Renault Captur E-Tech plug-in hybrid 2020 UK review
Опубликованно 09.09.2020 14:25
What is it?
Renault’s electrification programme is gathering a head of steam. On the passenger car front, the all-electric Zoe supermini has been the competent and really quite pretty face of this campaign for the past decade or so; while the Kangoo ZE went on to become the best-selling commercial EV in Europe by the end of 2019. The dinky Twizy made for a fascinating support act, too.
Now, though, Renault has broadened its portfolio of electrified vehicles to include powertrains that the man on the street might deem to be more accessible. So there’s a hybrid version of the Clio supermini; a new plug-in hybrid M?gane Sport Tourer estate; and this, the new Captur E-Tech PHEV. What's it like?
Our test car was a European-spec left-hooker but was nevertheless representative of what we’ll get here in UK when deliveries begin in October. Like the Clio supermini, the Captur’s cabin packs plenty of chic design appeal, and a fairly liberal application of soft-touch moulded plastics on the dash and doors helps to improve tactile appeal. A few of the switches feel a bit flimsy, and the gear selector is as rattly in its housing as ever, but on the whole the Captur impresses.
A sliding rear bench helps out with second-row leg room, so while the back of the Captur doesn’t exactly feel cavernous, there’s decent enough space for an average-sized adult to sit comfortably. Head room is a bit tight, however, and boot space takes a slight hit compared with its non-plug-in range-mates. Where the ICE cars have up to 422 litres of seats-up luggage capacity, the PHEV makes do with 379 litres.
On the road it retains the firmer, more controlled set-up that is arguably the most significant point of difference between first- and second-generation models. The result is a crossover that’s keener-handling than before; one with decent grip, stability and a steering rack that’s intuitively weighted and offers an appealing amount of response just off centre. Should I buy one?
The concept of a plug-in compact crossover is still a relatively new one, so for now the Captur E-Tech PHEV remains an uncommon proposition. The likes of the Kia Niro PHEV and Mini’s plug-in Countryman are arguably its closest conceptual rivals, with the former priced from ?30,265 and the latter from ?32,980 versus the Renault’s ?30,495 list price.
And against those competitors, the Renault wouldn’t be a bad pick. It’s the obvious value choice next to the Mini, while its powertrain is smoother than that fitted to the Kia and its cabin packs more visual pizzazz too. That said, the Captur won’t travel quite as far as the Niro on a single charge (the Kia has a WLTP-certified electric range of 36 miles), but it nevertheless falls into the same appealing 10% benefit-in-kind tax bracket.
If it rode with just a touch more compliance, and accelerated over larger increments with a bit more in the way of linearity, the Captur would be a clear-cut contender for class honours. As it stands, though, it’ll have to settle with being a good choice in this emerging market, as opposed to a great one.
Technical specs Model tested: Captur E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid 160 Auto Price: ?30,495 Engine: 4 cyls in line, 1598cc, Atkinson cycle petrol; with 1 x front-mounted, 49kW AC synchronous motor Transmission: 6-spd automatic Model tested Captur E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid 160 Auto Price ?30,495 Engine 4 cyls in line, 1598cc, Atkinson cycle petrol; with 1 x front-mounted, 49kW AC synchronous motor View all specs and rivals Transmission 6-spd automatic Power 158bhp (combined) 0-62mph 10.1sec Top speed 107mph Battery size 7.5kWh (net) Fuel economy 217.9mpg CO2 34g/km Electric range 30 miles BIK tax band 10% Rivals Kia Niro PHEV 2 Mini Countryman PHEV Cooper SE ALL4 Power 158bhp (combined) 0-62mph 10.1sec Top speed 107mph Battery size 7.5kWh (net) Fuel economy 217.9mpg CO2 34g/km Electric range 30 miles BIK tax band 10% Rivals Kia Niro PHEV 2 Mini Countryman PHEV Cooper SE ALL4 Advertisement Share review Are you as passionate about cars as we are? Get all the best car news, reviews and opinion direct to your inbox. Subscribe to the Autocar newsletter now. Haymarket Media Group, publishers of Autocar takes your privacy seriously. You can unsubscribe at any time using the unsubscribe mechanism on any email you receive from us. We will use your information to ensure you receive messages that are relevant to you. To learn more about how we use the information you provide to us please see our Full Privacy Notice. Join the debate Comments 8
xxxx PHEV. When 160ps equals 10.1 2 September 2020
30 miles with 7.5 kw, no chance. Spending 30.5k for a Renault Capture, no chance, unless you are a tax dodger
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