Vehicle Description

The Renault Captur 1.6 E-TECH PHEV 160 Launch Edition 5dr Auto Hatchback is a standout in the compact crossover segment, offering a combination of stylish design, impressive fuel efficiency, and cutting-edge hybrid technology. As a part of Renault's expanding electric and hybrid lineup, the Captur PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) offers a perfect blend of petrol and electric power, making it an ideal option for those looking to reduce their environmental impact without compromising on performance or practicality.

Performance and Efficiency
Under the bonnet, the Captur 1.6 E-TECH PHEV features a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 160 horsepower. This gives the Captur a lively and responsive driving experience, with ample power for city driving, overtaking on the motorway, and everything in between. The car is equipped with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which ensures smooth acceleration and shifts without the jarring feeling of traditional gearboxes.

When it comes to driving, the Captur PHEV offers three driving modes: Pure Electric, Hybrid, and Sport. The Pure Electric mode allows the car to operate solely on electric power for short distances (up to 30-35 miles), making it perfect for daily commutes or short trips around town without consuming any petrol. The Hybrid mode seamlessly combines the petrol engine and electric motor to optimize fuel efficiency, while the Sport mode provides enhanced performance by utilizing both powertrains for maximum power delivery.

Fuel efficiency is a key highlight of the Captur PHEV. With the ability to run on electric power alone for short trips, it can achieve impressive fuel economy figures of up to 160-180 mpg in the right conditions. The CO2 emissions are low, making it an environmentally friendly option that’s ideal for urban driving, especially for those seeking to avoid high emissions zones or reduce their carbon footprint.

Charging the 13.8kWh battery is quick and convenient. Using a standard home charger, it takes around 3-4 hours to reach a full charge. A rapid charger will take the battery to 80% in about 1.5 hours, making long-distance trips more manageable with a quick top-up along the way.

Interior and Comfort
Inside the cabin, the Renault Captur 1.6 E-TECH PHEV offers a modern and spacious environment. The Launch Edition trim adds a touch of sophistication with premium materials, soft-touch surfaces, and stylish detailing. The infotainment system features a 9.3-inch touchscreen, which is one of the standout features in this segment. The system is intuitive and responds well to touch inputs, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing seamless smartphone integration.

The seating is comfortable and offers ample support for long journeys. The front seats are adjustable, and the driving position is elevated, providing good visibility of the road ahead. The rear seats are spacious for a compact SUV, offering plenty of legroom and headroom for adults, which is a significant advantage over some rivals in this segment. The boot space is also generous for a hatchback, with 438 litres of capacity, which expands when the rear seats are folded down.

Renault has put a focus on practicality, and the Captur offers a number of clever storage spaces throughout the cabin, including door pockets, a glovebox, and a central armrest with additional storage.

Technology and Features
The Launch Edition trim of the Captur PHEV comes packed with a range of technology features that enhance both convenience and safety. As mentioned, the 9.3-inch touchscreen is the centerpiece of the infotainment system, while a 7-inch digital display behind the steering wheel shows key driver information like speed, navigation instructions, and battery status.

The system supports TomTom navigation, which provides real-time traffic updates and routes, making it easy to navigate your way through busy streets. The Bose sound system included in the Launch Edition provides high-quality audio for music lovers, ensuring you get an enjoyable listening experience on every drive.

Other tech features include keyless entry, push-button start, automatic headlights, and automatic wipers. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist provide an extra layer of safety and convenience, especially on longer journeys, where these features can reduce driver fatigue.

The reversing camera and 360-degree parking sensors make parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easy, while the hands-free tailgate allows for convenient boot access when your hands are full.

Safety Features
The Renault Captur 1.6 E-TECH PHEV is equipped with a range of advanced safety features to ensure the safety of both the driver and passengers. Standard features include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. The car also comes with front, side, and curtain airbags for added protection in the event of a collision.

The active safety systems work seamlessly in the background, providing an additional layer of security. The ESC (Electronic Stability Control), hill-start assist, and ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) contribute to a safe and stable driving experience, especially in adverse weather conditions.

In terms of crash safety, the Captur PHEV has performed well in safety tests, earning 5 stars in Euro NCAP assessments, a reassuring result for those looking for a family-friendly vehicle.

Driving Experience
On the road, the Captur 1.6 E-TECH PHEV offers a comfortable and composed driving experience. The hybrid powertrain provides a smooth and quiet ride in electric mode, with the transition to petrol power when required being almost seamless. The CVT transmission can feel a bit unresponsive under heavy acceleration, but it’s designed for smoothness and efficiency, prioritizing comfort over outright performance.

The steering is light and easy to handle, making the Captur PHEV an excellent choice for urban driving, where tight manoeuvrability is essential. On the motorway, the car feels stable and relaxed, with the hybrid powertrain providing sufficient power for overtaking and long-distance cruising.

The adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist help reduce driver effort on long trips, while the Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension system ensures a comfortable ride, even on rougher roads.

Verdict
The Renault Captur 1.6 E-TECH PHEV 160 Launch Edition is a well-rounded and appealing option for those looking for a practical, efficient, and stylish compact crossover. With its impressive hybrid powertrain, the Captur offers the best of both worlds – the ability to drive on electric power for shorter trips while retaining the range and flexibility of a petrol engine for longer journeys.

The Launch Edition trim provides a premium experience with its advanced technology, high-quality materials, and comprehensive safety features. The spacious interior, coupled with generous boot space, makes the Captur a versatile family car, while the low emissions and impressive fuel efficiency make it a great choice for eco-conscious buyers.

While it may not be the most performance-focused vehicle in its class, the Captur PHEV excels in comfort, practicality, and efficiency, making it a great all-around choice for those seeking a more sustainable driving option without compromising on style or functionality.