Renault introduces their first urban crossover, Captur

Renault just released details introducing their first urban crossover, Captur, based on the same platform as the New Clio. Most crossovers are described as vehicles that have the body of an SUV (or minivan), but are based on a car chassis thus making them lighter and smoother to drive. Although they may look similar to an SUV, they are not necessarily meant to tread heavily off road (if at all) due the much lighter platform. The crossover will likely become even more popular as more people who drive larger vehicles require not only more passenger space, but better fuel economy and these vehicles can offer that and more.

Renault say that the Captur will stand out from the crowd by delivering the best of three different worlds; it will have the expressive styling and driving position of an SUV, the cabin space and modular interior of an MPV, and the agility and driving enjoyment of a compact hatchback.  Its original concept was debuted at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. I’m glad the actual incarnation looks a lot less futuristic than the whimsical styling displayed in the conceptual design. The newer body with its two tone colour scheme stands out without looking odd and the inclusion of the in dash Renault R-Link touchscreen multimedia tablet; make this one of the most exciting concept to market vehicles to watch out for in 2013.

Here are a few details directly from Renault's recent press release:

“Renault Captur is a compact, unaggressive crossover which is particularly user-friendly. It benefits from Renault genes through and through…” Benoît Bochard, Director, A/B-Segment Product Range.

Renault Captur’s smooth, fluid, balanced forms express an assertive, yet unostentatious, personality. Its robust, upmarket look takes its inspiration from the Captur concept car, from which Renault has carried over both the spirit which guided its design, as well its evocative name. The lines of Renault’s new crossover are unpretentious, yet the forward position of its steeply-raked windscreen emphasises its dynamic stance. The combination of its compact dimensions, raised ground clearance, wide wheels and sill guards will enable it to take every aspect of everyday motoring in its stride.

Despite its compact footprint (4.12m in length), Renault Captur exudes a real sense of interior space. Its colourful cabin is warm and relaxing, and this first impression is reinforced by interior customisation solutions based around a choice of colours and motifs for the different trim features.

Renault Captur also boasts the appointments and comfort refinements expected of an MPV, such as a high-up driving position, large boot, modular interior and innovative stowage solutions. The standard Renault Captur will have an equipment specification worthy of that of the next segment up, including hands-free entry, hill start assist and rear parking sensors.

The petrol and diesel engines available for the model benefit from the very latest Renault technologies and will return best-in-class fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions, starting from as low as 96g/km.

The Renault Captur will be manufactured at Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain and look for the Captur to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Pricing and official launch details have yet to be confirmed, but I will keep an eye out for them and post as soon as they are released.