A new Renault Captur crossover with plug-in hybrid power is being prepared to go on sale in 2020.
Recently spied testing for the first time and previewed in our exclusive images, the next-generation Captur has two big tasks on its hands when it arrives early next decade. Firstly, it must continue its role as a sales success for Renault. Since being launched in 2013, the first-generation car has established itself as Renault’s third best seller globally, with 232,733 examples finding homes around the world last year.
• Best plug-in hybrid cars available
Secondly, it’ll be the French brand’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle, using tech outlined by Renault boss Carlos Ghosn at this month’s Paris Motor Show.
The firm is looking at an all-new plug-in hybrid set-up which will make use of a Nissan-developed 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric drive system employed in a dual role. It’ll provide the petrol engine with additional torque and power, plus offer up to 30 miles of all-electric running. No power specs have yet been revealed, but Renault has confirmed that the electric drive will be supplied power from a 9.8kWh battery.
The same tech will be used elsewhere in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. After the new Captur takes its bow at the Frankfurt Motor Show next year, the next-generation Nissan Qashqai will follow, also fitted with the plug-in system.
However, it won’t be present on the next Clio, which the Captur shares its platform with. Renault is planning to offer its supermini and biggest seller with a conventional closed hybrid set-up that doesn’t require plugging in. The fifth-generation Clio will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show next March. All upcoming electrified Renaults will be badged as e-Tech models.
A new 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine will also appear in the next Captur. It’s already in the facelifted Kadjar, and it’s a unit Nissan has developed for the latest Mercedes A-Class. A diesel option will continue.
Our spy photos show the Captur’s exterior design will be spun closely off the back of the next version of the Clio.
Comparing these new images with our previous sightings of Renault’s next supermini, the Captur will also use an evolutionary design. Its profile and shape remain largely intact, while we can also see that the brand’s signature grille will go unchanged. Every panel will be slightly different, however, plus there will be new headlights and tail-lamps.
In the cabin, the Captur’s updates will be a bit more evident. It’ll move to Renault’s latest dashboard layout, with a portrait-style touchscreen infotainment unit in the middle.
There should be a little more space inside as well. Renault will stretch the Alliance B platform a little longer and wider, unlocking more shoulder and legroom, while expanding the crossover’s boot capacity, too.
We also expect the next Captur to take a big leap forward technology-wise. Driver assistance features will be enhanced greatly using technology sourced from Nissan. The ProPilot semi-autonomous aids developed by Renault’s Japanese partner will be fitted to the Captur as it becomes one of 15 new Renaults arriving with semi-autonomous technology by 2022.
What will the new Renault Captur have to beat? Check out our list of the best crossovers and small SUVs on sale...
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