El Renault Captur is proving to continue to be a really successful product. It hit the market in 2013 as a B-SUV model, when that segment had not yet finished exploding. Now there are more than 20 competitors, but the French model always occupies the first sales positions, especially in the private channel.
In addition, it is also a very important product for the Spanish market, since the Captur It is manufactured in the Valladolid factory. In these eight years there have been 1,8 million units of this model for 52 different destinations. Moreover, of all these cars, some 131.000 vehicles have remained in Spain. And because? Well mainly because its design is very much in keeping with Spanish tastes.
Anyway, we already told you many details of the Renault Captur just a few weeks ago, when we tested the LPG version with 100 hp. That option left us some joys and some sorrows, because the mechanics were not too refined for us despite the fact that the rest of the vehicle did convince us.
On this occasion we have traveled to Valencia to learn first-hand and try a new variant. Its about Renault Captur E-Tech, which is the 145 hp self-rechargeable hybrid version. Furthermore, for the first time we had in front of us the ending with the RS Line sporty look, which suits the French crossover very well.
This is how the RS Line finish fits the new Captur
As you can see in the different images, the Renault Captur RS Line looks really striking. The brand has no problem recognizing that it is only aesthetic what it offers, and that the benefits remain the same. Thus, we have 18-inch wheels in a specific design, sportier bumpers, RS inscriptions or two-tone bodywork with black mirror caps, pillars and roof, as well as simulated exhaust outlets.
Inside we find a more emotional looking cockpit due to details such as the sports steering wheel, aluminum-style pedals, sports seats and a multitude of red details and seams that always intensify that character to the vehicle. Otherwise, the screen is the 7-inch Easy Link system with navigator, which is not the best available in the Captur range.
By the way, outside dimensions of the Renault Captur E-Tech are 4,23 meters long, 1,80 wide, 1,58 high and have a wheelbase of 2,64 meters. the capacity of the trunk stands at 395 liters (although it can be modified thanks to the sliding rear bench), while the total weight of the vehicle in running order is 1.363 kilos.
Technique
As in the case of Renault Clio hybrid that we tested several weeks ago, this Renault Captur E-Tech is a non plug-in hybrid version. Despite this, the diamond brand also offers a 160 hp plug-in option, but we will talk about it another time. Today we focus on this self-recharging.
On the one hand we have a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 94 hp. On the electric side there is a main EV motor with 36 kW (49 hp), in addition to another secondary EV motor with 15 kW (20 hp). The main one is responsible for propelling the vehicle, while the secondary one is used to start the thermal engine, as well as to supply the function of the clutch and the synchronizers.
The transmission itself is handled by a intelligent multi-mode gearbox with no less than 15 combinations, although the driver does not have the possibility to choose between the different gears, since all the management is done automatically. What we can select is the mode B on the gear lever, which increases retention when we stop accelerating to generate more electricity.
To top it off, the battery has a capacity of 1,2 kWh (manufactured by Hitachi), while the maximum power that the set is capable of delivering is 145 CV. The homologated CO2 emissions are 133 g/km, approving a combined consumption of 5 l/100 km. Its top speed is 170 km/h and it can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 10,6 seconds.
At the wheel of the hybrid Captur
The route planned by Renault for this touchdown it was mainly urban, although we were also able to drive on some secondary roads at medium speeds. Without a doubt, and although its acceleration and maximum speed may not seem too good, the behavior of the Renault Captur for these routes is more than enough.
This is because the torque of the hybrid system is very generous from a standstill, especially for the response of the electrical part. At low speeds it pushes hard enough to move nimbly through traffic, giving us the sensation of driving a vehicle with a lot of acceleration.
What leaves us with a somewhat bittersweet taste is the transmission, as already happened in the case of the hybrid Clio. In the vast majority of situations it behaves perfectly, very smoothly and with an imperceptible operation for the driver. In addition, it is easy to measure well with it when maneuvering.
However, there are certain moments in which he seems to make a mess. When we are driving and the thermal engine is active, on some occasions it seems to be unclear which combination of gears to use, and this is noticeable because it leaves the gasoline engine somewhat revved up when, in fact, it could have a higher ratio, gaining in comfort and smoothness. . It rarely happens, but when it does, it's usually noticeable. Otherwise, flawless.
In the Renault Captur E-Tech, comfort prevails
Special mention deserves the good chassis setup considering the car in front of which we are. What interests us in a hybrid vehicle that will normally circulate on urban roads or ring roads? well one comfort-oriented configuration, TRUE? That's what we get from driving this Renault Captur E-Tech.
It filters potholes such as bumps, manhole covers or other irregularities well enough, not giving the feeling of being a bouncy suspension. Be careful, and that we have large tires. In addition, if we force a little in a curve, the behavior is neutral and does not tend to lose the trajectory, although logically it is not what it is intended for.
On the other hand, we can choose between three driving modes, which are Eco, Sport and a customizable third party called My Sense. The main difference is the way it delivers power and the hold it offers off throttle. In addition, we can also force the electric mode operation via EV button, although for this we must have a certain charge in the battery and not drive at a high speed.
Prices Renault Captur E-Tech
This self-charging hybrid Renault Captur E-Tech is available in three trim levels, whose official prices (without discounts) are as follows:
| Motor | Finish | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Finish | Price |
| E-Tech 145 hp | Intense | 24.850 € |
| E-Tech 145 hp | Zen | 26.850 € |
| E-Tech 145 hp | RSLine | 28.850 € |
In any case, the french brand offers us its Preference plan, for which we can acquire it with a fee of 129 euros per month for 48 months, in addition to an entry of 5.300 euros. In case you're wondering, the 160 hp PHEV (plug-in hybrid) version costs 4.700 euros more than this conventional hybrid.
More information about this model
- Plazas 5
- Power 90 - 160 hp
- Consumer goods 4,7 - 5,8l/100km
- Assessment 4,7