There’s a new version of the popular Renault Captur in town - a self-charging E-Tech hybrid.
Last year saw the launch of a powerful 160 hp plug-in hybrid Captur which is capable of returning 188 miles to the gallon.
But not everyone wants a car that needs to be plugged in to replenish the battery - which is where this clever E-Tech self-charging hybrid comes in.
It can’t match the mpg of the plug-in, but thanks to a 1.6-litre petrol engine married to a 1.2 kWh lithium-ion battery and two electric motors, it will hit around 56 mpg while emissions are reduced to just 114 g/km.
The great thing about this particular Captur is that the running starts in 100 per cent electric mode, significantly reducing the gap in acceleration during gear changes. And all that means a smoother, more refined drive plus better performance.
And as with other hybrids, it’s regenerative braking that predominantly puts the charge back in the battery.
The hybrid generates 145 hp, delivering a zero to 62mph time of 10.6 seconds and a maximum speed of 106mph. Renault says that, after the E-Tech Plug-in hybrid, it is the most powerful Captur available.
As with other E-Tech equipped models in the Renault range, the All-New Captur E-Tech hybrid features what it calls a ‘MULTI-SENSE’ driving mode selection system. This sees the powertrain automatically adapt to the driving conditions and the way in which it is being driven – managing its power supply accordingly, as well as the battery regeneration opportunities.
The Captur E-Tech hybrid is available in three different trim levels, Iconic, S Edition and R.S Line, with even base models coming equipped with LED headlights, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist, an Automatic Emergency Braking System and Traffic Sign Recognition.
Meanwhile the mid-range Captur E-Tech S Edition boasts front and rear parking sensors with a rear view camera, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, 18 inch alloys, a contrasting roof colour, roof bars, and a fully-connected 7 inch portrait-shaped touchscreen.
A Renault spokesperson says:
“The arrival of the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) version combines strong, responsive performance with low running costs. Compared to a similar petrol version it offers significant fuel savings, while it also provides efficiency that is close to that of a diesel. After the Captur E-Tech Plug-in hybrid, it is the most efficient and powerful version in the range.”
Prices start at £24,500 and the Captur E-Tech hybrid is available to order now.
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