It has already been two years since we last tested the Renault Captur and we are delighted to report it has been a fantastic success with over 1100 units sold since 2013. We said it before, and we will say it again, the Captur is easily one of the best looking compact-crossovers available on Irish roads. Our first test drive Captur was powered by the TCe 90, which is the 898cc 3-cylinder petrol engine. This particular model was fun to drive but if we are honest the 1.5 litre dCi 90 engine would be our engine of choice because it’s slightly more frugal and not as noisy in the cabin. In terms of spec buyers until now had a choice of two trim levels, Life and Intense. Both offered adequate standard features with the Intense being the higher spec’d option until now. This week we have been driving the new flagship Signature model.
This new top-of-the-range trim level adds numerous and some exclusive extras as standard over the Intense model we originally tested. The same great looks are further enhanced with 17-inch Explore alloy wheels, chrome exterior details on the side strips, boot lid, front grille and fog light surrounds. The two-tone exterior finish is standard and you can choose between one of four metallic and two solid colours but I must say the trendy Flame Red metallic paint with black roof that we have on test looks sublime. Inside the Signature you get part leather trimmed seats, Signature door sill plates and mats along with the Red Touch Pack which adds a bright detail to the centre console, air vents and speakers in keeping with the exterior colour.
To drive the Captur is still as good as ever both on motorways and back roads. The Signature is available with a choice of petrol or diesel Stop & Start engines but our diesel is the one to have in my opinion. There is a choice of manual or automatic transmission and our test car had the advanced traction control system called Grip Xtend, which provides maximum grip in tough conditions through the use of a simple thumbwheel. We got to test this function on some slippery mountainous terrain and it really works well getting you places regular front wheel drives simply wont. You also get cruise control, automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity and LED daytime running lights.
The now famous R-Link infotainment system, which we love, includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Tom Tom satellite navigation, USB connectivity and an improved 4 x 35W Arkamys radio with 3D sound. In some models the speakers were a little weak but they are certainly better in the Signature. The screen also features a rear-parking camera, which combined with the rear parking sensors make parking a doddle. Order books have now opened with prices for Captur Signature starting from €22,190 and you can finance your new Captur Signature with Renault’s own bank, Renault Finance from €219 per month. Renault’s latest offering with this Captur Signature is strong and in a world now filled with compact crossovers you would be mad not to enjoy a test drive in one of the 26 dealerships nationwide.
Renault Captur Signature Specification
Engine Size – 1.5 Four Cylinder
Fuel Type – Diesel
Power – 90hp
Torque – 220Nm
Acceleration (0-100km/h) – 13.1 seconds
Top Speed – 171 km/h
Consumption (Combined) – 3.8L/100km
CO2 Emissions – 99g/km A2
Road Tax – €180
Base Price – €22,190
Price as Tested – €23,990
