The Renault Captur is poised to enter its mid-career G facelift and take inspiration from the larger Renault Austral with a design overhaul, according to French media reports. The vehicle is expected to showcase a Full LED slim headlight design, triangular air intakes on the bumper, and a modernized grille, featuring an updated Renault logo.
To enhance the vehicle’s profile, designers are likely to incorporate fresh alloy wheel options and reduce chrome accents. Although the back of the vehicle will only require minor cosmetic changes, the interiors will feature a larger touchscreen of 9.3 inches for infotainment across most trim levels, with an upgraded digital instrument cluster of 10.2 inches.
With Renault’s latest OpenR infotainment system, increased connectivity and better graphics are expected. The cheaper versions of the vehicle may still feature a hard plastic dashboard, while the top models come equipped with soft foam. The Captur will also benefit from the latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, ensuring maximum safety and optimal results in EuroNCAP tests.
Technical data
With regards to the engine series, Renault appears poised to place significant emphasis on electric hybrids. Already, the Renault Captur has been released in both hybrid and hybrid plug-in versions, which feature larger batteries and considerably improve efficiency. Notably, diesel engines are being phased out from the range, though the 1.0-liter turbo engine, offered in both petrol and LPG, is expected to be maintained as the more economical alternative.
According to reports in French media, the facelifted Renault Captur will not adopt the mild hybrid powertrains from the 1.3-liter (12V) and 1.2-liter (48V) models found in the large Austral, as they were deemed too expensive for the small SUV segment.
The updates outlined will effectively distinguish the Renault Captur from its identical twin, the Mitsubishi ASX, which is anticipated to maintain its previous style, as it debuted earlier this year. Furthermore, the facelift will enable the current Renault Captur to more effectively compete with its principal competitor – the Peugeot 2008 – which is also expected to receive an update in the near future. Additional rivals in the crowded B-SUV segment in Europe include the Ford Puma, Skoda Kamiq, VW T-Roc, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota Yaris Cross.
Size and output
The second-generation Renault Captur reigns supreme in the B-SUV segment, boasting an impressive length of 4,329 mm. Its competitors will need to wait for their new generations to catch up, as the Captur is expected to maintain its position as one of the most versatile and family-friendly SUVs in its class. However, the grapevine suggests that a longer version of the Captur may be on the horizon, providing rear passengers with more space for both themselves and their luggage. The latest addition to the Renault SUV family is slated for release in 2024 and is poised to expand upon the upcoming three-series version of the Renault Austral.
Should these rumors prove true, Renault will be able to flaunt an impressive lineup of four SUVs with electric engines, including the Captur, Austral, and their longer variants, as well as two electric crossovers in the Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech. Additionally, a production version of the Renault 4ever Trophy concept, which serves as an electric alternative to the Captur, is set to make an appearance by 2025, with both models maintaining relevance for several years to come.
The updated Renault Captur is expected to make its grand entrance in the autumn of 2023, with the extended version following soon after in 2024. If these dates hold true, our skilled spy photographers will likely begin capturing snapshots of the sleek new models in the coming months, either confirming or debunking the tantalizing rumors.