The new Renault Captur E-Tech Hybrid offers claimed fuel economy of up to 5L/100km.
The new petrol-electric compact SUV plugs the gap between the Captur’s combustion-only models and the flagship plug-in hybrid variant, and rivals cars like the Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Kona Hybrid.
The Captur E-Tech’s powertrain comprises a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, an integrated starter-generator, a conventional electric motor and a 1.2kWh battery pack. It has a combined output of 106kW, which is sent to the front wheels through an automatic gearbox.
Renault says the Captur Hybrid will return up to 4.99L/100km on the WLTP combined cycle, while CO2 emissions stand at just 114g/km. The electric motor also fills in the gaps between gear changes, which Renault says makes the car smoother to drive.
The powertrain has three drive modes: Pure, MySense and Sport. The first forces the car to run on electric power alone; the seconds automatically adjusts the amount of electrical assistance based on the owner’s driving style, while the last optimises the engine and electrical system for maximum performance.
Regenerative braking helps to recharge the compact battery on the move. The system has three settings: a low interference mode, a mode which only activates the regen when the brake pedal is pressed, and a ‘B Mode’, which ramps up the regen’s intensity and allows one-pedal driving when running on electric power. The stored charge is enough for a short electric-only range at low speed.
Inside, there’s a leather steering wheel, automatic climate control, a 7.0-inch display for the gauge cluster and a seven-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and an integrated sat-nav system. Buyers also get lane-keeping assist, active emergency braking and traffic sign recognition.
The Captur E-Tech Hybrid is also available in R.S. Line trim, which features a host of sporty styling cues inspired by Renault’s performance models. Upgrades include unique 18-inch alloys, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a honeycomb radiator grille and chrome exhaust outlets.
The cabin also benefits from touches such as a sports steering wheel, R.S. Line-specific upholstery, black headlining, aluminium pedals, RenaultSport branded tread plates and carbon-fibre effect dashboard trim. There’s also a frameless rear-view mirror, while the standard infotainment system is replaced by a larger 9.2-inch unit.
Luke Wilkinson