Next generation Renault Captur spotted on test

The second-generation Renault Captur will be offered with a plug-in hybrid engine when it goes on sale in 2020. Our shooters recently caught a prototype testing near the Arctic Circle.

With customers increasingly turning away from diesel, it comes as little surprise that Renault is looking towards electrification to keep the Captur popular – something the current generation certainly is, with global sales of 232,733 last year alone. Using 'e-Tech' hybrid technology demonstrated by Renault boss Carlos Ghosn at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, the 2020 Captur will be Renault's first-ever plug-in hybrid when it's unveiled at this year's Frankfurt show.

The technology for this Captur has been developed by Renault in alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi, and the next-generation Nissan Qashqai is also set to gain plug-in power. However, while hybrid power seems a certainty for the next Renault Clio supermini, which will share much of the Captur's underpinnings, the popular hatchback won't offer a plug-in feature at its 2019 Geneva Motor Show debut.

The next-generation Renault Captur will have a stronger resemblance to next year's Mk5 Renault Clio, with the latest version of the 'family face' we've seen already on the Renault Megane. There will be new lights front and rear for a distinctive signature after dark. However, in profile, despite every panel being all-new, the next Captur will seem like an evolution of today's model – understandable, given the Captur's global success since its 2013 launch.

The Megane's influence will be seen again inside, where high-spec models will employ a similar centrally mounted portrait-orientated infotainment touchscreen. Expect an increase in interior space, too – a stretched platform will make the car slightly longer and wider than before.

It's probable that the Captur will make use of the latest driver assistance technology developed by Nissan. Renault's Japanese partner will lend its ProPilot system to the French brand, bringing 'semi-autonomous' capability to reduce driver workload on mundane journeys. This makes the Captur one of 15 new Renaults scheduled for launch by the end of 2022 that will offer semi-autonomous features.

The Captur's plug-in hybrid system is based on a Nissan-developed 1.6-litre petrol engine working in conjunction with a 9.8 kWh battery and electric motor. Billed as a 'dual-role' system, it's claimed to offer up to 50 kilometres of zero-emissions electric driving, or can provide additional power when maximum acceleration is required. No power claims have yet been made, though.

Alternative engine choices will include the brand's latest 1.3-litre petrol. Developed by Nissan, it can already be found in the larger Renault Kadjar SUV, as well as the latest Mercedes A-Class hatchback. A diesel alternative will also be offered.