As a follow-up to a model that ruled its market segment in Europe, the second-generation Renault Captur has no option but to be at least as successful.

It won’t be easy, though, as the competition has got stronger as well, with serious rivals including all-new models such as the Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008, Ford Puma, and Mazda CX-30 – besides a flurry of older models. To stay on top, the Captur needed to up its game- and it does so in all areas.

Built on the CMF-B modular architecture that’s shared with the new Clio and Juke, the crossover is now is 110 mm (4.3 inches) longer than its predecessor, with rear seat passenger legroom gaining 17 mm (0.66 inches) as a result. The boot capacity also increases by a significant 81 liters (2.86 cu-ft) for a total of 536 liters (18.9 cu-ft).

Interior comfort has also improved compared to the outgoing model thanks to better insulation of the passenger and engine compartments, with the result being a reduction of the noise level in the cabin by 2 dB at between 0 and 80 mph (130 km/h).

Renault says the all-new Captur also brings increased ride quality thanks to new shock absorbers and improved dynamics. The crossover is said to exhibit less lateral movement than before and offer 10 percent reductions in the steering ratio for increased agility.

The CMF-B platform has enabled Renault to add electrification to the 2020 Captur, with the E-Tech plug-in hybrid powertrain to become available next year. Combining a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors and a 9.8 kWh battery pack, the PHEV will enable an all-electric driving range of up to 28 miles (45 km) at speeds of up to 83 mph (135 km/h).

Until then, customers can choose between three gasoline and two diesel engines. Petrol fans are offered the TCe 100 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo delivering 100 PS (99 hp) and 160 Nm (118 lb-ft) of torque, the TCe 130 1.3-liter turbo-four rated at 130 PS (128 hp) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque, and the range-topping TCe 155 which is an updated version of the 1.3-liter unit producing 155 PS (153 hp) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque.

All engines are linked to six-speed manual transmissions, apart from the TCe 100 that comes with a five-speed unit and the top petrol engine which is mated to a seven-speed EDC dual-clutch transmission as standard (available as an option on the TCe 130).

The available diesels are the Blue dCi 95 1.5-liter making 95 PS (94 hp) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque and the Blue dCi 115 1.5-liter rated at 115 PS (113 hp) and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft). The base unit gets a six-speed manual while the more powerful engine also offers a seven-speed DCT as an option.

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