Renault Captur Iconic TCe 90 2018 UK first drive

With an all-new model due to arrive in mid-2019, the Renault Captur line-up has been subjected to something of a nip-tuck for the remainder of its current lifecycle, and also in a bid to comply with stricter WLTP emissions regulations. For the UK, engine options have been restricted to a choice of two: an 89bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel and the 0.9-litre three-cylinder petrol unit that sits beneath the bonnet of our test car.

It’s a modest engine, developing just 89bhp at 5500rpm, while 103lb ft of torque is produced at 2250rpm. This is directed to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox; no automatic is available on petrol-powered Renault Capturs.

The trim levels available for the Captur have been simplified, too, dropping from five to three. Play now represents the £15,300 entry-level model, while our £16,500 Iconic test car occupies the mid-range, featuring standard equipment such as satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio and cruise control. GT Line models crown the line-up, with a starting price of £18,300. 

Aside from these tweaks to the Captur range as a whole, the car itself remains mechanically identical to how it was at its 2013 launch. The small SUV sits on the same Renault-Nissan Alliance B platform that underpins the Clio and Nissan Juke, while its suspension still consists of MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear.

While the Captur is a reasonably attractive-looking thing from the outside, from behind the wheel there’s much less to get excited about. Plastics - of both the soft-touch and hard, scratchy variety - are used liberally throughout the cabin of our Iconic-specification test car. Combined with a dark colour scheme, it has the effect of making the Captur look and feel particularly dreary and dated - especially when compared with newer rivals such as the Seat Arona, or even the Mazda CX-3.

That said, its driving position and ergonomics are reasonably spot on. The steering column adjusts for both rake and reach, while those who don’t fancy sitting in an overly perched position will find the driver’s seat can be lowered by a useful amount. 

Where things really start to fall apart, though, is in the rear seats. With the front seat set to a comfortable position for an adult of average height, leg room in the back is non-existent. In fact, there is so little on offer that you'll struggle to even get into the car; your legs simply won’t squeeze into the gap.