Renault has unveiled the new Kaptur crossover, a teaser image of which was revealed officially a few days ago. This new model is one of ten new models from Renault to be unveiled globally this year.
The Kaptur is built specifically for emerging markets as a more premium offering than the Duster. To acheive a balance between cost and appeal, Renault has used the Duster platform, but has designed and styled the Kaptur along the lines of Renault’s existing small crossover, the Captur, giving the new crossover a similar-sounding name as well. Using the Captur platform, which is based on the Clio's smaller platform, would have resulted in an increase in costs.
Although the Kaptur's styling is similar to that of the Captur for European markets, it gets subtle differences like a more prominent front end with a large Renault logo, and a larger front bumper with LED daytime running lights. The side profile is sleek and the rounded styling continues all the way to the rear. It gets a large tailgate, LED tail-lamps and a prominent rear bumper with skid plates. The Kaptur will come with 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel options.
The Renault Kaptur (Codename: HHA) is 4,333mm long, 1,613mm high and 1,813mm wide which makes it slightly larger than the Captur crossover which is 4,122mm long, 1,567mm high and 1,778mm wide. It also gets a longer 2,674mm wheelbase as opposed to the Captur's 2,606mm. This points to greater space on the inside and enough room for a third row of seats that are very popular in emerging markets like Brazil, Russia and India where this model will be primarily sold. Sharing the platform has resulted in the Kaptur having almost similar dimensions as the Duster (L: 4,315mm, W: 1,822mm, H: 1,695mm, W/B: 2,673mm). The Kaptur has a boot space of 387 litres which expands to over 1,200 litres with seats folded.
However, according to company sources, the model headed to India won't be badged 'Kaptur'. It will be positioned above the Duster and will be built on a tight budget and Renault will ensure that the final product is delivered with decent quality materials at a competitive price, as seen on the Kwid.
This model will come with a slightly more powerful 1.5-litre diesel engine, while transmission choices could include five- and six-speed manuals and a six-speed AMT Easy-R single-clutch automatic. The Russian-spec model will come with optional AWD system which shares the independent rear suspension with the Duster 4X4. It will get a generous 204mm ground clearance which will be an added bonus when off-roading. In Russia, Renault will offer this model with a long list of personalisation options which includes as many as 19 paint shade combinations and add-ons for the interiors.
This model will come with a slightly more powerful 1.5-litre diesel engine, while transmission choices could include five- and six-speed manuals and a six-speed AMT Easy-R single-clutch automatic. The Russian-spec model will come with optional AWD system which shares the independent rear suspension with the Duster 4X4. It will get a generous 204mm ground clearance which will be an added bonus when off-roading. In Russia, Renault will offer this model with a long list of personalisation options which includes as many as 19 paint shade combinations and add-ons for the interiors.
The new Renault crossover will first hit showrooms in Russia, followed by markets like Brazil and India.