India bound Renault Captur: What to expect?

Renault has announced the Captur crossover for the Indian market and has said that it will be launched here later this year. This is a new premium crossover from the French automaker and will be positioned above the Duster in their lineup.

At the outset, things look a bit confusing with regard to what we are getting in India. The name suggests that this car is based on the European model but pictures indicate it is as lengthy as the Russian spec car. However, since Renault had announced a localised approach for individual markets, we believe that this car will be as long as the Duster (4.33 metres). It is expected to be based on the same platform and underpinnings as the latter.   
Where the Captur will stand above the Duster is in terms of what is being offered in the cabin. The pictures of the global model indicate pseudo leather upholstery, large display for the infotainment system, rear AC vents, climate control, multiple airbags, ABS with EBD as well as traction control system with the AMT models.

What’s more, we expect that Renault will offer a host of customisation options to give buyers a chance to individualise their vehicles. This will include upholstery trims, badges, door sil plates and coloured plastic mouldings for the AC vents and centre console. The Gulf markets even get the option of TV screens for the rear passengers!      

The Captur will get the same engine and gearbox options from the Duster. This means 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5 diesel motor. The former produces 105bhp/142Nm and can be had with a five-speed manual or a CVT. The more important diesel motor can be had in either in 84bhp/200Nm or a more powerful 108bhp/245Nm state of tune. The 84bhp option is only available with a five-speed manual while the 108bhp option gets a six-speed manual or a six-speed AMT. Finally, the 108bhp motor is also available with AWD but only in the manual trim.

When launched, the Captur will take on the likes of the Jeep Compass, Tata Hexa, Mahindra XUV500 at one of end of the pricing spectrum and the Hyundai Tucson at the other end. Future rivals could also be the Skoda Karoq and the Volkswagen T-Roc.  This will be a part of the market that Renault has had little success despite having models like the Fluence and the Koleos. With a boom in demand for SUVs, this looks like a good time for Renault to bring the car into India.