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Renault Captur E-Tech -

DR

But let's talk about this "different soul" first.

In our opinion, design has matured immeasurably.

Its 10 cm longer in length benefit the rear passengers and the boot (536 liters in the classic version, 379 for our plug-in version).

And then the technological level is obviously very up to date, whether it is on the side of the driving aids available or on the side of the infotainment (vertical floating tablet of the most beautiful effect, displays configurable at will, connected functions, etc. .).

Renault Captur E-Tech - DR

But above all, the Captur has corrected what was once perhaps its biggest flaw: its quality of finish.

No more unflattering hard plastics, the interior now exudes as much seriousness as the almost statutory look of the vehicle suggests.

In short, this is an urban SUV well in its time.

Renault Captur E-Tech - DR

Good calculation

That being said, the topic of the moment is that the Captur now receives a plug-in hybrid mechanics, consisting of a 1.6-liter petrol engine, an electric motor and, necessarily, a good battery pack.

All of this is backed up by an automatic gearbox… 15 reports!

It seems crazy but let's forget it very quickly because in practice, we don't feel anything so special, and that's good.

It's just interesting to know that this technology from F1 plays a real role in both fuel efficiency and driving pleasure.

Renault Captur E-Tech - DR

The system develops a total power of 158 hp, and the 9.8 kWh batteries allow a theoretical range (WLTP) of 50 km, or even 65 km in urban use.

If you are familiar with the subject of "plug-ins" you might think that this wattage and capacity of batteries is a little below average.

In our opinion, it is precisely the strong point of the Captur that not playing the bidding.

Because if the idea of ​​a plug-in hybrid is to be economical, what good is it to endow it with taxing power?

And what is the use of barding it with batteries (also expensive) which, if it happens that we have to drive without being able to recharge them, will add weight to the car, and therefore fuel consumption?

By being reasonable, Renault therefore offers a vehicle that will be (relatively) economical to use and own.

In any case, it's for the theory ...

Renault Captur E-Tech - DR

Comfortable, efficient, but ...

On the road, the first thing that strikes you is that Renault's plug-in hybrid system is one of the most pleasant to use at the moment.

Its electricity / petrol / mixed transitions are either imperceptible or very smooth, the operating silence is almost impeccable, and all this fits perfectly with Renault's reputation for somewhat bourgeois comfort.

Conso side too, this system does an excellent job.

We have certainly only achieved a little less than 40 km of electric autonomy, but we already find that not so bad given the size of the batteries.

And because the hybrid operation (energy recovery, electric running phases) of the system is efficient, even "empty" batteries, the other figures are also respectable: 3.5 l / 100 km after 100 km without recharging the batteries, a little less than 5 l / 100 km for the only hybrid part of the journey (therefore excluding the 100% electric part), and some 7 l / 100 km at highway speed.

In absolute terms, all of this is therefore really good and we want to say "mission accomplished" for the Captur E-Tech.

But…

Renault Captur E-Tech - DR

But it turns out that we followed this test with that of the Mégane, equipped with the same hybrid system.

However, although longer, more spacious and even heavier, the latter does everything better: 48 km of electric autonomy, less than 3 l / 100 km overall average, just over 6 l / 100 km on the motorway… We We are hardly delighted to agree with certain "anti-cars", but it is a fact: on the environmental level, the SUV is less and less defensible.

The Renault Captur E-Tech starts at € 34,250.

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The Renault Captur E-Tech in a few figures

  • Engine: 4 cyl.

    turbo petrol plug-in hybrid, 1.598cc;

    158hp;

    205 Nm

  • Transmission: to the front wheels.

  • Gearbox: 15-speed auto

  • L / l / h (mm): 4.227 / 1.797 / 1.576

  • Curb weight (kg): 1.564

  • Boot space (l): 379

  • Tank (l): 39

  • Electric autonomy

    (km): 50-65

  • Combined consumption: 1.4 l / 100 km

  • CO2: 32 g / km

  • 0 to 100 km / h (sec.): 10.1

  • Max speed (km / h): 173

  • Price (€): 34.250

  • SUV

  • Hybrid cars

  • Car

  • Renault

  • Automotive