- Softer suspension for TCe 120 variants provides comfortable ride
- Spacious and versatile interior
- Steering is light accurate…
- … but lacks feel
- Performance of 898 cc engine only adequate
- For manual transmission, long throw action and slightly notchy shifts
- Double clutch transmission slow to kickdown
- Cheap interior plastics
- For rear occupants, no side or curtain airbags
Review: Renault X87.I Captur (2015-17)
Overview
Released in Australia in February 2015, the Renault X87 Phase I (X87.() Captur was a light, front-wheel drive SUV. Manufactured at Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain, the X87 Captur was offered with Renault’s TCe 90 and TCe 120 engines and in Expression and Dynamique editions (see table below).
Engines
Of the engines,
- For the TCe 90 variants, the three-cylinder 898 cc H4Bt petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, a low-intertia turbocharger, double overhead camshaft (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 9.5:1; and,
- For TCe 120 variants, the four-cylinder 1.2-litre H5Ft engine had similar properties but was distinguished by its double-cam phasing variable valve timing and higher compression ratio of 10.0:1.
Beyond the properties describe above, the H4Bt engine also had a ‘Stop&Start’ function which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic.
While the H4Bt engine was solely available with a five-speed manual transmission, the H5Ft engine was mated to a dual-clutch transmission (Renault’s ‘Efficient Dual Clutch’ or EDC).
| Variant | Edition | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCe 90 | Expression | 898 cc turbo petrol I3 | 5sp man. | 66 kW at 5250 rpm | 135 Nm at 2500 rpm |
| TCe 120 | Expression, Dynamique |
1197 cc turbo petrol I4 | 6sp DCT | 88 kW at 4900 rpm | 190 Nm at 2000 rpm |
Dimensions
Sharing its platform with the Renault X98 Clio , the X87 Captur was 4122 mm long, 1778 mm wide, 1566 mm tall and had a 2606 mm long wheelbase; ground clearance was 200 mm. Kerb weight for the TCe 90 and TCe 120 variants was 1134 kg and 1215 kg, respectively.
The Captur had cargo space of 377 litres, though the underfloor storage area provided a further 78 litres of space (for 455 litres). With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity was 1235 litres.
Suspension and steering
The Renault Captur had MacPherson-type front suspension with rectangular lower arms and dual isolating mountings and torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs and an anti-roll bar.
The Renaulc Captur had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Renault Captur included dual front airbags, front side airbags (with head and thorax protection), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Renault Captur had 258 mm by 22 mm ventilated front brake discs and 228 mm by 38 mm rear drum brakes.
Euro NCAP testing
In Euro NCAP testing , the Renault X87 Captur received a five star safety rating which included an 88 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, occupant protection was generally rated as good, though protection of the front passenger’s chest was rated as adequate. In the offset test, protection of the driver’s head and abdomen were rated as good, though chest protection was again rated as adequate. In the more severe pole test, chest protection was rated weak and abdomen protection as marginal.
Features: Renault Captur Expression
Standard features for the Renault Captur Expression included 16-inch ‘Discover’ alloy wheels with 205/60 R16 tyres, a ‘Classic’ sound system with auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, Renault’s media navigation system with a seven-inch touchscreen, ‘charcoal’ cloth upholstery, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, daytime LED running lights, front and rear fog lights, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a rear view camera, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, 60:40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, a ‘Renault Smart Key Card’ (for proximity-based, keyless entry), power windows, power adjustable and mirrors with folding function, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, push-button start, tinted windows, a 12 volt power socket, dark chrome interior trim, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Features: Renault Captur Dynamique
Compared to the Captur Expression, the Captur Dynamique was further equipped with 17-inch ‘Explore’ alloy wheels with 205/55 R17 tyres, charcoal and grey seat covers (removable and washable), directional front fog lights, rear privacy glass, bright chrome interior trim and storage nets on the front seatbacks.
Visually, the Captur Dynamique could be identified by its two-tone paint finish, roof-coloured door mirrors and chrome boot lid strip.
2015 Renault Captur Expression+
In September 2015, the Renault Captur Expression+ was released. Solely available with Renault’s ‘Efficient Dual Clutch’ (EDC) transmission, the Captur Expression+ added 17-inch alloy wheels, side steps, floor mats, weather shields for the front windows and the option of metallic single-tone or non-metallic two-tone paint finishes. Only 85 Captur Expression+ vehicles were offered in Australia.
Specifications
Related links
Review: Renault X87.II Captur (2017-19)
Overview
The Renault X87 Phase II (X87.II) Captur was released in Australia in September 2017. While the TCe90 and TCe120 variants were unchanged, the Expression and Dynamique editions were effectively replaced by the Zen and Intens (see table below). Visually, the Renault X87.II Captur could be identified by its C-shaped LED daytime running lamps, modified radiator grille with chrome strip and, for the Captur Intens, new skid plates front and rear.
Inside, the X87.II Captur had higher-quality interior plastics for interior surfaces and the steering wheel, a ‘more modern appearance’ for the gear lever, revised door panels to better incorporate buttons and controls, and an LED ceiling light which included individual reading lights. For the Captur Intens, a new seat design provided greater lateral support and comfort.
From January 2019 deliveries, the Captur Zen and Intens were available with the 1.3-litre ‘Energy TCe 150’ turbocharged petrol engine, replacing the 1.2-litre ‘Energy TCe 120’ engine.
| Variant | Edition | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCe 90 | Zen | 898 cc turbo petrol I3 | 5sp man. | 66 kW at 5250 rpm | 135 Nm at 2500 rpm |
| TCe 120 (2017-18) |
Zen, Intens |
1197 cc turbo petrol I4 | 6sp DCT | 88 kW at 4900 rpm | 190 Nm at 2000 rpm |
| TCe 150 (2018-19) |
Zen, Intens, S-Edition |
1332 cc H5Ht turbo petrol I4 | 6sp DCT | 110 kW at 5000 rpm | 250 Nm at 1600 rpm |
Safety equipment
For the Renault X87.II Captur, safety equipment for the Captur Intens was extended to include a Blind Spot Warning (BSW) system. Operating at speeds from 30 km/h to 140 km/h, BSW used four sensors to detect moving vehicles in the door mirror blind spots, including motorbikes and bicycles. When a vehicle was detected in the driver’s blind spot for longer than a second, a warning indicator would illuminate in the door mirror.
Brakes
The Renault X87.II Captur TCe120 had larger, 280 mm by 24 mm ventilated front brake discs; the rear drum brakes, however, were unchanged (228 mm by 40 mm).
Features: Renault X87.II Captur Zen and Captur Intens
Compared to the Renault X87.I Captur Expression, the X87.II Captur Zen omitted front fog lights but was further equipped with a tyre pressure sensor.
Relative to the Captur Zen, the Captur Intens was further equipped with 17-inch ‘Emotion’ alloy wheels, an Arkamys 3D sound system, Renault’s ‘R-Link Evolution’ multimedia system with a seven-inch capacitive display and Android Auto smartphone integration, fixed dark charcoal leather seats, LED front fog lights with cornering function, Renault’s ‘Pure vision’ LED headlights (high and low beam), front parking sensors, side parking sensors, an adjustable front centre armrest, LED cabin lighting, an electrochrome rear view mirror, bright chrome interior trim and a fixed panoramic sunroof with roof shade cover.
As standard, the Captur Intens was also equipped with Renault’s ‘Easy Park Assist’ Once the driver had selected whether they are looking for a parallel, perpendicular or angle park, the Easy Park Assist could detect available parking spaces provided that the vehicle was travelling at speeds less than 30 km/h. Once a suitable space had been identified, the system could provide automated steering for the parking manoeuvre such that the driver only needed to control vehicle speed.
2018 Renault Captur S-Edition
The limited edition Renault Captur S-Edition was released in Australia in November 2018. Compared to the Captur Intens, the Captur S-Edition featured combination Alcantara and leather upholstery, blue stitching (for the seats, arm rests, steering wheel, gear lever bellows and parking brake). Furthermore, the Captur S-Edition could be identified by its Iron Blue paint finish and Diamond Black roof, 17-inch ‘Filante’ diamond-cut alloy wheels, Gun Metal Grey door protection inserts and skid plates (front and rear), and ‘S-Edition’ badging.
Specifications
Related links
