New Captur provides French flair in a refreshed compact SUV

RENAULT have significantly upgraded their B-segment SUV Captur with a range of new interior, technology and exterior changes as it continues to fight for relevance in an ever-increasing and cluttered part of the market.

- WILLEM VAN DE PUTTE

ened the Captur's look with a cleaner front end that aligns it with the brand's latest design language.

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First introduced in South Africa in 2015, the French "voiture à vivre" (car for living) has sold more than 12 000 units locally and an impressive two million globally.

It now has three variations starting with the Techno then the Iconic and the range-topping Esprit Alpine.

You may recall that Renault's sport division used to have the RS (Renault Sport) nomenclature which is now known as Alpine.

Renault has sharpened the Captur's look with a cleaner front end that aligns it with the brand's latest design language. The grille is more intricate, the bonnet sits higher and flatter and the overall effect is a strong purposeful face. There's a new horizontal air intake above the splitter, another in the bumper and additional air ducts near the daytime running lights to aid cooling and front brake ventilation.

All models now have LED headlights as standard, with the brand's vertical, half-diamond daytime running light signature clearly visible. There's also a new welcome light sequence when you unlock the car.

At the back, the transparent light housings expose the internal elements of the lamps, paired with a revised logo and a reshaped diffuser. The result is a cleaner, more modern finish.

Techno models ride on 17-inch alloys and feature matt black detailing along the lower body and beltline, along with chunky black skid plates. The Iconic model gets new 18-inch "Black Hole" alloys and high-gloss black exterior trim.