CAPTUR E-TECH plug-in hybrid is certainly a mouthful. But behind it lies a mid-size hatchback that will drive you up to 50km in total electric silence. A distance that should cover 80% of daily car user for the average driver.
Redesigned for its second generation, the new Captur pairs a 1.6l engine with two electric motors and a 9.8kWh battery delivering a combined power output of 160HP. Combined torque rests at 205Nm to propel the Renault to 100KPH in 10.1seconds. True, these are not eye-catching numbers, but in exchange you get a top speed of 140KPH on full electric, and a combined CO2 emissions of just 34g/km.
Sporting three driving modes, such as:
Pure: A new mode for the CAPTUR E-TECH Plug-in hybrid, Pure engages all-electric mode (when there’s enough battery charge) via the screen selection or a dedicated EV button on the centre console. This is the default mode when the vehicle is first switched on.
MySense: The standard driving mode, MySense automatically adapts the hybrid powertrain to the driver’s inputs and driving conditions, operating in the most efficient and suitable way necessary for the situation by intelligently switching between electric power and the engine.
Sport: Sport makes use of the powertrain’s full potential, engaging the petrol engine and both electric motors for the most responsive drive when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed.
A dedicated E-Save function is available too. By selecting this mode, the E-TECH system limits the use of the electric motor and uses the petrol engine to power the vehicle, saving at least 40 per cent of battery charge that can be used at another time, for example when driving in more urban areas at a later point in the journey to reduce emissions in built-up areas. This can be selected via MULTI-SENSE menus.
Safety & Assistance
The Captur is equipped with the latest suite of safety and driver assistance technologies.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go: Maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. In traffic jams, the vehicle stops and restarts when the traffic lane starts moving again. With its panoramic view, the 360-degree camera helps to guide the driver into the tightest spots. The Pure Vision full LED headlights and automatic high and low beam improve safety and visibility at night. All-New Captur will automatically switch to low beam as the driver enters a built-up area or approaches another vehicle.
Traffic and Motorway Assistance: Active from 0 to 160KPH, the system regulates speed and maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle in front, while ensuring the car is kept in the centre of the lane. This system lets the driver stop and restart automatically within three seconds without any input from the driver. An indicator light located in each of the door mirrors warns the driver when a vehicle is in their blind spot, for example when changing lanes on the motorway. The Captur alerts the driver and corrects their trajectory in the event of a lane departure without using the indicator. This is standard across the range. Additionally, a forward facing camera includes traffic sign recognition for speed.
Renault uses a smart brake by wire technology that encompasses the regenerative property of the electric motors combined with the brake pads. Using the motors first to maximize electric range. Incidentally, the 9.8kWh battery can be charged on a regular plug in less than 5 hours, and a phone up can allow you to schedule the charging if you are in an area with peak electric rates.
Pricing is in the neighborhood of 42,000USD and the model will be available in Q1 2021.