Renault is introducing a new PHEV version onto its latest Captur, but where does this new PHEV slot into the range? Ted Welford finds out.

What is it?

The Captur can travel for up to 30 miles on electric power alone

Look at a Renault dealer, and no longer will it be the popular Clio dominating the forecourt, but rather the Captur crossover instead. Now the firm’s best-seller in the UK, this was the right car at the right time for Renault when it debuted in 2013.

But despite its sales success, it wasn’t all that great, with a cheap interior and disappointing driving experience letting the side down.

That’s something the firm has sorted with a new second-generation, which arrived earlier this year with standard petrol and diesel engines. And now there’s a new E-Tech plug-in hybrid option for buyers to choose as well, but should it be on your shortlist?

What’s new?

The Captur is one of Renault’s most successful models

It’s taken some time for Renault to extend its electrified focus outside of EVs, but with the introduction of E-Tech onto three of its best-sellers – the Clio, Captur and Megane – it’s quickly venturing into the ever-popular hybrid world.

Unlike the Clio that uses a ‘self-charging’ setup, the Captur’s one is a plug-in powertrain, which makes use of a larger battery enabling 30 miles of electric range – allowing for some impressively low emissions and fuel consumption figures.

Borrowing tech and expertise from Renault’s F1 team, the Captur’s powertrain is clever and innovative, and far more than just electrifying an existing engine.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Captur uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain

The E-Tech uses a new naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre petrol unit, which comes mated to two electric motors and a 9.8kWh battery pack. It also uses a new clutchless automatic gearbox, which is smooth and better than most of the CVTs used in other hybrid crossovers.

In total it produces 158bhp and 394Nm of torque – allowing for a 0-60mph time of 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 107mph. While it offers a decent amount of punch, the E-Tech never feels all that quick – in fact it’s a second slower to 60mph than the 1.3-litre petrol version with similar power, due to the extra weight of the batteries.

But it fares better when it comes to running costs, thanks to its 188.3mpg fuel economy figure and CO2 emissions of 34g/km. Company car drivers will also love its benefit-in-kind percentage of 10 per cent.

What’s it like to drive?

Drive the Captur E-Tech leisurely and you’ll enjoy the impressive refinement that comes from the electricity, along with the light steering that makes manoeuvring and parking an absolute doddle. The switch from electricity to petrol is also largely smooth, and the powertrain itself is relatively refined – only harsh accelerating proves a bit vocal.

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