Renault Captur for 280 euros a month, a smart choice?

Asking the question is often answering it. Renault’s SUV has no delusional pretensions, which paradoxically makes it interesting.

At Renault, we’ve always aimed to avoid alienating any type of customer. We are betting on 100% electric for the future, but we do not ignore the big-city driver who still needs a fully combustion engine to cover a lot of miles. But here’s the thing, everything isn’t black or white, good or bad, electric or thermal. A driver has every right to fear the switch to electric if they’ve carefully studied their consumption habits and understood that the waiting times of a few minutes for recharges and/or the lack of charging solutions near their home or work could turn their life into a nightmare! It’s also possible to want to do something for the planet by reducing emissions without necessarily joining the CO₂ Zero Emission community. We also have the right to choose French-made products to support our industry, which is being battered by the hordes of American and Chinese competitors. In short, when you pay to buy a car, you should be free to choose as you wish.

Let’s go even further in the freedom to drive. Driving with a slightly elevated driving position offers real comfort and safety benefits. You have better command over the road and the elements, which is good for the bodywork but also for pedestrians. It’s easier to avoid what you see clearly. But here’s the problem: SUVs are no longer fashionable. Too big, too heavy, dangerous, basically just plain ugly. But a compact SUV, reasonably sized, not exceeding 2 tons—what’s wrong with that? How is it worse than a sedan?

Let’s recap. We are looking for a small French SUV, with a motorization that offers the best of electric and thermal technology, and ideally not too expensive. With the diamond badge on the grille, it’s readily available: the Captur. It features a clever modularity thanks to its sliding bench seat that offers 16 cm of travel, giving the choice of extra legroom or a record trunk volume of 616 liters. With its full hybrid technology, it provides up to 80% electric driving time in the city and 40% fuel savings, along with reduced CO₂ emissions. Don’t worry, skeptics: its battery charges itself while driving, with no plug needed. And with 145 horsepower boosted by the hybrid system, you won’t get bored.

Renault currently offers it as a long-term rental over 37 months and 30,000 km starting at 280 euros per month, with a reasonable initial payment of 3,500 euros. For worry-free driving, the 3-year warranty, 24/7 assistance, and maintenance are included. So, it’s not the most powerful or technologically advanced model on the market. It also doesn’t come at a price lower than market standards. It’s just a very good car—well designed—that proves there is an intelligent path outside the all-electric or all-thermal options. And for that, it deserves this little Sunday nod.