The Renault Captur is a bigger, more muscular version of the bestselling Clio.

The supermini crossover has an elevated seating position, a more spacious cabin and load space and has wider tracks to ensure stable handling, given the Captur’s 200mm ground clearance and larger wheels.

Although it looks like a 4x4, it most definitely isn’t, but its distinctive and rather quirky design is what captures attention first and foremost. Three engines are on offer – an 898cc, three-cylinder turbo with 89bhp, a 1.2-litre turbo four with 118bhp, and a 1.5-litre turbodiesel with 89bhp and 162lb ft of torque. There are four trim levels – Expression, Expression+, Dynamique MediaNav and Dynamique S MediaNav.

The entry level Expression has 16” alloy wheels, cruise control, a 60/40 split-folding and sliding rear bench seat, body coloured bumpers, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control (ETC), electric windows front and rear, electrically adjustable door mirrors, Hill Start Assist (HSA), trip computer and Renault’s ECO system for maximising fuel and emissions efficiency.

Expression+ trim adds air conditioning, front fog lights and a handy reversible boot floor panel – carpeted one side and finished in easy-clean rubber on the other.

It also has a hands-free key card instead of a traditional key – I’m not a big fan of these, as I’m more likely to lose a single card than a whole bunch of keys.

Dynamique MediaNav models come with an integrated, tablet-style seven-inch touchscreen display, which enables access to on-board connectivity and a growing range of apps for information, entertainment and easier journeys.

A four-speaker Arkamys audio system, Bluetooth and a USB port are included in the specification, along with 17” alloys and a cornering function in the front fog lights. The seat covers that can be unzipped and put in the washing machine are sure to be a favourite with families and all of the associated mess that comes with children eating and drinking in the car.

The top of the range the Dynamique S MediaNav has all of this plus rear parking sensors and extra-tinted rear window and tailgate glass.

Renault’s comprehensive 4+ package includes four years/100,000 miles warranty, four years roadside cover and a four year routine servicing and finance package.

Factfile
Car: Renault Captur Dynamique MediaNav dCi 90
On the road: £16,395
Top speed: 106mph
0-62mph: 13.1 seconds
Fuel: 76.4mpg
CO2 emissions: 95g/km