What is striking about the Renault Captur Hybrid?
Renault was already a pioneer in the field of electric cars with the Zoe, but for more than a year the brand has also been embracing the plug-in hybrid and the regular hybrid. Bestseller Captur had been around for a while as a plug-in hybrid. Those who prefer not to plug in and still want to lose little gas money can now also buy a regular hybrid. The Captur E-Tech Hybrid delivers 143 hp (four-cylinder + 2 electric motors) and consumes according to Renault 5.0 l/100 km (1 in 20.0).
Renault’s technicians have spent many nights sleeping over their ideal hybrid powertrain. The petrol engine is linked to a four-speed gearbox, but the large electric motor also has two gears. The car always starts electrically, via the small electric motor. The larger electric motor then steps in to keep the car emission-free for as long as possible. It also helps the petrol engine to keep the Captur up to speed at a higher speed. It all sounds pretty complicated.
What’s good about the Renault Captur Hybrid?
The current Renault Captur came on the market in 2019. He looked like that teenager who before the summer holidays was still frail and had a squeaky voice, and after the holidays he went back to school with a beard in his throat. The interior is even more beautiful, with digital instruments and a large portrait touchscreen. There is a lot to see and feel, the surfaces are soft and the finish is beautiful. In particular, the floating bottom of the center console remains très chic.
We are pleased with the fuel consumption of the Renault Captur Hybrid. Our practical consumption is pretty close to the promise of Renault, we stayed there with 5.2 l/100 km (1 in 19.2) but just above.
What could be improved about the Renault Captur Hybrid?
It’s very unfortunate for Renault, but maybe the technicians slept too much about the hybrid powertrain. The theory of economy combined with smooth performance sounds magnificent, but in practice we sometimes frown. We did that before in the Renault Clio E-Tech Hybrid.
The idea of two electric motors and an internal combustion engine may come from Renault’s Formula 1 cars, in practice you don’t feel that you are Fernando Alonso. The technology seems to be constantly deliberating: should the combustion engine step in or not? And when will we switch? We could almost hear the control systems discussing, if only there was one bossy manager who banged his fist on the table and would make the decision.
What this means in practice? Driving off on the small electric motor is still smooth, but as soon as the petrol engine comes into play, the technology is confused. When he steps in, it is accompanied by quite a bit of noise. In addition, the automatic transmission is not so smooth switching. As a result, you drive constantly at a high speed during city trips of 50 km/h. You pray and beg for the automatic transmission to shift, but it usually doesn’t. You can’t even shift gears with paddles on the handlebars.
At higher speeds, the cooperation is better and if you drive properly at 100 km/h, the Captur Hybrid is quiet and comfortable. Although the chassis could have been a bit more French, the tuning is firm.
When will the Renault Captur Hybrid come and what is the price?
The price of the Renault Captur Hybrid is 29,190 euros (Zen version). Is that expensive? It depends on how you look at it. The base price of the Captur is 24,690 euros. Saves 4500 euros, but then you have to settle for 100 hp and you have to switch yourself.
If you are looking for a Captur with automatic transmission and the same amount of power, the Hybrid is suddenly favorably priced. An ordinary Captur with 140 hp and EDC automatic costs 29,390 euros. This makes the hybrid version 200 euros cheaper. Our RS-Line, including a diffuser-like rear bumper, costs 32,890 euros.
What do I think of the Renault Captur Hybrid?
With this hybrid Renault, all eyes are on the hybrid powertrain. If it does not function properly, Renault may be concerned. Too bad, because the Captur also has many good features. Maybe call Toyota for advice? In return, Renault’s chief designer Laurens van den Acker may want to help give the new Prius an exciting look…
What else will Renault do with the Captur and when will the electric versions of the R4 and R5 finally come? We will keep you informed weekly in our newsletter. Register for free!