Renault is strengthening its electrified offering with the introduction of the Captur E-Tech hybrid.
The latest addition to the best-selling model provides customers with even more choice and sees the Captur offer one of the largest selections of powertrains in its sector, with the availability of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and petrol variants.
The All-New Captur E-Tech hybrid is destined to make the model even more popular in the UK, with the compact SUV selling over 150,000 examples since it was introduced in 2013.
Using regenerative braking as the main source of charging its battery and there being no requirement for it to be plugged-in to charge, the All-New Captur E-Tech hybrid ensures everyone can enjoy the environmental benefits, driveability and refinement associated with an EV but without the need for access to a charge point.
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.
The All-New Captur E-Tech hybrid is available in Iconic, S Edition and R.S Line levels of trim.
Adding a further electrified version to the Captur range was a simple process due to the model being based on the versatile CMF-B modular architecture, which was designed from the start to accept electric capabilities.
The All-New Captur E-Tech hybrid uses the same technology that debuted on the Clio E-Tech hybrid, which was engineered with input from the Alpine F1 team. It combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 1.2 kW lithium-ion battery and two electric motors, together with the automatic, multi-mode dog gearbox that features in all other E-Tech models. In operation, it starts the vehicle in 100 per cent electric mode, significantly reducing the gap in acceleration during gear changes. This means a smoother, more refined drive plus better performance.
The hybrid powertrain allows significant reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It is designed to use the optimal energy output to recharge the battery whenever the energy created is more than the required power. Then, kinetic energy recovered during deceleration or braking can be transformed into electrical energy to recharge the battery. The electrical energy is then in reserve to assist with acceleration, or for all-electric operation at lower speeds in urban areas, later in a journey.
It is available to order now, with first deliveries in August, and is priced from £24,500 OTR.