Name: Renault Captur (2013 to 2019) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Renault Captur
Rating: 59.0

Summary

The Renault Captur is a small five-door crossover which is based on the Renault Clio hatchback. The model shown here is the first-generation model, which arrived in 2013 and was replaced by the current iteration in 2019.

Europe’s best-selling SUV of 2016, reviewers generally concluded that the Captur was a talented family car – praised for its comfort and economy on the road, as well as its spacious and well-equipped interior.

That said, several publications commented that its boot was rather small, and although it was well-built, the cabin did feel a bit cheap in places. “The interior reflects the affordability of this compact crossover”, explained Adam Binnie of Parkers, adding that the car’s competitive pricing was the main reason it was popular with British buyers.

As the Captur inherited the Clio’s hatchback driving dynamics, the crossover was praised by many publications for its agile handling, and for being easy to live with.

No longer on sale, the first-generation Renault Captur holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 59%. It scores top marks for its excellent reliability record, and running costs are low. However, its safety rating expired years ago and its media review scores are poor.

Captur highlights

Easy driving experience
Relatively low running costs
Well equipped

Captur lowlights

Rather bland performance
Small boot
Rivals have more interior quality

Key specifications

Body style: Small SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol, diesel
Price when new: From £14,295 on-road

Launched: Summer 2013
Last updated: Autumn 2017
Replaced: Winter 2019/20

Image gallery

Media reviews

Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Stylish, spacious and cost-effective to run, the Renault Captur compact crossover is an attractive and hassle-free used car choice.”
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Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: 2017
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The Captur is our pick of the growing small car SUV market, mixing good looks with comfort and practicality. A mid-life facelift only enhances its appeal further.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Renault Captur is a crossover well-suited to families, thanks to its spacious cabin and boot. It’s easy to personalise and the driver will enjoy its comfort and economy, too.”
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Business Car+

Model reviewed: 1.5dCI 110 Signature S Nav
Score: 7 / 10
“Lots of standard kit, eye-catching design, competitive whole-life costs, good road manners.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5dCI 110 Signature S Nav (2017)
Score: 7 / 10
“There’s a lot to like about the Captur: it looks good, has some pleasant road manners and comes generously equipped for the price tag.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: Signature S Nav TCe 120 (2017)
Score: 6 / 10
“Renault has wisely chosen to keep the facelifted Captur by-and-large the same as the old mode, adding a touch more style and overall premium feel, culminating in a new top-spec Signature S Nav trim standard with all the cutting-edge safety and infotainment kit.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Undoubtedly up there with the anchovy in the taste-polarising stakes, the Captur is as in your face as a drunk on a rush-hour tube train. It’s also gently personable, admirably spacious and adequately practical.”
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Car Keys+

Model reviewed: Dynamique S Nav TCe 120 (2017)
Score: 7 / 10
“The Renault Captur is one of the more compelling small crossovers currently on sale. It’s well-priced, comes with a lengthy list of standard equipment and is practical, too.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The Captur is arguably one of the best-looking SUV shaped cars out there but is by no means style over substance.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed:
“The Renault Captur is a comfortable and easy-to-drive small SUV that should be cheap to run.”
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Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Renault Captur is a popular crossover with stylish looks but poor reliability.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: 2017
Score: 6 / 10
“The Renault Captur is a small car with chunky SUV styling that’s well equipped and relatively spacious, but alternatives are better to drive.”
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Eurekar+

Model reviewed:
“Clio proved itself a real driver’s car and the Mk III’s suspension took its roots from the Megane while its wide track and low centre of gravity balanced the car perfectly.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Renault Captur is an attractive little crossover.”
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Heycar+

Model reviewed:
Score: 5 / 10
“The Renault Captur is a stylish small SUV that looks as fresh today as it did when launched. We like the clever, flexible interior, generous equipment levels and frugal diesels.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Well priced, with good equipment levels. Compact dimensions but with SUV driving position. Car-like handling.”
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Motoring Research+

Model reviewed: Iconic TCe 90
Score: 6 / 10
“The Renault Captur is OK to look at, OK to drive and OK to live with. It’s also Europe’s best selling compact crossover, which tells you all you need to know about the segment.”
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Model reviewed:
“The Renault Captur remains a jolly nice supermini crossover.”
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Motors+

Model reviewed:
Score: 4 / 10
“With funky styling, a roomy cabin and lots of standard kit, the Renault Captur was a big hit.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed:
Score: 7.6 / 10
“Personalisation drives Captur’s attraction and popularity.”
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: 2017
“Renault is staying ahead of the game by giving the 2017 Captur a nip/tuck, sprinkling some love on the interior and adding extra kit.”
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Model reviewed:
“The Renault Captur is far more eye-catching than its rivals. It doesn’t have the eccentric cartoon character looks of the Juke but it has a chirpy, smiley face.”
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Renault Captur might be one of the older designs of small SUV, and its 2017 refresh doesn’t actually change it very much, but it’s still an appealing car.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed:
“The Renault Captur looks OK, drives OK, and it’s got more than enough space inside for the children you’ll be shuttling around.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: May 2013
Date expired: January 2020
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 88%
Child protection: 79%
Vulnerable road users: 61%
Safety assist: 81%

Notes on safety rating

The Renault Captur was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2013 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2020 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Captur to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The first-generation Renault Captur was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 39
Average repair cost: £316.86
Last updated: May 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of May 2024, the Renault Captur has a good reliability record, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy. This score covers both this generation of the Captur as well as its replacement (2019 onwards).

The most commonly reported faults lie with the suspension and braking systems. Fortunately, these problems have been inexpensive to fix to date. However, engine problems have been quite costly, with an average repair bill of about £1,250.

If you’re looking at a used Renault Captur, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of the potential problem areas shown above.