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Market and Model

From launch, there was a choice of two Captur E-TECH trim levels - 'S Edition' and 'Launch Edition'; think in terms of pricing in the £30,000-£31,000 bracket - which is similar to the sum being asked for rivals like PHEV versions of Kia's XCeed and Niro. Rivals like PHEV versions of Jeep's Renegade and MINI's Countryman look comparably priced too, but when specced to a comparable level as a Captur S Edition would cost several thousand more. A premium badged plug-in compact SUV like PHEV versions of the Mercedes GLA, the Volvo XC40 and the BMW X1 would cost £6,000-£8,000 more. Bear in mind though, that the self-charging HEV '145' hybrid version of the Captur prices from just £24,500 though.

Standard kit on the PHEV includes what Renault calls its 'Smart Cockpit', a key component of which is the 9.3-inch centre multimedia screen, the biggest ever on a Renault model. This vertical and subtly curved tablet visually enlarges the dashboard and lends the cabin a more contemporary feel. Turned towards the driver, this screen, with its EASY LINK connected system, comprises all the multimedia, navigation and infotainment features as well as the car's MULTI-SENSE driving settings.

Renault is offering 11 exterior colours and four contrasting roof finishes, which mean there are 90 different configurations for buyers to choose from. 'S Edition' trim gets you 17-inch Bahamas diamond cut alloy wheels, upholstery with part-synthetic leather trim, a wireless phone charger and a 10-inch TFT Driver information display screen in the instrument binnacle. There's also ambient lighting, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, auto high beam headlamps and an auto-dipping rear view mirror.

Cost of Ownership

We've already mentioned the 31 mile WLTP-rated all-electric driving range of this model: that rises to around 40 miles on the urban cycle. You can select an additional 'B' mode via the auto gearstick to increase regenerative braking energy harvesting. Like all PHEVs, this one can offer three-figure combined cycle economy (up to 188.3mpg) and a super-low CO2 emissions figure - in this case 34g/km. Which in turn will mean a far lower BiK tax rating (10%) than the one which would apply to a conventional petrol or diesel Captur. Enough to justify this PHEV model's price premium? That'll depend on your tax situation. Your first year VED payment will be £0. Charging time via a Type 2 (mode 3) cable is 3 hours - or 4 hours 15 mins from a domestic socket.

The E-TECH system's two electric motors are key to its efficiency. The first handles energy harvesting during braking and deceleration. The second serves as a starter to get the combustion-powered engine running and also supports Renault's innovative transmission system, developed from the brand's F1 racing experience. With no clutch, it handles the distribution of torque from different motors to the front wheels and optimizes energy output when changing gears. As for the warranty, that's good for up to four years or 100,000 miles. Years one and two are unlimited mileage. The PHEV system's battery has a separate 8 year/100,000 mile warranty.

Summary

As you'd expect from a brand that's been selling electrified vehicles for over a decade, Renault is well advanced with this technology and that shows with cars like this Captur E-TECH. It's one of twelve different hybrid-engined models the brand has developed and might well prove to be the most popular PHEV car the company makes.

There's no range anxiety, no curious styling, no confusing battery lease sums to grapple with. Just most of the advantages you'll want from electrified technology with few of the drawbacks you don't. It's not all rosy of course; there's quite a price premium to pay over a conventional petrol or diesel-engined Captur variant. And there'll be a few small practicality compromises to make. But if you can cope with that, then for the right kind of buyer, this right now might arguably be the most sensible compact SUV on the market.

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