The facelifted 2024 Renault Captur has been unveiled for the European market, featuring a host of tech and powertrain updates, as well as a few nip and tucks to keep styling fresh.

Now if it looks like a different Captur than what you’re used to seeing in Malaysia, that’s because it is. This new Captur you see here is the facelifted 2nd-generation model which was introduced in Europe in 2019. Malaysia – and a few other developing markets – still get the 1st-generation facelifted model that was first introduced in 2013.

Also read: Estranged families: Post-Ghosn era, Renault ends joint parts purchase deal with Nissan and Mitsubishi

As for the highlights the 2024 Captur’s powertrain has been streamlined to six engine options across petrol, diesel and LPG applications. Engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual, 7-speed DCT, or a new smart automatic ‘dog clutch’ gearbox in the case of the E-Tech full-hybrid 145 variant, but more on this later.

There are four turbocharged petrol engines – the smallest 1.0-litre TCE 3-cylinder outputs 90 PS, and three other 1.3-litre TCE turbocharged 4-cylinder engines with power outputs of 142 PS, 157 PS and 162 PS respectively. All diesel engines have been dropped as well, and in place is the 101 PS/160 Nm dual-fuel petrol/LPG variant.  

Most interestingly is the E-Tech full-hybrid 145 which replaces the pre-facelift E-Tech plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. Notably, the pre-facelift Captur was one of the few models in its class to offer a PHEV variant at the time.

The 2024 Captur E-Tech full hybrid 145 instead features a ‘series-parallel’ full hybrid system combining two electric motors (a 36 kW e-motor and an 18 kW starter generator) with a 1.6 L petrol engine and utilises a clutchless gearbox with multiple gear settings for better efficiency.

The E-Tech powertrain resembles Honda’s i-MMD (also 2-motor full hybrid) powertrain, producing 147 PS and 205 Nm.

The smart multi-mode dog clutch gearbox is actually clutchless. It has 4 gears for the petrol engine and 2 gears for the main electric motor. Energy efficiency is optimised by the 14 possible operating combinations of the combustion engine and the electric motor.

Renault claims that the E-Tech's powertrain is able to operate in all-electric mode for up to 80 percent of the time in the city and deliver up to 40 percent in fuel savings. 

In addition, the 2024 Captur still utilises MacPherson struts up front and torsion beam rear suspension but Renault claims the suspension geometry has been revised; the 162 PS variant and E-Tech full hybrid 145 get new shock absorbers.

Elsewhere, the 2024 Captur also receives a redesigned front bumper, grille and bonnet, contributing to more upright and macho look. New full LED headlights also come as standard now. Round the back, the taillights have been redesigned as well.

The interior sees an upgrade with the introduction of the Renault OpenR Link multimedia system, featuring the Android Automotive 12 operating system. The system utilises a 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen, offering access to Google services like Maps and Assistant, alongside a variety of apps to enhance the driving experience.

In terms of safety, the 2024 Captur’s ADAS features get new Traffic sign recognition with overspeed warning (OSP) and a new Hybrid Predictive Driving feature which optimizes electric energy usage by using connected mapping data to inform the battery management system about upcoming road conditions.

The 2024 Captur is produced at Renualt’s Valladolid plant in Spain for the European market; deliveries in Europe start this month.