The Renault Captur, a concept car designed by Renault for the 2011 Geneva Motor Show held in March, is a crossover designed as a multi-use vehicle for a couple, able to carry luggage for road trips or serve as a commuter car.
The Captur is powered by a twin-turbo, 1.6L diesel engine along with a dual-clutch transmission.
According to its engineers, the engine produces 158 bhp (118 kW) and 280 lb·ft of torque, enabling the Captur to accelerate to 62 mph in 8.0 seconds, coupled with a top speed of 130 mph.
“Captur is a fun and sporty crossover, ideal for a young
couple about to discover the world.” — Laurens van den Acker, director of design
Renault tech data on the Captur said that its RX2 differential, a self-locking mechanical unit, is fitted to the front-wheel-drive system, allowing the crossover to transfer more power to the wheel with most grip.
The vehicle also is fitted with Renault’s Visio-System, a front-facing camera that monitors road conditions to provide driver assistance functions.
Seating up to four people, with two full-size rear seats that can be folded out from the interior side panels, the vehicles most stand-out design is the removable hardtop roof, allowing the carbon-fiber constructed Captur to be driven as a convertible.
According to Laurens van den Acker, director of design for Renault, the Captur evokes movement and lightness, yet
displays powerful and muscular all-terrain cues — corners and lines have given way to sensuous and natural forms.
For the exterior design, the main sources of inspiration were athletes and radical sports, with references to equipment such as helmets, gloves and other protective gear used in radical sports, combining high technology with sophistication and lightness.
“Captur can morph into a coupé or a convertible, go from an urban vehicle to an off-roader,” he said. “Its sporty appeal is underlined by its butterfly doors and big tires fitted to 22-inch black and white rims.”