The new Renault Captur is by no means a sports or premium car. But I have good experiences with Renault in particular and sometimes I feel that even non-sports and premium cars can be good to make articles about for CarsCollection.se. Those of you who have followed me for a while may know about the motorcycle accident I was involved in in 2022. In the accident, I injured my head and had problems with my memory. However, it is coming back but slowly. So one thing I had actually forgotten was how incredibly good Renault is at handling and steering their models, and the Renualt Captur is no exception. But let me come back to that later in the article. 

The test drive of the new Renault Captur was held in Madrid. I haven't been to Madrid that many times and actually don't think it's a very fun city. It is located inland and far from the sea, so in summer it gets incredibly hot here. Cultural life is guaranteed to be good here, but nothing I had time to experience now. But as I said, the proximity to the water reminds me a lot, especially for me who comes from Gothenburg.

There were two versions of the Captur for us journalists to test drive. Karin Lyrborn, who is the press officer for Renault Sweden, had already booked the Esprit Alpine version for me because she knows that I like slightly sportier versions of the cars. But the new Renault Captur will be available in three versions. Evolution, Techno and Esprit Alpine. The Evolution trim features 17-inch Flexwheel wheel decals (17-inch aluminum rims are optional) with a matte black paint job on the lower body and beltline-length black front and rear bumper guards. Higher Techno trims feature all-new 18-inch aluminum wheels and a High Gloss Black paint job on the lower body and beltline. As mentioned above, it was the Esprit Alpine that I got to drive and photograph. With Ice Black logos, High Gloss Black window surrounds, 19-inch wheels of specific design and size, aerodynamic spoiler and front and rear bumper guards with Slate Gray matte finish, the Esprit Alpine is instantly identifiable.

A wide range of new exterior accessories will be available for the new Renault Captur so the car can be personalized. A wide range of equipment will also be available to order or through the aftermarket network, including side lighting, steps, towbars, bike racks and illuminated door sills. No leather or chrome materials have been used in the new Renault Captur. In addition to limiting the use of chrome materials, Renault replaces leather with structured covering material. This confirms the brand's aim to completely phase out materials of animal origin by 2025. In the new Captur, all upholstery includes recycled fabrics chosen for their low carbon footprint, without compromising the perceived quality, feel or comfort. The Esprit Alpine finish includes over 26% recycled and recyclable fabrics in its upholstery, through the use of bio-sourced materials such as structured cover material and hemp.

Stepping into the Renault Captur coupe, you can hear two new welcome sound sequences, one of which is specific to the Esprit Alpine trim level. Jean-Michel Jarre, the internationally recognized French artist, composer and writer has collaborated and designed these sequences, as well as the new VSP (Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians). However, it is only available in the 145 hp E-Tech with the full hybrid engine, the VSP is a low-speed (up to 30 km/h) external pedestrian warning sound. Jean-Michel Jarre was also involved in the development of the two audio systems available: Arkamy's Auditorim as standard and Harman Kardon as an option.

The test drive which was added to two days in Madrid. The first day was a longer ride and then I passed a lake where I took the entrance photo and the interior photo for this article. I drove down to the water where the canoes were and went into an office and asked if I could promise to take pictures of the car in their setting. A very nice guy said that since there were no activities there at the time I was there, it was fine and there were no problems. A treatment that was very nice. So if you are in Madrid and have a car and want to get a little change to the city environment, I can recommend Club Nautico Guadalix Ven Y Navega!

Day two was first motorway out of town but changed to really fun and curvy roads. It was only when the straight highway was changed to narrow and curvy roads that I was so positively reminded of how good Renault actually is at making the steering in their cars. Captur is no exception. You really feel that you are in contact with the road and where the car turns. As I wrote at the beginning of this article, my memory was affected after my motorcycle accident. But behind the wheel of the new Captur, as I said, I was positively reminded of how disturbingly fine the steering is in Renault's cars. Now I remember how disturbingly good the steering was in the Renault Megan RS and that it was one of the things that made the car so appreciated. Of course, the Captur is not a car to compare with the Megan RS, but you understand where the fine steering comes from. 

So even though I know that the new Renault Captur is neither a sports nor a premium car, I was very pleasantly surprised. If you have a small family or need a car yourself but can manage with a reasonably large car. And when your finances don't allow you to go all out, I can actually recommend the new Renault Captur. But then choose the Esprit Alpine version, then at least you get that little extra.

Renault Captur Esprit Alpine

Basic price: From SEK - The price will be determined next week. After midsummer.

Engine: 1.3 TCE 160 mild-hybrid

Power: 160 hp, 270 Nm @1800 rpm

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds

Top speed: 160 km/h

Range: kilometers according to WLTP

Weight: 1406 kg

Dimensions (Length/Width/Height): 4239mm/2004mm/1575mm