A word which roughly translates as ‘SUVisation’ is now used here in Brazil to describe the growing consumer acceptance of SUV-like or crossover models which continue to shake up the market. It’s no use arguing these vehicles are heavier, use more fuel, perform poorly and have an unfavourable centre of gravity compared with conventional vehicles.
Local pundits expect market share to grow in the next three years from 15% now to 20% of buyer choices. This repeats experience in Europe where SUV sales accounted for 25% of total vehicle sales in 2016.
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Renault Brazil has decided to place double bets in this segment: joining the [Dacia in some markets] Duster, a more conservative design, comes the more stylish Captur, both sharing the same mechanicals. This is not your European/Korean/etc Captur, either; it was developed in Brazil and its design will inspire the mid-cycle update of the French model (smaller, derived from the Clio IV) this year.
The Brazilian Captur has smooth, up to date lines and has dispensed with the roof rack common here in this segment. There are LED daytime running lights. Optional two-tone paintwork is another bet, with Renault thinking it will account for over 80% of production.
Some characteristics of the new model – 8.26 inch ground clearance, entry and departure angles of 23° and 31°, respectively – suggest a stance set to please those who appreciate a high driving position.
The interior is a contemporary design, with quality plastics in the top Intense version and a new instrument cluster with digital speedometer. Yet steering adjustment is restricted to height (no reach movement) and the column drops like a stone with a loud clunk when unleashed – how about a little damping?
Some floor-mounted switches are hard to see and use. The boot is generous and its 15.4 cu ft capacity is one of the best in the class (the Duster’s 16.7 cu ft is not as easy to access).
The Zen entry version (BRL78,990/US$25,500) is powered by the new, 1.6-litre/118bhp (on ethanol) SCe engine. A CVT automatic will be available within three months. The five speed manual’s performance is acceptable yet falls short of the 132lb lighter Duster’s peppiness. This difference is perceivable both in city and highway, despite the top gear shortened to compensate.
Interior roominess is satisfactory thanks to the 105.1 inch wheelbase.
The top version (BRL$88,490/US$28,500) features partial leather upholstery on better shaped seats. Light alloy, 17 inch wheels help the side stance. Power comes from the two-litre/146bhp (ethanol) engine and a four-speed, epicyclic automatic, the only transmission option. Even though it’s an old design (four ratios seems jurassic nowadays), there has clearly been some evolution in the performance in both automatic and manual selection modes.
The Captur, built at the São José dos Pinhais plant in Greater Curitiba, the Paraná state capital, will be exported to eight South American countries. It is one of the Renault products included in the BRL500m/US$160m investment for the 2015-2019 time span (Kwid, the next model, is expected mid-year).
The Brazilian Captur here will face at least seven direct competitors: Chevrolet Tracker, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Creta, Jeep Renegade, Nissan Kicks, Peugeot 2008 and Suzuki Vitara, plus others.
Not to mention the new Ford EcoSport that promises to toughen the game from next June.
Intelligence on new and future models like the Captur/Kaptur is available in just-auto’s research database PLDB
