Change of doctrine at Renault. The Boulonnais manufacturer has gone from a limited approach to the 100% electric vehicle to the deployment of a panel of electrified solutions. A nuance of size and the only viable strategy to meet the objectives of reducing CO2 emissions imposed by the European Commission. The coast to climb is tough: the automotive industry will have reduced its carbon footprint by 37.5% in 2030. This represents a reduction of 4% per year. In addition to its 100% electric offer, which will strengthen in the coming months, Renault will therefore rely, depending on the model, on the battery of technologies injecting a more or less significant dose of electricity: light 48 V hybridization, hybrid and plug-in hybrid. These last two systems share the same hybrid powertrain.
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If the Clio V is satisfied with a hybrid version and therefore does not need to connect to the sector, the Captur has a variant with rechargeable battery, which represents a unique proposition in the segment of compact SUVs. Tested on the 2014 Elolab concept, the Renault system is unprecedented. It is the result of almost ten years of development. Backed by the filing of 150 patents, this solution is distinguished by the adoption of a multi-mode dog clutch and clutchless transmission. The guarantee of extreme compactness and smoothness of operation superior to continuously variable transmissions while guaranteeing a contained cost.
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In the 1.6-liter Nissan 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, the Captur combines a 66-hp electric motor and a 34-hp high-voltage starter that also plays the role of generator. The house box carries two trees. The engine has five reports, the electric three. Thus, in absolute terms, there are fifteen operating combinations. With a cumulative power of 160 horsepower, the Captur plug-in hybrid becomes the most powerful model in the range.
All the merit of this Captur E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid is to claim an approved consumption at 1.4 l / 100 km, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 32 g / km. Thanks to its 9.8 kWh battery (1.2 kWh for the Clio hybrid), Renault announces 50 km of electric range; 65 km in the city, in accordion traffic. Not content with being freed from the future ban on heat engines in the heart of major cities, the Captur is eligible for the € 2,000 bonus granted by the State to plug-in hybrid vehicles to support the automobile sector shaken by the epidemic of coronavirus. Companies can also count on a lifetime exemption from TVS and, depending on the department, the free or half-price registration card.
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Exhaust cannula concealed under the rear apron, the Captur E-Tech would almost pass for an electric vehicle. It is so true that it always starts on the electric motor, unless the outside temperature is really low. The on-board computer indicates a range of 525 km for the heat engine; 52 km in electric. Gear lever within reach in position D, the Captur starts up smoothly, in the silence of its electric propulsion. The driver then has several driving strategies that can be activated from the 9.3-inch touch pad placed in the center of the console: Pure, Sport, My Sense. The first determines the zero emission mode. The second provides the full power of the three engines. The third automatically manages the energy exchanges according to the force applied to the accelerator pedal, the speed and the charge level of the battery. Other features are available: force EV mode by pressing a button; save energy with e-Save mode (40% minimum energy) for crossing a low-emission area or a city center; increase energy recovery with mode B boosting the engine brake. Witness to the progress of technology, it is possible to maintain high pressure on the accelerator without waking up the engine. This is the case on the highway up to 135 km / h. At this speed, the battery drains at the speed of lightning.
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By alternating urban and peri-urban routes, the computer indicated fuel and electricity consumption of 5.4 l / 100 km and 11.8 kWh respectively. In real life, you can count on a range of around 42 km. Most of the time transparent, energy exchanges are sometimes disrupted by jolts when at low speed, we go from the generator, ensuring the battery recharge, in electric mode. If the accelerations at start and up to 60 km / h give wings, the performances do not equal those of the turbo 4-cylinder 1.3 l of 154 hp. Even under heavy load, the runaway effect of the engine is limited. Top speed returns 30 km / h (173 km / h) while 100 km / h is reached in 10.1 seconds, instead of 8.6 s for the TCe 155 hp. The overweight of 200 kilograms generated by the rechargeable hybrid powertrain is the fault.
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Other setbacks: the integration of the battery under the rear bench seat which still slides 160 mm required the use of a rear suspension with superimposed triangles, instead of the original multi-link axle. This translates into firmer cushioning and lower agility. Likewise, the rechargeable hybrid architecture causes the 40 liters of space under the boot floor to be lost, eliminates the spare tire and cuts the fuel tank from 3 liters to 39 l. To compensate for these inconveniences, the Captur is only sold with the two highest finishes, Intens and Initiale Paris. With the latter, you have access to generous equipment and a refined atmosphere in line with the silence of zero emission propulsion. As with all vehicles of this kind, to take full advantage of the electric motor, you should not hesitate to recharge regularly. The duration varies from 3 hours (3.7 kW) to 5 hours (2.4 kW) depending on the power of the installation.
Our opinion
Renault's plug-in hybrid technology enhances the attractiveness of the new Captur. Admittedly, it is necessary to accept a reduction in the loading volume and a reduced thermal autonomy but this compact SUV is a model of approval. But to get the most out of the electric and drive the week without wasting a single drop of gasoline, it will be necessary in the case of daily urban or peri-urban journeys of less than 50 km and easy access to charging stations (home and / or office) so that you can always have the full range of electrical action.