Renault is preparing a plug-in hybrid variant of the new Captur crossover for 2020.
The Captur marks as the French manufacturer's first attempt in the electrified segment. Being the third most yielding nameplate in the company's line-up, the Capture not only acts as a curtain raiser for the company's EV aspirations but also faces the pressure to maintain the sales figures.
Mechanically we can expect an all-new plug-in hybrid set-up which will make use of the company's 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric drive system employed in a dual role. Renault has been playing the spec cards close to its chest, but we could see a considerable push in the power as well as the torque.
The 9.8kWh battery in the new Capture delivers a pure-electric range of close to 50 km. Renault says that the tech used in the Capture is most likely to be included in some of the upcoming vehicles in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.
The car will be officially revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show post which it will be sharing its powertrain with the next-generation Nissan Qashqai. However, reports suggest that the next model of the Clio is not likely to get the same setup. The Supermini, according to the company is expected to get a conventionally closed hybrid set-up that won't require charging and will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, next March.
Apart from the hybrid powertrain, the Captur will also come in a new 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This already powers a few of Renault's models such as the facelifted Kadjar.
From the Spy-shots accessed by Auto Express, we could see that most of the design cues on the upcoming car take heavy inspiration from the next version of Clio.
Reports suggest that Renault has worked for a larger cabin for the new Capture by stretching the Alliance B platform a bit longer and wider, giving more shoulder and legroom.
(Image source: Auto Express/ Avarvarii)
