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Renault is getting ready to update its SUV range with the facelifted Captur and a heavily rumored longer variant of the popular model that could bridge the gap with the larger Austral. We gathered all the information we could find for the updated Renault Captur range alongside an exclusive rendering by our associates, so you can get an early preview of the model.
Fresh Styling Cues
The current, second generation of the Renault Captur was introduced in 2019, so the facelifted version is expected to debut in late 2023. While we have yet to see camouflaged prototypes of the updated Captur, visual changes will likely be focused on the front end as this is the only part that doesn’t correlate with Renault’s evolved design language.
Read: 2024 Renault Scenic E-Tech Coming To Reclaim The Practicality Crown
French media report that the design of the 2023 Captur will be inspired by the Vision Scenic concept and the Austral. This means it will get thinner full-LED headlights, triangular bumper intakes, and a new grille bearing Renault’s updated emblem. Designers could freshen up the profile with new options for the alloy wheels and possibly by removing some of the chrome accents that have gone out of fashion lately. Finally, the rear end could be largely carried over with minimal changes on the trim and taillight graphics, since it still looks quite modern.
Interior updates could bring the larger 9.3-inch infotainment touchscreen to more trims, alongside the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The software could be updated to Renault’s latest OpenR infotainment with new graphics and more connectivity features. What we don’t know is whether the French company will keep differentiating cheaper trims with the hard plastics on the dashboard, versus the softer foam on the high-spec models. Finally, more sophisticated ADAS features could also roll down to more trims making the Captur safer and giving it a good score in EuroNCAP’s tests.
Updated range of powertrains
In terms of the powertrain lineup, it is safe to assume that Renault will bet on a heavily electrified mix. The Captur is already offered in self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms which could gain larger batteries and further improve their efficiency. The BlueHDi diesel will most likely be dropped from the lineup, but the turbocharged 1.0-liter thee-cylinder engine that is available in petrol and LPG forms is expected to be carried over as the cheapest option. According to French media, the facelifted Captur won’t inherit the mild-hybrid 1.3-liter (12V) and 1.2-liter (48V) powertrains from the larger Austral, as they are thought to be too expensive for the small SUV segment.
All of the aforementioned updates will differentiate the Renault Captur from its identical twin, the Mitsubishi ASX, which will probably retain the old style since it debuted earlier this year. The facelift will also keep the Captur fresh and relevant in order to better compete with its biggest rival – the Peugeot 2008 – which is also getting an update soon. Other rivals in the crowded B-SUV segment in Europe are the Ford Puma, the Skoda Kamiq, the VW T-Roc, the Hyundai Kona, and the Toyota Yaris Cross.
What about a longer Captur?
Measuring 4,329 mm (170.4 inches) long, the second-gen Renault Captur is the longest vehicle in the B-SUV segment, a title which is expected to retain with the update since its rivals will need to wait for their new generations in order to catch up. This means it will remain one of the roomiest and most family-friendly SUVs in its class. Still, there are reports about an additional longer bodystyle variant of the Captur that could offer even more space for the rear passengers and their luggage. The new and closely related model is rumored to arrive in 2024, expanding Renault’s SUV range in a similar way to the upcoming stretched three-row version of the Renault Austral.
If those rumors materialize, then Renault will have four SUVs with electrified powertrains (Captur, Austral, and their longer variants) plus two fully electric crossovers (Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech). Also, there’s the production version of the Renault 4ever Trophy concept that could arrive by 2025 as a fully electric alternative to the Captur, with the two models co-existing for a few years.
The facelifted Renault Captur will reportedly debut in the fall of 2023, while the longer variant is set to follow in 2024. If those dates are accurate, then our spy photographers should start spotting camouflaged prototypes of both SUVs sometime in the coming months, confirming or debunking the rumors.