The facelifted Renault Captur has arrived in South Africa, with a new base derivative taking the light crossover’s entry point to a shade below R230 000.
The subtly updated Captur was revealed at Geneva back in March, sporting a fresh C-shaped lighting signature, new body colours and updated wheel designs. Other tweaks include a redesigned grille and new skid plates front and rear, along with the option of a fixed glass roof.
Inside, Renault says it has used plenty of new plastics. Additional improvements in the cabin include new satin chrome trim, a new soft-touch dashboard and interior panels, along with a newly designed gear-lever, fresh central storage options and a new front row seat central armrest on all but the base model.
The pre-facelift range kicked off with the 66 kW Turbo Expression model, but this has now been replaced by the 66 kW Turbo Blaze variant (which runs on 16-inch alloys), priced at R229 900, or some R20 000 cheaper than the outgoing Expression. Key items it does without (that are standard on Dynamique models) are leather trim for the steering wheel, rear parking sensors, climate control (the Blaze features manual air-con instead) and the full infotainment system (replaced by a so-called “R&Go” smartphone interface).
Meanwhile, the three remaining derivatives – the 66 kW Turbo Dynamique, 66 kW dCi Dynamique and 88 kW Turbo Dynamique – each feature a R5 000 bump in price, and 17-inch alloys as standard. In addition, Renault has added a manual version of the 88 kW range-topper, priced some R15 000 less than the dual-clutch model.
As before, there are three engines in the local line-up. The French automaker’s familiar three-cylinder turbo-petrol makes 66 kW and 135 N.m (linked to a five-speed manual), the 1,5-litre turbo-diesel four-pot manages 66 kW and 220 N.m (also with a five-speed stick-shift) and the 1,2-litre turbo-petrol churns out 88 kW and 190 N.m.
All models feature a five-year/150 000 km warranty and a three-year/45 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km).
Pricing:
Renault Captur 66 kW Turbo Blaze: R229 900
Renault Captur 66 kW Turbo Dynamique: R269 900
Renault Captur 1,5 dCi Dynamique: R294 900
Renault Captur 88 kW Turbo Dynamique: R294 900
Renault Captur 88 kW Turbo Dynamique auto: R309 900
