Renault Captur E-TECH Plug-In Hybrid review
The Renault Captur E-TECH is a small plug-in hybrid SUV that promises a 32-mile electric range – but does it do enough to stand out in an increasingly crowded class?
Pros
- Low emissions
- High-tech cabin
- Smooth electric running
Cons
- Expensive to buy
- Some cheap materials
- Hybrid system can feel jerky
| Car type | Electric range | Fuel economy | CO2 emissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plug-in hybrid | 29-32 miles | 178-188mpg | 34-36g/km |
Renault – maker of the ZOE EV – has found a way to make normally pricey plug-in hybrid technology affordable. Unlike the Clio E-TECH supermini, which offers no meaningful pure-electric range and can't be plugged in to charge, this Captur E-TECH SUV is a full plug-in capable of up to 32 miles of electric driving and CO2 emissions from 34 to 36g/km. It's one of the smaller plug-ins on the market and so is particularly efficient – on paper at least.
Renault has revamped its small SUV for this generation and the results are welcome – a high-quality interior with versatile rear seating features, along with much-needed improvements to the infotainment. The car now boasts one of the best interiors in the class – one that can challenge the class above for fit and finish.
Boot space is down considerably on petrol and diesel versions due to the car's 9.8kWh battery, but the rear bench slides forwards and back to help maximise the room on offer. And with those seats pushed all the way back, rear-seat occupants get acres of legroom.
On the move, the Captur plug-in hybrid is particularly enjoyable in pure-electric mode, offering smooth and quiet progress for up to 32 miles – very useful for shorter journeys and urban crawls. However, in hybrid mode the two power sources can feel a little mismatched: the switch between petrol and electric power is far more noticeable than in the non-plug-in Clio.
There are currently three trim levels available: Evolution, Techno and E-TECH Engineered. All are well equipped and get our preferred, larger 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system complete with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and internet connectivity. It's a slick system that really lifts the interior ambiance, as well as offering control over the car's hybrid functions.
Elsewhere, Renault's reputation for safety is upheld: the Captur plug-in boasts a strong Euro NCAP crash-test rating and comes with a long list of safety and driver-assistance features. A five-year/100,000-mile warranty ensures peace of mind, while a free BP Pulse wallbox home charger helps to sweeten the deal.
Overall, the Capture E-TECH is a solid plug-in hybrid SUV that should suit company-car users with smaller families down to the ground – and will also appeal to private buyers who do urban miles but need the flexibility of petrol power. For a more detailed look at the Captur plug-in, read on for the rest of our review...
