I test drove the Renault Captur E Tech Hybrid and how it handles may surprise you

WHAT’S the best-selling Renault?

That would have to be Clio, you say.

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Non. It’s the Renault Captur.

The baby SUV that’s heavily based on Clio, so you were half right.

Now in its second generation, the discretely popular motor has fully eclipsed the somewhat sub-par driving characteristics of its predecessor.

It actually handles rather neatly now.

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But perhaps more crucially for its target market, it looks a damn sight better too.

With a notably more curvaceous aesthetic and some added chunk to its stance, there is no confusing it with the outgoing model.

Released initially in petrol and plug-in hybrid form only, this latest hybrid addition ­– generously electrified but no cable faffery – proves to be right on the sweet spot.

And it’s also somewhat of a rarity, with many of its direct rivals such as the VW T-Roc, Skoda Kamiq and Seat Arona still not offering a hybrid option.

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The Captur hybrid packs a 1.6-litre petrol engine, a 1.2kW battery and two electric motors which allow it to always start on 100 per cent electricity and, at the touch of a button, run briefly on demand as a pure EV if and while the battery reserves allow.

EXTRA POWER

It’s nice and quiet, too, for the vast majority of the time, only getting vocal when the naturally aspirated petrol engine is suddenly at full chat.

With three different drive modes and three levels of energy regeneration from the braking, it’s impressively customisable so you can eke the battery out a bit longer or tap into the electric motors’ extra power.

The Captur’s e-technology and fancy advanced automatic gearbox were actually engineered in partnership with the Alpine F1 race team.

But that’s not to say you’ll challenge Fernando Alonso behind the wheel, because you won’t.

Boot space is decent, nudging 440 litres by sliding the rear seats forward. A simple but hugely useful little feature.

Another neat touch is the floating centre console with a wireless phone charger nestled underneath it.

The updated line-up of trims begins with “Evolution” which features 17in alloys, keyless entry and a 7in iPad-style touchscreen, rising to “Techno” and then “R.S.Line” being the top-end choice with restyled bumpers, bigger wheels and even bigger touchscreen.

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The Captur hybrid costs £1,000 more than the similarly powered petrol-only Captur — and it’s nearly £5,000 cheaper than the plug-in hybrid.

You do the maths. It’s the one to go for.

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