A few months after the appearance of the Clio 5, Renault presented a new version of its Captur SUV. Promised to be of better quality, this second generation did suffer a few breakdowns during our trip : change suspension levers at 75,000 km, under warranty. During disassembly, we also noticed signs of corrosion, particularly on the struts and suspension arms, and significant wear on the driver’s seat. Not to mention cylinder and turbine wear due to dealer negligence.

Mechanics: youthful shortcomings

• essence : Only one unit available, the 1.3 TCe, available in four power levels (130 or 155 hp and 140 or 160 hp with mild hybridization). He is a victim injection problems caused by the high pressure pump. In most cases, reprogramming fixes the problem, but a few units had to be replaced. As for the problems (damaged turbine, cylinder and piston) encountered by “our” Captur 1.3 TCe 130, they were caused by a poorly carried out overhaul: the air filter housing was not cleaned and dirt got into it.
• Gasoline/LPG : This 1.0 turbo sometimes grazes on cold start but no crashes reported.
• Hybrid : Two versions are available: a full hybrid with a capacity of 145 hp. and a battery with a capacity of 160 hp, without problems on a mechanical level
• Diesel : Fat appetite 1.5 Blue dCi 115 sometimes causes concern. Many owners have to add half a liter every 1000 km. But no damage to the engine has been reported yet.
• Method of transmission : Plug-in hybrids may have an indicator light that indicates a problem with the transmission, warning of the risk of failure. A software update fixes this.

Electronics: unruly microcircuits

• R-Link: You regularly have to tap the screen multiple times to get the function you want. Renault does not offer any solution.
• Dashboard: The epidemic of lights turning on for no reason is seriously affecting the Captur. Regular updates at the dealership (€150) offer a short break.
• Battery: The operation of some computers, even when they are stopped, drains the battery. Replacing it does not solve the problem: you will have to install software updates.

Materials: deceptive appearance

• Interior : Furniture materials are available quality and neat assembly. But dismantling this Captur Intens showed cracks in the foam of the driver’s seat, signs of possible sagging. Unfortunately, a common case at Renault…
• Body : Alignment of body panels and painting done well. On the other hand, the protection of foundations would deserve more attention. This is evidenced by minor traces of rust that appeared during disassembly.

Freed from the fragile 1.2 TCe, the Captur 2 seems better than its ancestor. In addition, build quality is generally good. But the drawbacks that some owners mention portend a darker future. And several moments observed during these 100,000 km encourage us to remain cautious. Thus, we notice traces, albeit slight ones underbody corrosion and a very tired driver’s seat. To watch, therefore.

Read also:

Test Renault Austral: Peugeot 3008 in the viewfinder!

Renault is finalizing its new retro logo… slowly

The future Renault Scénic (2024): what we already know