High-riding superminis have become very popular in recent years, thanks to a trend for downsizing, combined with buyers’ desire to enjoy an elevated driving position.
A raft of small SUVs has launched over the past few years, and arguably the most stylish of them all is the Renault Captur.
Essentially a Clio with more attitude, it was clearly a winner when we first drove it in 2013. Back then we said: “The Renault has what it takes to be among the class leaders. It looks great – particularly if you opt for the two-tone roof – and has stacks of space.”
Models covered
The Renault Captur hit showrooms in 2013 and is still in its first generation. It’s this model that we’re focusing on here.
- • Renault Captur Mk1 (2013-date) - Stylish supermini-SUV makes a great-value used purchase
Renault Captur Mk1
Prices from £8,000
History
The Captur reached UK showrooms in July 2013. Engines included 0.9 (TCe 90) and 1.2 (TCe 120) petrol units, or a 1.5-litre diesel (dCi 90). Initially there were Expression, Expression+, Dynamique Media Nav and Dynamique S Media Nav trims, but in October 2014, a range-topping Signature trim was added, available with all engines.At first, the dCi 90 came with a manual gearbox only; by October 2013, an automatic transmission was available, dubbed EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch).
In March 2015, a manual-only 110bhp version of the 1.5 dCi engine was added to the range; eight months later the special- edition Iconic arrived, with part-leather trim and a two-tone exterior colour scheme as standard. It was available with all engines.
Renault Captur reviews
Renault Captur in-depth review
Renault Captur 1.2 TCe 120 automatic EDC review
Renault Captur 1.5 dCi 90 review
Renault Captur 1.5 dCi 90 Dynamique review
Which one should I buy?
While the excellent diesels are the most popular choices, don’t overlook the petrol engines, and give the EDC automatic a try as it’s a great gearbox.
The Expression features 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, Hill Start Assist, powered windows all round and electrically adjustable mirrors, but you have to move up to the Expression+ to get air-con.
Dynamique MediaNav adds Bluetooth, climate control, 17-inch wheels, a seven-inch touchscreen display and cornering headlights. The Dynamique S MediaNav brings rear parking sensors along with privacy glass and electrically folding door mirrors. Signature spec gets leather trim, upgraded hi-fi and a rear parking camera.
All Capturs come with a tyre inflation kit, but a spare wheel is an optional extra.
Alternatives to the Renault Captur Mk1
The Nissan Juke was the first supermini-SUV and is the most radical-looking of the lot, but sadly, it offers form over function as the boot is small and the interior is cramped. However, it’s keenly priced and comes with a decent level of equipment.
Recently facelifted and repositioned as an SUV, the Peugeot 2008 is one of the Captur’s toughest adversaries, with its frugal engines, smart lines and practical interior. The Vauxhall Mokka is plentiful, too, plus it’s decent value second-hand and has a spacious interior. But it’s disappointing to drive, and not refined enough. You could also consider the Ford Ecosport, but we wouldn’t recommend it. While it’s reasonable to drive with decent engines, it’s pretty underwhelming.
What to look for:
Software woes
Some early cars suffered from a glitch that led to the trip computer claiming to always average 29.9mpg. An update fixes things, though.
Radio silence
Issues with the DAB radio are not a rarity. The display can say that the system is on, but no stations are received so there’s just silence.
Wheelarches
Some cars have suffered from the plastic finishing trims on the wheelarches standing proud of the bodywork because they don’t fit properly.
Stop/Start
The stop/start can work erratically, or not at all. Problems are often down to faulty sensors or a battery that’s failing to hold sufficient charge.
Interior
The cabin is attractively designed and easy to use, but there are too many low-grade plastics on show for the price. Practicality is good; the rear seats slide to optimise boot space. With the seats back, it’s 377 litres; with them forward, you get 455 litres. Fold them flat and this jumps to 1,235 litres.
Running costs
Service intervals for all Capturs are set at 18,000 miles or 12 months. The schedule runs minor (£129), intermediate (£159), minor (£129), major (£269), so the latter is required only every four years or 48,000 miles.
All engines have a cambelt which has to be replaced every six years or 90,000 miles at a cost of £399. The coolant should be renewed every five years or 90,000 miles (at a cost of £99), while fresh brake fluid is needed every three years or 72,000 miles (at £39). From 1 January 2015, the Captur came with a package called 4+, which includes four years’ warranty and breakdown cover.
Recalls
The Captur has been recalled just once, in April 2015, in a campaign involving 31,320 cars produced up to March that year. This centred on the front wheelarch liners, which were incorrectly positioned and could rub on the front brake hoses, causing damage.
The resultant loss of brake fluid could lead to partial brake failure, but not a complete loss of power; a ‘Braking system fault’ warning would flash up on the dash. The answer was new hoses and moving the wheelarch liner.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
After making its debut in our Driver Power 2014 satisfaction survey, the Captur dropped to 44th last year, then climbed back up to 18th this year. Sixth place for running costs is especially impressive, while 20th for ride comfort and 24th for reliability are good news. Lowest was 65th for overall performance.