Renault India kick-started the compact SUV segment five years ago and the automaker as well as this segment have come a long way since. While the Duster was utilitarian, rugged and purposeful, there has always been room for something premium from the French manufacturer. Addressing this demand, the Renault Captur will be going on sale tomorrow - November 6, 2017 - in the country in the compact SUV space. Now we've driven the Captur and know the specifications on offer. It's now just the pricing that's hidden and Renault will reveal the same tomorrow. While we wait to know what the company has in store, here's our price expectation on the Renault Captur.
Also Read: Renault Captur SUV Launched In India
The Renault Captur is based on the same platform as the Duster and also shares a tonne of features with the latter. However, the carmaker has gone one plus on the Captur and added more features and better styling to differentiate it from its sibling. The French compact SUV will be positioned above the Duster in the company's line-up and, as a result, will be priced at a slight premium as well. Prices on the Captur are expected to start from around Rs. 10 lakh for the base petrol, and will likely to go up to Rs. 15 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom) for the range-topping diesel.
Also Read: Renault Captur Review
(The Renault Captur cabin is minimal and fresh)
The reason we believe these prices are in tow is because the Renault Captur will operate in a highly competitive segment and correct pricing will be the key to its success. Not to discount that its quirky and urban styling won't find takers, but with rivals like the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Creta that have found massive popularity, it won't be an easy task for the Captur to create a niche.
Moreover, given its similarities with the Duster, Renault India also enjoys higher economies of scale on manufacturing the Captur that should further aid in keeping the price aggressive. Renault has retained the styling from the European version, which makes it nothing like the SUVs we currently see. The ground clearance also stands at a very impressive 210 mm on the SUV.
In terms of features, the Renault Captur packs in all the basics including full LED headlamps with dynamic turn indicators, 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seats, digital instrument console, dual-tone roof, auto climate control and more. You also get a touchscreen infotainment system, which sadly does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The SUV will come loaded with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist. Previously, Renault did say that even the base variants will be loaded on features, which is a welcome move.
(The Renault Captur looks quirky and gets LED lights)
Under the hood, the Renault Captur will be using the tried and tested 1.5-litre K9k diesel with 108 bhp, while the petrol version will be using a 1.5-litre 104 bhp motor. The Captur will be offered with only the 6-speed manual transmission at the time of launch, and there won't be an AWD either.
Renault will also be offering a host of personalisation options which include interior and exterior additions like contrast roof and body graphics, seat covers and more. Deliveries for the Captur will commence later this month while bookings have already commenced for the compact SUV. Do watch out for the official pricing tomorrow, as we bring you all the updates live from the Captur launch.
