Renault Captur (2013 – 2019) Review

Renault Captur (2013 – 2019) At A Glance

3/5
Honest John Overall Rating
One of the original small SUVs, the Renault Captur appeals as a used purchase thanks to good practicality and decent engines.

+Compact dimensions but with SUV driving position. Interior and engine power improved from 2019 facelift.

-Some interior trim could be more substantial in feel and durability.

Insurance Groups are between 8–15
On average it achieves 74% of the official MPG figure

One of the first small SUVs to be launched, the Renault Captur made its mark as a splendid family car that was more than a match for rivals which included the Citroen C3 Picasso, smartly styled Peugeot 2008 and popular Vauxhall Mokka. Read on for our full Renault Captur review.

The Renault Captur is the French firm’s small SUV based on the Renault Clio of the same period, but it’s more practical than its hatchback counterpart.

It’s a good used alternative to a small MPV, and it’s a stylish design too, although it has now been replaced by a newer model

The Renault Captur is compact and drives with light controls and precise handling, but it also has the advantage of a raised driving position that affords good visibility.

Interior space impresses – the boot is big enough for trips away and thanks to a sliding rear bench, rear seat passengers should be able to get comfortable, even if they’re adults.

Running costs are relatively low thanks to a range of three frugal engines – two petrol and one diesel. None is particularly powerful, but even the entry-level 0.9-litre TCE petrol does a good enough job of moving the car around and getting up to speed.

More important is the fuel economy, and even the least efficient model in the Renault Captur range – the 1.2-litre automatic – manages more than 50mpg, while the impressive 1.5 dCi offers a claimed 76.4mpg.

The original choice of cabin materials wasn’t the best. Most surfaces are finished in hard plastic that feels fairly durable, but it would be nice to see the plusher, soft-touch materials like you get in rivals such as the Peugeot 2008.

Similarly, the seat upholstery isn’t the thickest or softest, but it’s not a huge problem – not least because the seat covers of some model grades can be removed and cleaned (although not the leather seats of the GT Line).

The Renault Captur delivers the stylish looks and the elevated driving position that make small SUVs so popular, coupled with efficient engines, good road manners and a practical cabin.

Standard equipment is also up to scratch, which makes the car a good choice for families.

From February 2019, Renault replaced the old 1.2 TCe 120 engines with the new Renault/Nissan/Mercedes/Dacia 1,332cc TCe 130 and TCe 150, providing a very welcome power boost. 

Constantly improved throughout its model life, this Renault Captur still compared well with relative latecomers such as the SEAT Arona and Volkswagen T-Cross.

If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Renault Captur review.

Ask Honest John

Why was a car written off if it only had minimal damage?

"I am looking to buy a Renault Captur 17 plate. However it is a Category N. So it's been written off by an insurance company. However the damage, which has been fixed, is minor and probably only a few hundred quid. So why would the car have been written off?"
Although the damage to the vehicle may have appeared minor, there might have been damage to internal parts of the vehicle or substantial paintwork damage that will have increased the cost of the repair. Ultimately it is up to the insurance company to assess the vehicle's worth against the cost of repairs, and even if it appears economical to make the repair they may still chose to write it off instead.
Answered by David Ross

Engine flush has damaged my car and invalidated the warranty - what should I do?

"I have a 2019 Renault Captur 1.5 dCi. I bought it with 11,000 miles on the clock in July 2020. Recently, I had it serviced at an independent garage. The garage performed an engine flush as part of the service. A couple of weeks after the service a 'check anti-pollution system' message appeared on the dashboard. After taking it to my local Renault dealer I've been told the EGR sensor has failed. They also think there is an issue with the turbo. But the dealer says the engine flush is responsible for the faults and the independent garage has voided the manufacturer warranty. I have gone back to the garage that did the service and they are not being very helpful. They say Renault should fix this under the warranty. What should I do?"
If the garage hasn't used Renault-approved fluids and parts for the service and engine flush then they will have invalidated the car's manufacturer warranty. The line of liability is between yourself and the garage that performed the service and flush. They should put this right at no cost if it's found that the flush has caused the problems with the turbo.
Answered by Dan Powell

Could you recommend some all-season tyres?

"Can you recommend some all-season tyres for a Renault Captur?"
Michelin CrossClimates+ and Continental All SeasonContact are rated highly by us and our readers. Both tyres are praised for improving road handling in wet and wintery conditions. These tyres also use a soft rubber compound and deeper profile that improves general ride comfort.
Answered by Georgia Petrie

Should a clutch last longer than two years and 13,000 miles?

"In July 2017 I purchased a Renault Captur 0.9 TCe. The car had 9731 miles on the clock and was first registered in September 2016. The clutch failed last week, with 12986 miles on the clock. I immediately telephoned the dealer to report the situation. The car was sold with the remains of the original three year warranty. I was advised by the lady I spoke to that the warranty did not cover clutches. I explained that I felt that a clutch should last longer. The lady advised me that, if I was not happy, to contact Renault. This I have done, by email, as instructed on their website, but have received, up to today, no response."
No manufacturer I know of apart from Hyundai and Kia will warrant a clutch beyond six years from new because it is too easy for a driver to destroy them. It will not be covered by Renault. And the dealer who sold you the car is not liable for the eventual failure of this working part. I'm afraid you will have to pay for its replacement.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Renault Captur (2013 – 2019) cost?