Used Renault Captur Review (2012-2019) MK1
Independent review by Bruce Booth from Driving Force
5-minute read
Overview
- Smooth ride
- Eye-catching looks
- Good range of tech
- Outdated interior
- Not the most fun to drive
- Legroom is on the tight side
What's the Renault Captur like?
There are plenty of Renault Captur models about, and you can’t fail to recognise them with their brightly-coloured schemes and funky stick-on graphics.
While Renault’s Captur crossover may look like it was created especially to take on the growing band of compact 4x4 SUVs, this French fancy came only as a front-wheel drive machine sitting on its Clio supermini platform.
But that’s where the similarity between the two stablemates ended, for the Captur proves much more practical, and its beefed-up stance offers a raised ride height for greater visibility to all on board.
The automatic gearbox version proves slick and smooth, and there's also the option to take over and use it manually.
Practicality and Driving Experience
Coming in 100mm taller and 60mm longer than the Clio, the Captur offers masses of interior space for its size.
Some could say knee room is on the tight side, but there's enough room to let average-sized adults sit in the back without being too squeezed together.
There's also a decent sized 455-litre boot, which can swallow up cases, push chairs and the usual array of sporting goods, and this space can be increased as the split rear seats can also slide forward. Fold them and the luggage space increases to 1,235 litres.
And the boot floor can also be adjustable to enable it to be raised so bulkier items can effortlessly slide in and out.
There's also an eco mode button, which reduces performance to aid fuel economy. It reduces torque and modifies throttle response to suit, and can even automatically adjust the air conditioning and heating output for maximum efficiency.
The Captur’s suspension has a nice sporty feel about it, and the car grips and handles beautifully. The steering is light yet positive, and the suspension works well to offer a smooth ride.
Bruce Booth
Engines
What's really impressive is the feisty 1.5-litre dCi 90bhp diesel model, if only for its superb fuel economy and lively performance. Returning a whopping 76.3mpg on the combined cycle, you couldn’t really ask for much more.
Out on the road it pulls way above its weight and once it gets going, has a top speed of 106mph, although standing to 60mph takes around 12.6 seconds.
Equipment
Used car buyers are pretty much spoiled for choice, with six spec levels and four engines to pick from.
But a little bit of advice; go for one of the mid-range Dynamique MediaNav models, and you get masses of hi-tech features, including an integrated seven-inch touchscreen display which controlls the on-board infotainment system.
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Find your Renault Clio your way with CarStore
With its chunky but stylish exterior looks, great fuel economy, and affordable price tag, the Captur has lots going for it, which makes it just right for any family looking for a used car that's something of a bargain-buy.
