• Dashboard is the Captur’s best feature…
• ….but only on higher-spec cars
• Crisp infotainment system

How is the quality and layout?

The dashboard is shared with the Clio and is capable of being one of the nicest interior environments available in a small SUV. We say capable because it isn’t quite the same on all models. Top end cars get a large infotainment screen, while lower down the range you suffer with a few more blanked-out switches and a bit more of a low-rent finish.

However, the materials on the dashboard, door cards, across the middle of the dash and around the centre console are all mostly pleasant regardless of trim. It’s mostly solid in its construction, although there was a degree of wobbliness to the protruding centre console on automatic models.

59

A simple set of air-con controls mean it’s much easier to adjust the climate control than in the Citroen C3 Aircross. However, what’s not quite as simple are the controls fitted to the steering wheel. There are a lot of different buttons (at least on cars with the full suite of assistance tech), with some others located next to the steering wheel on the panel next to the door. Once you’ve driven the car a few times it’ll all be familiar, but it’s not quite as neat as in a VW or Skoda. 

Infotainment and tech

With top spec models you get digital dials and larger 9.3-inch infotainment screen as well as two crisp displays that can be configured to within an inch of their lives. Both can be a little delayed in responding when you make changes, but there are no complaints about the quality of the displays. The menu of the touchscreen isn’t quite as straightforward as the Puma and Kamiq’s, but it’s not too taxing.

59

Most trims get a far smaller 7.0-inch infotainment system, though. The graphics are nowhere near as sharp and its diminutive size makes it harder to hit the icon you want on the move, too. It’s therefore disappointing you can’t upgrade to the 9.3-inch system on lesser trims. 

Comfort

• Mid-spec models impressive
• Top-spec a little more fidgety
• Impressively quiet and refined

The front seats of the Captur have a long, supportive base which are really comfortable on long journeys. They’re nicely supportive too, helping to contribute to a comfortable driving position.

You do sit quite high up, though. While some will find this ideal in combination with the raised ride height over a regular supermini, taller drivers may find themselves a little too close to the roof lining and wanting to bump the seat down slightly.

59

Visibility is good and refinement contributes to a relaxed feeling inside. There isn’t much road noise to speak of, the engines (clattery plug-in hybrid excepted) remain refined unless you are really revving to get up to speed, although there’s some wind noise around the tops of the front doors at speed.