A COUPLE of years into its life Renault has added a top-end special edition to its Captur range.
It brings into full-on crossover territory what is essential a pumped-up Clio.
It’s still a good-looking car, with looks borrowed heavily from the mightily attractive Clio, and offers an elevated driving position, more space inside and a bigger boot – so it’s a good option for families.
The Signature gets lower bumpers, painted grey, and 17in black diamond-cut alloys.
Inside, there are part-leather seats and red touches that add a sporty feel.
The Signature also gets the Extended Grip traction control system, which offers three modes – ‘roads’, ‘soft ground’ and ‘expert’ for those who need to tackle a bit of rough stuff.
It also gets the decent R-Link touchscreen system with sat nav, climate control, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, all of which are rather useful when you’ve got a car full of family.
Engine options include the Tce 90 petrol from the Clio, which I tested.
It’s not as lively in the Captur, predictably, and isn’t the lump I’d choose, although it does make good figures of 57mpg and 113g/km.
Thankfully, Renault has an answer, with the Tce 120 offering another 30hp – which is a lot in this context – and that’s a much better prospect.
Also a good prospect is the diesel, which gets emissions down to 95g/km and mpg up to 63.
I’ve driven it in an earlier version of the Captur and it’s peppy and lively enough for a fun, non-frustrating drive.
Space is good inside and the touchscreen system is fairly simple, but infinitely user-friendly.
Models lower down the range come with decent kit levels as well, with electric windows as standard, 16in alloy wheels and a USB socket.
Moving up, you get climate control, auto lights and wipers as well as the R-Link setup.
Whichever spec you go for you're going to get a good package, but if you can run to it you should definitely include the R-Link system.
The Signature adds plenty of value to the Captur range.
Models are priced from £14,295, with the Signature from £18,395.
Find out more at westovergroup.co.uk/renault
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