Overview

Should you buy one?

Yes. If you’re looking for a compact SUV, the Renault Captur is still up there with the best. The most recent update carried over many of this small family car’s existing talents, such as its flexible interior and stylish design – but brings welcome updates in terms of standard equipment, technology and general fit and finish. 

Once you’ve got past the way it looks, there aren’t too many significant changes, but that’s no bad thing in this instance. Renault has suitably updated one of its best-selling cars to fit in with the rest of its new line-up but with none of the compromise. 

Of its closest rivals, only the Skoda Kamiq convincingly outpoints it, especially when it comes to practicality – but that car isn’t available as a full hybrid, which is a significant omission. The much-vaunted Ford Puma was fallen behind the Captur, as its prices have increased and its interior is now less appealing.

What’s new?

Renault has endeavoured to keep its compact SUV fresh, and so – in a word – plenty. The latest model has a new front-end style to tie-in with newer models like the Scenic E-Tech, with an interior revamp and more tech.

Changes inside include a new touchscreen with various in-built Google services – such as Maps and its voice assistant – along with more recycled materials to improve sustainability. Small mechanical changes have also been made to the suspension and steering with the aim of improving how it drives. 

Engine choice includes a highly-efficient hybrid model, along with a regular petrol version that’s still expected to account for the bulk of sales. Renault previously offered a plug-in hybrid version, but due to such limited sales, this has been discontinued. 

Key opposition includes the Ford Puma, Skoda Kamiq and Peugeot 2008 plus posher options such as the Audi Q2 also vying for your attention. Value is central to the Captur’s appeal, with competitive cash prices and typically punchy finance deals from Renault as well as third-party leasing companies. Standard equipment is very generous, with the entry-level Evolution trim featuring 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10.4-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging and a reversing camera. It’s most certainly not short on tech.

The mid-range Techno adds 18-inch alloy wheels, various Google services and a larger digital instrument cluster and would be our pick of the line-up. Meanwhile, the top-spec Esprit Alpine (a new trim level as part of this facelift) comes with large 19-inch alloy wheels, a two-tone paint finish, adaptive cruise control and a heated steering wheel. 

Keep reading to find out what we make of the Captur in four key areas. Our judging criteria include the driving experience, interior quality, practicality and importantly, what it’ll cost to run. If you’d like to learn more about how we reached our conclusions, check out our how we test cars explainer page.