It is again a lifted Clio, thus on the same platform. But with the new Captur it actually grows into the compact class (C segment). This also corresponds to the space conditions inside. Whereby 11 cm more length probably rather benefits the luggage space. Officially 536 litres are possible with full use of the rear seat, which would mean 159 litres more. However, it remains slightly unclear in which position the rear seat was, because it can be moved and locked from the luggage compartment side. With only 3 centimetres more wheelbase, the space gain on the rear seat should be more limited.

As expected, not much is happening with petrol engines. The smallest increases by 7 kW (10 HP), the largest just under 4 kW (5 HP). Not included in the last price list, diesel engines are now again available in two versions. At the moment it is experiencing a slight renaissance with all possible precautions against harmful exhaust gases. There will be an alternative to gasoline with gaseous fuel, hopefully natural gas. Next year, together with another gasoline engine, there will also be a hybrid version with almost 10 kWh battery capacity. 45 km of purely electric driving, promised. Perhaps the now seven gears of the dual-clutch transmission are still worth mentioning.

Somewhat unusual is perhaps the longer cycle of newly presented Renault Capturs. The previous version was from 2013 and the new one will probably be available from 2020. After all, it resides with about 1.2 million sold. specimens in the most popular class of small SUVs. Is this designation still justified? If there is no all-wheel drive and the angle of approach at the front is not evenly huge. A wider bridge, painted depending on the colour of the car, is attached to the lowest possible position. Otherwise the higher front seems to be quite well worked off. Also the Captur proves a happy design hand, similar to the Clio.

The sides have become somewhat calmer except for the sills, which are still strongly indented towards the back. The peephole behind the rear row of seats is still smaller from the inside than from the outside. It's worth not even the darkening so popular with some people. A feast for the eyes is the design made possible by the new lighting technology. Perhaps one will also be able to get used to the handle completely under the tailgate. And with the relatively small engines for such a large car, the only end of the exhaust becomes visible again. We would have to talk about the camera in the Renault sign. There one is overcome by the thought that a liquid could come out at any moment. The rigid alignment is not objectionable, but isn't that less prominent possible?

Naturally, the similarity between Captur and Clio in the interior is compelling. The combination of piano lacquer and soft touch is even more striking here. Well, there may be more refinement need for the arrangement of the middle touchscreen, but if the development in the smaller classes continues like this, one has to seriously ask oneself whether the next time you buy a car, it won't be one step lower, especially since that prices have increased quite a bit lately. Isn't it enough to have a steering wheel with control elements like now and a digital cockpit with extraordninary presentation behind it? Too much magic is here perchance not healthy either, especially as some car buyers will have to look at this for many years to come.