Back to those ‘personalisation’ options. Renault reckons that we should be able to spice up our cars looks to suit ourselves, rather than having to choose from basic standard colours like on most models. You can select from all sorts of fun exterior colour combinations including options like an orange roof and alloy wheels. It doesn’t stop there either; inside you can add a splash of colour to the seats and dashboard. And I have to say, we really fancy the orange inside too!
Prices start at €19,390 for the 0.9 petrol ‘Life’ model, and €21,390 for the 1.5 diesel ‘Life’ version. Life specification includes cruise control, automatic wipers and headlights, fog lights, alloys, four electric windows and an onboard computer. You must spend an extra €1,300 to jump to ‘Intense’ specification which adds the multimedia touch screen including sat nav, and some fancy chrome and piano black styling parts inside and outside the car. Renault’s are now sold from new with a five year unlimited mileage warranty.
Storage space comes close to what you would expect to find in a family hatchback like a Renault Megane or Toyota Auris. The Captur’s storage party trick is that the rear bench slides back and forth so you can adjust the amount of space for passengers and luggage to suit your needs. There’s an extra storage compartment under the boot floor, and the boot loading bay is high so there is no bending down to get things out.
Is it baby friendly?
There’s two Isofix child seat mounts, and as the seating is quite high it is easier for Mum’s to get in and out with babies. The rear door length is not as big as in some family hatchbacks though. With two baby seats in place there will only be room for a very small child in the rear middle seat. The sliding rear bench makes it easier to reach babies from the driver’s seat.
Overall yes, the high driving position, large mirrors, and short length of the Captur means tight spaces shouldn’t give you the parking fear! However the rear pillars are quite thick meaning the view out the rear window could be better, and parking sensors are optional on even the top spec car. We advise fitting parking sensors if you spend a lot of time in school car parks – smaller children are sometimes harder to see behind taller cars.
What about safety?
The Captur has a 5 star Ncap safety rating, with a 79% child safety score. The Captur scored the full twelve marks available for protection of an eighteen month old child in a baby seat. There’s six airbags, hill start assist and stability control fitted standard to all Capturs.
Verdict:
Thumbs Up:
A fun family option
Clever family friendly features
Incredibly cheap to run
Strong safety record
Thumbs down:
Some bigger cars are similarly priced or cheaper
Some cheap interior plastics
Mummypages Ratings:
Baby friendliness: 4/5
Safety: 4/5
Cool rating: 4/5
Passenger and storage space: 4/5
Car park friendliness: 4/5
Value for money: 3/5
Overall rating: 23/30
Statistics: (Republic of Ireland market)
Price as tested: €22,490
Fuel Economy and tax: 76mpg / €180 per year
Warranty: 5 years unlimited mileage
Isofix baby seat mounts: 2
Seats suitable for adults (excl driver): 3
Seats suitable for kids only: 1