-related factors reportedly delaying its introduction – but better late than never.

The new version has finally arrived on local shores. In fact, the face-lifted model is set to be revealed soon, and we are told that it will hit the country in 2024.

But for now, the model you see here is the latest and greatest, and the importer is offering it in two flavours: Zen, priced at R454 999 and Intens, which retails at R499 999.

With the Kiger now serving the lower end of the SUV market, Renault is positioning the new Captur as an “upper B-segment” contender, and some of its rivals include the Honda HR-V (R469 000 – R554 500), Volkswagen T-Cross (R393 900 – R518 800) and Haval Jolion (R342 950 – R579 950).

Both Renault Captur derivatives are powered by a 1.3-litre turbopetrol engine that produces 113kW and 270Nm, with power going to the front wheels in both cases through a seven-speed EDC dual-clutch gearbox.

 
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Renault Captur (2023) Launch Review

New Renault Captur price in SA

Renault Captur 1.3L Turbo EDC Zen R454 999
Renault Captur 1.3L Turbo EDC Intens R499 999

The new Renault Captur comes with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, a 3-year/45 000 km service plan, as well as a 6-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service intervals are every 15 000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. A metallic paint finish costs R2 999 extra.

Summary

Despite its rather belated arrival – the model is already 3 years old – the Renault Captur incorporates all the elements required to be a successful player in Mzansi’s ultra-competitive small crossover segment.

It looks still looks fresh and distinctive, its engine performs willingly and its transmission operates oh-so-smoothly. The Captur is also spacious and comfortable; compared with its predecessor, which offered a satisfactory driving experience, but felt thin and flimsy, it’s chalk and cheese. If only Renault SA could have launched this vehicle in our market sooner; let’s see whether the new Captur will achieve success.

 
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Overall, the Captur is very difficult to fault, as are many of its peers. It has to be good because South Africans are lining up to buy cars in this segment. I look forward to not just road testing this vehicle alone, but doing a direct comparison with its rivals in an upcoming issue of CAR.

Renault Captur 1,3L Turbo EDC Intens Fast Facts:

Price: R499 999

Engine: 1,3-litre, inline-four, turbopetrol

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch

Power: 113 kW @ 6 000 r/min

Torque: 270 Nm @ 1 700 r/min

Driven wheels: front

Fuel consumption: 6,6 L/100 km

Rivals: Kia Seltos, Haval Jolion, Volkswagen T-Cross.

 
Renault's new Captur finally in SA: SUV personality matches driving features of a hatch

Conclusion

Renault describes the Captur as a model that offers an SUV personality, MPV interior and practicality and the driving characteristics of a hatch, which is spot on.

In terms of what it offers and the driving experience, the Renault Captur makes a compelling argument in the segment, even though the pricing is a little on the expensive side. This places the Captur in the ballpark of competitors such as the Haval Jolion, Hyundai Venue and Volkswagen T-Cross.

The biggest issue is that this model has taken very long to reach South Africa due in part to global supply chain shortages following the pandemic. With Renault South Africa confirming that the model will be facelifted next year already, resale values of this model could be negatively affected by its short lifespan on the local market.

Model range and pricing

The Captur will be offered in Zen and Intens derivatives, both utilising the same drivetrain.

The selling price of the Captur includes a five-year or 150 000km warranty and a three-year or 45 000km service plan.

Renault Captur 1.3-litre Turbo EDC Zen R454 999
Renault Captur 1.3-litre Turbo EDC Intens R499 999

 
Renault Captur (2023) Review

FAST FACTS

Model: Renault Captur 1.3 turbo Intens
Price: R499 999 (May 2023)
Engine: 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Power/Torque: 113 kW/270 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
0-100 kph: 9.6 sec (claimed)
Fuel consumption: 6.6 L/100 km (claimed)
Luggage space: 536 or 404 litres (depending on rear-seat position)

Price and after-sales support

The 2023 Renault Captur Intens retails for R499 999 (May 2023) and comes with a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty and a 3-year/45 000 km service plan with intervals every 12 months/15 000 km.

The length of the Captur’s warranty (5 years) is longer than those of most of its competitors. The duration of the service plan (3 years) is on par with rivals, but some brands do offer 60 000 km service plans at this price point. Take that into account if you tend to clock up higher-than-average mileage.

Verdict


While the 2nd-gen Captur is a newcomer to our new-vehicle market, the model has been on sale in Europe since 2021. That means that an updated version may be on the cards in the next 2 (or so) years. Nonetheless, Renault’s compact SUV is much-improved – it has evolved from a budget crossover to something more premium that’s distinctive enough to compete with boutique compact SUVs.

The interior quality has been stepped up and the interface with the tech (aided by shortcut buttons) is intuitive/easy to acclimatise to. The bigger dimensions facilitate a more spacious cabin for occupants, while the sliding rear bench allows for a choice between a larger load space or additional rear legroom.

What’s more, the drivetrain pairing is smoother (or, to put it another way, better calibrated) than before, which makes the Captur’s driving experience quite pleasant, with very few drawbacks. Whether it’s operating unladen or with a few passengers aboard, the Renault performs ably and in a refined manner.

The major issue in this segment is the wide array of vehicles available to new-car buyers. It’s easy to get fixated on models’ specification sheets in your attempts to get the absolute most car for your money. That’s not really the Captur’s schtick – it’s more a car that you want because you like its design or driving experience; it’s not trying to be the most practical package or offer the most driving assistance features. What you do get, is a well-specced, good-looking crossover that’s likely to stand out in the parking lot.


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