Renault Captur Review

by Craig Duff · CarsGuide

What we like

• Good value
• Secure roadholding and one of the better steering feels in the class
• Looks will grab attention

What we don't

• No rear side airbags
• Two-tone paintjob is significantly more expensive on the Expression

It's all about the look with the Renault Captur, from the optional two-tone exterior styling to the dimpled surfaces, coloured zippers and bright plastic highlights in the cabin.

But there's a method behind the interior-designer madness.

The surfaces will be easy to wipe down, which will endear them to parents with young kids and 20-somethings who tend to live in their vehicles on weekends away. The same applies to the zip-off cushion covers standard in the top-end Dynamique and a $600 option for the Expression.

While the looks will grab the most attention, it's the underpinnings of the Renault that will appeal to diehards used to the brand's hot hatches.

The stiffened suspension definitely puts it at the sporty end of the light SUV brigade. The occasionally jumpy ride is compensated for by secure roadholding and one of the better steering feels in the class. Unfortunately the pace, in either 900cc turbo three-cylinder manual guise or 1.2L turbo four-cylinder auto guise, is at the more moderate end of the scale.

The Captur is destined to be a hit in the same way as the Clio light car it is based on. This baby SUV is a smart mix of stylish looks and decent standard features that justify adding it to the list when shopping for a high-riding crossover.

VALUE

The pricing lands the Captur in the heart of an increasingly competitive segment.

Standard gear includes a seven-inch touchscreen with satnav and a reversing camera, auto lights and wipers, keyless entry and a sliding rear bench seat that can mix and match rear legroom with cargo capacity. With the seats in their most forward position, cargo space is a very impressive 445 litres.

The next step up gets the same interior features but with a six-speed twin-clutch automatic matched to a 1.2-litre four-cylinder.

The Dynamique tops the rangewith a standard two-tone paintjob that's aoption on the Expression, along with fog lights with a cornering function, 17-inch alloy rims and the washable zip-off seat covers.

There are, however, two notable omissions: the Captur doesn't have rear side airbags. Altough, it still gets five stars from the official ANCAP testing regime.

DRIVING

The Captur rides 163mm off the ground and its hip point — the level of the seat squab — is 100mm higher than in a Clio. That makes it easier to get in and out and the doors open wide enough to allow that.

The in-car entertainment is handled by a seven-inch touchscreen with satnav. The graphics are functional if not first rate.There's an enhanced R-Link infotainment system with upgraded sound system for a bit extra, a choice of wheel colours, orange/green/blue interior trim accents and a range of decals. Personalisation is a trend brands are looking to leverage.

Carsguide's first experience is in the triple-cylinder with a five-speed manual box. The sliding rear bench seat means four adults can squeeze into the Renault without needing to dislocate limbs. The back seat position is upright and the pews are flat but the essentials, head, leg and shoulder room, are all catered for.

The ride itself is choppy at urban pace over sharp-ridged bumps and expansion joints, especially in the back where the torsion beam rear end can crash over hits. It handles faster, open roads with shallower ruts with far more decorum.

Momentum has to be maintained on the 0.9L model by regular applications of the gearshift. It's a light throw and the five forward ratios are well spaced to match the rorty, snarly nature of the engine, which effectively winds out of puff at 5000rpm.

Acceleration is acceptable and it rolls easily along the freeway at 110km/h, though overtaking moves would need to be well planned.

The 1.2L is just on a second quicker to 100km/h and feels it both off the mark and during in-gear acceleration. The six-speed dual-clutch auto hesitates off the mark and isn't as crisp on the changes as more advanced models.

It does help keep fuel use down to 5.4L/100km, though on a hard test we saw mid-sevens on both engines.

VERDICT

Differences in design and layout should capture fans for this mini SUV. It has the price, packaging and high-riding position to earn a slice of the fastest growing segment in town.

2015 Renault Captur

Engines: 0.9L turbo three-cylinder, 66kW/135Nm; 1.2L turbo four-cylinder, 88kW/190Nm

Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed twin-clutch auto

Thirst: 4.9L/100km; 5.4L/100km

Dimensions: 4122mm (L), 1778mm (W) 1566mm (H)

Weight: 1100-1180kg

Spare: Spacesaver

Convinced to get your own? Contact Group 1 Renault and ask about the Renault Captur Price today.

Article and image source: http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-reviews/2015-renault-captur-review-first-drive-30928

Renault Sandero Motoring Review

Everything Renault launches of late seems to turn to gold. The new Clio is a great example and the recently launched Duster is even better. But the French brand has now turned its eyes to the entry-level market and replaced the Sandero with a completely new offering. And what an offering it is.

On the menu of this new French cuisine is a host of new upgrades and a lot of best-in-class features. Built on the same platform as the Clio, the Sandero hatch combines little ‘big car’ portions with the latest in engine technologies to offer the South African motoring public a product that is hard to ignore.

While the previous-generation Sandero may have had a few hiccups and a rather dull design, this new beauty regains some of the elegance the brand is renowned for.

Combining youthful and modern styling, it certainly looks the part in a segment that offers aging stock. But the Sandero’s centrepiece diamond-shaped badge gracing the front of the bonnet and dominating the black grille complements its fresh façade.The integrated roof spoiler and body coloured side mirrors along with the 15-inch alloy wheels (standard on the Dynamique) hint at a sporty undertone.

But probably where the biggest technological jump can be found is under the hood, because the Sandero now utilises the same three-cylinder 900cc turbo-engine found in the new Clio. It’s an extremely smooth powerplant that proves that downsizing is the way of the future. Capable of offering a relatively sporty drive from its 66kW of power and 135Nm of torque, it can go from standstill to 100km/h in 11.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 175km/h.

Granted, it’s not going to beat any land speed records, but it will be a treat at the pumps, particularly with where the fuel price is headed. Renault claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 5.2 litres/100km and we know these figures are usually largely unattainable. However, at the launch we managed to muster up a very impressive 5.5 litres/100km while driving like a young Sebastian Vettel, making the claimed figure that much more impressive. The CO2 emissions rating is 119g/km.

After spending a decent amount of time behind the wheel, you begin to appreciate the new Sandero for what it is: a well-specced machine, built with cost and style in mind.

The drive may be slightly dull as you go through the motions sitting in traffic, but everything you need to keep you company is there.

From the Bluetooth functionality, MP3 radio with USB, air conditioning for those hot days to electric front and rear windows, the car is properly loaded - even boasting cruise control, which is unheard of in this segment. Space and practicality can’t be ignored either. Boot space is a best-in-class 292 litres while the large interior can fit four adult occupants.

Without sounding like a salesman, the Sandero isn’t lacking much, because wait, that’s not all. On the safety front it boasts ABS and EBD as well as EBA. Furthermore, ESP and hill start assist are fitted across the range, along with Isofix fasteners and driver and passenger airbags. In the higher Dynamique spec, consumers will also benefit from front side airbags.

Having jam-packed the Sandero full of the latest tech, Renault is clearly out to make a statement with this car, leaving the consumer wanting nothing extra. In such a hotly contested segment it seems like the French have done their homework, especially with such a good price proposition.

The only thing you may be found wanting is an automatic option as the five-speed manual box can get tedious to use in traffic and for the oil-burner lovers among us, perhaps a diesel derivative.

Ultimately it’s a user-friendly car, especially on the pocket of the cash-strapped consumer.

To find out the current Renault Sandero price visit approved Renault dealership such as Group 1 Renault. Group 1 Renault is a reputable Renault Western Cape dealership.

Article source: http://www.autodealer.co.za/new-cars/Renault/Sandero