The Renault Kaptur is the newest SUV from the French carmaker that will be positioned above the Duster in Renault’s Indian portfolio when it goes on sale this year. Renault also sells the Captur (note the C) SUV sold globally, which is based on the Clio platform and is targeted at developed markets. The India-bound Kaptur, on the other hand, has been developed for emerging markets like South America and Asia. The Indian-spec Kaptur has been spotted on the Indian roads on more than a few occasions, but in this latest image, we get a glimpse of the interior of the car.
Based on the tiny peek into the cabin that we got, we could see a dual tone dashboard dominated by Renault’s seven-inch media-nav system. There are body-colour highlights around the centre panel, which is done in high-quality plastic, and around the circular air vents on either side of the dash. The automatic climate control knobs and the multifunction steering wheel is also visible along with the chrome bezel instrument cluster.
The five-seater crossover SUV carries almost the same exterior styling as its international brethren but measures slightly bigger according to Indian requirements. The dimensions of the Kaptur are 4,333mm x 1,833mm x 1,613mm and the wheelbase is 2,674mm (all dimensions are just a tad bigger than the Duster). The ground clearance stands at an impressive 204mm. The boot capacity of 387litre can be expanded up to 1,200 litres, folding down the rear seats. Given that the cheapest car in Renault portfolio, the Kwid comes with a personalization package, the same could be available for the new Kaptur SUV. Renault seems to have learnt what sells in the subcontinent and the Kaptur will come fully loaded with all the necessary features.
As for the engines, the Kaptur will have the 1.5-litre dCi turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine powering the front wheels. The 1.5-litre mill is offered with the Duster in two states of tune – 84bhp and 108bhp and will most probably be the same on the Kaptur along with the five and six-speed gearboxes. The petrol mill will be the 1.6-litre 102bhp four-cylinder engine also from the Duster. There is also a fair chance of the Kaptur getting the AWD like the Duster.
As far as competition is concerned, positioned above the Duster, the Kaptur will enter into premium crossover segment. The expected pricing is between Rs 12 – 16 lakh. The Kaptur will be manufactured Renault-Nissan’s Chennai facility.