Renault Captur Hatchback

1.6 E-TECH Hybrid 145 Rive Gauche SE 5dr Auto [2022]

Like many automakers, Renault has embraced the trend that has seen millions ditch their family hatchbacks and saloons for SUVs. So much so that the firm hardly makes a car that isn't an SUV nowadays.

Of course, there’s still the venerable Clio, now well into its fifth generation, while the classic Renault 5 of the 1970s, 80s and 90s has recently been given a modern-day makeover and put on the market as an all-electric car.

Meanwhile, the Megane has also returned, but it's in name only, given that it's now a small, all-electric SUV crossover.

The Captur is the next model up in the range in terms of size - and it's hard to believe it’s been around for over a decade already.

It evolved from a 2011 concept car and was put into production two years later, followed by a second-generation version in 2019.

The Captur is based on the same CMF-B platform as the Clio, but it’s around 17cm longer – and it’s the smallest Renault SUV with a combustion engine.

It has proven to be popular, too, with Renault shifting nearly 200,000 Capturs in the UK alone since it first went on sale in 2013.

New exterior styling brings the Captur into line with its larger siblings, while the overhauled infotainment system's ingredients threaten to trounce its competitors.

And, what’s more, it remains affordable to lease.

So, are the tweaks enough to give it the edge?

We have taken the new version for a test drive to find out.