2015 Renault Captur SUV Previewed In Malaysia: RM118k to RM123k Estimated

Available for your viewing at the Bangsar Shopping Centre from today until the 2^nd of August, here is the 2015 Renault Captur: a compact SUV framed like a Honda HR-V, albeit one that hails from Europe.

As we understand it, TC Euro Cars, the official distributors of Renault vehicles in Malaysia, aren’t officially launching the vehicle yet, with this event simply being a preview of their fifth model in the brand’s local range.

A launch is expected sometime in the fourth-quarter of the year, with estimated prices listed from RM118k to RM123k.

Like the Honda HR-V and Ford EcoSport types, the Renault Captur is a B-segment compact SUV, which utilises the underpinnings of a B-segment hatchback: here, you’ll find the makings of a Renault Clio underneath this SUV’s body, which also features higher ground clearance.

The Captur is Renault’s first attempt at such a compact SUV, and measures in only marginally larger than a Clio. Its styling is remarkably similar as well, and so to do powertrain arrangements align themselves in such fashion (bearing in mind however that the only Clio sold in Malaysia is the track-ready, 200hp R.S 200 version).

Remember, this is only a preview, so all information provided can be assumed as the maximum offering of the local-spec Renault Captur line-up. Should lower-spec variants appear (most likely, check out the gallery below to spot them) their exact specifications and kit may differ.

KEY SPECS:

• Engine: TCe 120 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
• Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic
• Power: 120 hp @ 4,900rpm
• Torque: 190Nm @ 2,000rpm
• Fuel consumption: 5.4-litres/100km (claimed)

Exterior Highlights:

On the outside, the Captur’s dimensions add up to 4.12m long, 1.77m wide and 1.57m tall, with a ground clearance of 200mm for those who family a little bit of off-road activity.

The front-grille is in line with Renault’s latest design language, not unfamiliar to the Clio hatch, while the lower bumper is unique to this SUV, with a few toughening underbody scuff bits on the front, side and rear. Projector headlamps are feature here, so to LED rear taillights.

The wheels are 17-inch alloys of a spinning twin-blade effect.

Interior Design:

Inside, passengers are set to benefit from a rather unique French affair interior: styling like you won’t get from your everyday Japanese equivalent model, with lots of flair left to boast.

The dashboard is equipped with Renault’s 7.0-inch R-Link touchscreen display, navigation and infotainment system, which appears as a large tablet-like thing mounted to the dash, integrating the air-conditioning controls as well.

The three-spoke steering wheel is equipped with thumb-friendly audio control buttons, while the instrument panel is a two semi-circle binnacle arrangement that integrates an LED speedo display in the middle.

What many photos may not show you at first glance is the Captur’s unique glove compartment, which unlike most, slides outwards in a drawer’s fashion, rather than unhinge itself downwards. The compartment is able to accommodate several 1.5-litre drinks bottles.

Other interior features and equipment include a reverse camera, keyless entry and engine start button.

Cargo Space:

The Renault Captur is said to feature a removable, multi-position boot floor, which is also reversible (carpet on one side, plastic on the other). The clever space-efficient and flexible boot area offers up to 455 litres of usable space (377 litres with the boot floor). Even more cargo area is possible, courtesy of the 60:40 split-folding rear seat backrest.

Speaking of which, the rear seat bench can also be slid forwards and backwards by up to 160mm.

Safety Features:

Featuring a five-star Euro NCAP rating, the Captur only has four airbags to offer, unlike many of its peers which have a top-spec model offering six (HR-V, for example). Globally, the Captur doesn't offer curtain airbags, putting up instead dual frontal and dual head/thorax side airbags for its front passengers - rear passengers are left without the protection.

It does come equipped with several active safety features, on the other hand. Electronic Stability Control with Roll Movement Intervention (prevent excessive body roll by braking), Hill-Start Assist and ABS and Emergency Brake Assist has been mentioned, on top of the latest-gen ESC traction control feature. The Captur will offer a maximum of four airbags only. Why not six?

Powertrain:

For Malaysia, TC Euro Cars has seen fit to introduce the single TCe 120 (Turbo Control Efficiency) EDC variant here, which features a 120hp, 190Nm of torque 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with its popular six-speed electronic dual-clutch (EDC) automatic transmission. Claimed consumption figures for the local Captur is listed at 5.4-litres/100km.

In their press materials, it’s claimed that performance of the turbo 1.2-litre engine is sufficient to match ‘conventional’ 1.8-litre natural-aspirated engines. The Honda HR-V, a similar vehicle with such a comparable powertrain, does develop 22hp more, but 18Nm of torque less than the Captur.

Buyer’s Guide:

As mentioned, the 2015 Renault Captur is up for your viewing at the on-going Renault road show taking place at the Bangsar Shopping Centre, from today until the 2^nd of August (Sunday). So do head on over to form your own conclusions about the vehicle, and possible place a booking.

Using the Honda HR-V as an example, yes, you could say that this is a prime competitor of the car, but do remember that it is a fully-imported model (CBU), with loads of European flair.

Up to four two-tone body colours will be available, ranging from Arizona Orange/ Diamond Black, Pacific Blue/ Ivory, Beige/ Diamond Black, and Ivory/ Diamond Black.

Like all other Renault passenger vehicles in Malaysia, the Renault Captur will be offered with a five-year unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.

On-going road shows:

With the Bangsar Shopping Centre being the first venue for the Renault road show (Now to 2 August), interested buyers may also head on over to these following locations to catch the all-new Renault Captur:

• 6 – 9 August: Renault PJ, Renault Glenmarie, Renault Puchong
• 10 – 16 August: Renault Setia Alam, Renault Setapak, Renault Johor Bahru
• 17 – 23 August: Renault Sri Hartamas, Renault Ipoh
• 24 – 30 August: Renault Petaling Jaya, Renault Butterworth