Renault charges top dollar for its crossover Captur ‘RS Line’ treatment
Temptation and satisfaction weigh-in in equal measure with an RS Line addition to the Gallic crossover’s portfolio, highlights Iain Robertson, but it is with a heavy dose of ‘caveat emptor’ as ‘OTR’ delves into ‘OTT’ territory, especially for the plug-in variant.
It is not difficult to become attracted to the upmarket versions of fairly ordinary runabouts. Carmakers appreciate that potential buyers adore the magpie effect attached to enhanced trim levels and the sportier the better, even though the performance envelope may not necessarily follow suit. Renault is not new to the process, of which Ford could be described as a master and key influencer over the years.
While applying a smattering of ‘Sport’ stickers, which could be obtained readily from a local car accessory shop, can provide a minor emotional lift, completing the tactile transformation with seats, faux exhausts, faux carbon fibre detailing and a splash of chrome (or black) trim does more for the spirit and psychological status of the driver than might ever be imagined. Yet, playing the parts bins game needs to be handled with care, even though the real differential cost of the components is not as steep as perceptions would have them.
However, carmakers avoiding greed is a rare occurrence. Taking the perfectly rudimentary Captur crossover and giving it the RS Line treatment results in a profit-laden proposition for Renault, when you spot the price tags, which commence at a whopping £23,800 for the TCE90 that limps from 0-60mph in a very modest but noticeably slow 13.7s, topping out at a mere 104mph at a push, driving through the stock 6-speed manual gearbox. The situation is improved slightly in TCE140 trim but 0-60mph in 10.0s, even with a higher geared 122mph top speed, is not exactly gifting zip into the zap, especially with a £1,500 premium, to which can be added a 7-speed, twin-clutch automated-manual transmission for a further £1,600.
At the top of the enhanced tree is the scarily tagged PHEV alternative, which should possess immense appeal in today’s eco-conscious market, except that its 160bhp part-electrified combo cracks 60mph in around 9.8s, with a 107mph maximum velocity. To be fair, it does benefit from a low road tax CO2 rating of a mere 34g/km and a stated WLTP fuel economy figure of 188.2mpg but, priced at £32,695, the aim of closing the gap to a future all-electric variant is really little more than gross profiteering that will restrict sales objectives.
Yet, boasting a sound history of motorsporting achievements, Renault can delve into its well-earned bag of tricks, not least in the way it can describe some of the visible details, like the Formula One-style front blade low down on the more muscular bumper and finished in contrasting grey, complemented by a honeycomb grille and the distinctive standard-fit LED front headlamps that possess the firm’s C-shaped daytime running lamps signature, which is also echoed in the 3D-effect rear light clusters.
Elsewhere, a grey rear air diffuser, extra tinted rear windows, RS Line badges on the wings and tailgate, unique chrome side trim details and handsome 18.0-inch diameter ‘Le Castellet’ alloy wheels (named after the location of the infamous Paul Ricard racetrack, in the hills above Marseille) complete the athletic new look for greater on-road presence, finished off by the double chromed (but phoney) tailpipe elements and two-tone exterior paint job with contrasting roof panel.
The sportier elements continue within the cabin, starting with aluminium door sills that remind you of Renault Sport’s heritage and some of its more engaging models. Red stitching and red stripe details are found on the sporty seats with RS Line-specific upholstery, while the perforated leather steering wheel features red and grey stitching. Naturally, the quality is unquestionably excellent and not a stitch is out of place, which is a huge credit to Renault.
However, the theme continues with a red trim detail running across the width of the cabin through the slim air vents and set off by the fake carbon finish on the dashboard and black interior roof lining. Aluminium pedals, a frameless rear-view mirror and a centre console with either an e-shifter (on automated versions), or manual ‘stick’, complete the interior enhancements. The truth is, the transformation is entirely harmonious, as Renault strives to justify the ungodly prices it hopes to obtain, before consumer haggling starts.
The Captur RS Line features a generous level of standard equipment to make the experience notionally more engaging, markedly more comfortable and whole load more convenient. The latest 9.3-inch Easy Link touchscreen display that is angled towards the driver comes as standard, giving access to all car functions via its responsive portrait format. Featuring Bluetooth, DAB and USB connectivity, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functions, it is bang up to date and actually looks good.
All RS Line variants also benefit from the standard equipment of the other new model in the bolstered Captur range, the S Edition, which includes hands-free keycard, with keyless entry and start, front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic air conditioning, automatic lights and wipers, sliding rear bench seat, the practical and modular boot floor and Multi-Sense driving modes, complete with eight ambient lighting colours. However, to ensure the safest driving experience, a full suite of ADAS active systems is also part of the total kit. It is certainly action-packed in there, which does go someway towards amortising those exorbitant price tags.
Yet, RS Line and S Edition are not alone, as an SE Limited trim also joins the fray priced from a more reasonable £20,300 (TCE90; the TCE140 being £3,100 costlier), which still looks conspicuously overpriced for a crossover the size of a Captur. First deliveries of the RS Line derivatives commence in late summer but I do believe that unless some striking deals can be done, Renault will struggle with its appealing but sorely overpriced newcomer.
