New Renault Captur PHEV (facelift) unveil expected in 2023 – Report

According to a French web report, the revised Renault Captur looks set to be revealed in late-2023. While it is majorly a facelift (new cosmetics), the interiors may change to keep up with current technologies, including 5G. Aside from the PHEV, the report on auto-moto.com says that there will also be a mild hybrid available.

Renault says more than 150,000 units of the Captur have been sold in the UK since its launch in 2013. The PHEV system’s responsive performance and low running costs, in addition to the new looks, would make the Captur appealing to more buyers who aren’t convinced about electric cars.

Design

The renders of the future Captur on Auto Moto showcase changes to the front and the rear while the sides feature changes to the rims. At the front, the render shows a new set of headlamps and redesigned DRLs that form a mild S shape flowing into the bumper. The grille, too, is slimmer and features LED strips at select intervals forming a dotted line to the logo, which itself is lit up.

The bumper sees a refresh with a large air dam and intakes on the side. At the rear, too, the bumper has been tweaked to look more offroad ready. While still similar to the current model, the tail lamps are connected by a strip with a lit-up Renault logo at the centre.

2020 Renault Captur PHEV interior
The 2023 Renault Captur PHEV is not expected to receive many changes to the interior. The cabin of the current Renault Captur E-Tech PHEV is shown for reference. Image: Renault

Interior

According to the report, there will be minor changes to the inside, especially given how Renault has already modernised its cockpit. The infotainment screen, however, could see more connectivity features and may introduce 5G connectivity. Renault could also throw in more autonomous features into the mix to add to its safety rating for the Captur.

Renault Captur PHEV

Auto-moto doesn’t say much about the specifications on the 2023 Captur. However, they suggest that Renault could convert the gasoline engines to mild hybrids with 12V or 48V systems.

The Renault Captur E-Tech PHEV is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine supplemented by two electric motors. The combined power output from the motors is 118 kW/160 PS. The thermal engine can churn out 144 Nm of torque while the electric motors produce 205 Nm. The PHEV gets a 9.8 kWh battery, giving the Captur an all-electric range of up to 31 miles. This, according to Renault’s press release, can be used for most urban commutes if charged regularly. Speaking of which, Renault supplies customers with a home wallbox that is capable of charging the car from 0-100 per cent in three hours.

2020 Renault Captur PHEV charging
The Renault Captur’s 9.8 kWh battery can be charged from zero to 100 per cent in three hours using a home wallbox. It remains to be seen if Renault can improve the electric driving range closer to 50 miles and add DC fast-charging support. Image: Renault

Price & Launch

The restyled Renault Captur PHEV is not expected to be unveiled at least till the end of 2023, and according to Automoto’s report, a full market launch can be expected in early 2024, tentatively placing the UK release in 2024. The report also suggests that the additional features and slight inflation could mean the Captur’s price would go up. In the UK, Renault launched the Captur Iconic E-Tech hybrid 145 Auto variant in June 2021 at £24,500. The PHEV is available in Iconic, S Edition and R.S Line trim levels.

Featured image: 2020 Renault Captur E-Tech PHEV