The Renault Captur II 1.6 E-TECH Hybrid Multimode, produced from October 2020 to April 2024, represents Renault’s entry into the increasingly competitive compact crossover segment with a focus on fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Positioned as a mid-range offering within the Captur II lineup, it combined a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor and a unique multimode automatic transmission. This variant aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical, economical, and technologically advanced vehicle for urban and suburban driving. It’s a key model in Renault’s strategy to electrify its range, offering a stepping stone towards full electric vehicles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Captur |
| Generation | Captur II |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 (143 Hp) E-TECH Hybrid Multimode |
| Start of production | October, 2020 |
| End of production | April, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d Full |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.5 kg/Hp, 105.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.5 kg/Nm, 105.8 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 1.26 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Electric motor power | 49 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 205 Nm (151.2 lb.-ft.) |
| System power | 143 Hp |
| Power | 91 Hp @ 5600 rpm (106.21 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Power per litre | 56.9 Hp/l |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | H4M 632 |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 83.6 mm (3.29 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1361 kg (3000.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1898 kg (4184.37 lbs.) |
| Max load | 537 kg (1183.88 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 326 l (11.51 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1149 l (40.58 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 48 l (12.68 US gal | 10.56 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 715 kg (1576.31 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4227 mm (166.42 in.) |
| Width | 1797 mm (70.75 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2003 mm (78.86 in.) |
| Height | 1576 mm (62.05 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2639 mm (103.9 in.) |
| Front track | 1560 mm (61.42 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Front overhang | 876 mm (34.49 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 712 mm (28.03 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.1 m (36.42 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, automatic transmission Multimode |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 280×24 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 228.6 mm |
| Tires size | 215/60 R17 96 H; 215/55 R18 95 H |
| Wheel rims size | 17; 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Captur II 1.6 E-TECH Hybrid is the H4M 632 engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder naturally aspirated gasoline engine. This engine produces 91 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 144 Nm (106.21 lb-ft) of torque at 3200 rpm. It utilizes multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. Crucially, this engine is paired with two electric motors – a starter-generator and a main electric motor – and a 1.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The system operates in a unique manner, utilizing a ‘dog-gear’ style multimode automatic transmission. This transmission lacks a traditional torque converter, instead employing clutches to seamlessly blend power from the engine and electric motor. The electric motor contributes an additional 49 horsepower and 205 Nm (151.2 lb-ft) of torque. The combined system output is 143 horsepower.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.6 E-TECH Hybrid delivers a driving experience geared towards efficiency and smoothness rather than outright performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 10.1 seconds, and top speed is limited to 105.63 mph. The multimode transmission prioritizes fuel economy, often utilizing the electric motor for low-speed driving and assisting the gasoline engine during acceleration. The transitions between electric and gasoline power are generally seamless, though some drivers may notice the distinct shifts of the ‘dog-gear’ transmission. Compared to the more powerful gasoline variants of the Captur II, the 1.6 E-TECH Hybrid offers less spirited acceleration. However, it excels in urban environments, where the electric motor provides near-silent operation and reduced emissions. The gear ratios are optimized for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine can feel somewhat strained during highway overtaking maneuvers.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.6 E-TECH Hybrid was typically offered in mid-range trim levels, such as the ‘Iconic’ or ‘Edition’ variants, depending on the market. Standard equipment generally included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, and a suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning. Interior upholstery was typically fabric, with options for upgraded materials. Optional extras included a larger touchscreen display, a panoramic sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. The E-TECH Hybrid models often featured unique badging and interior trim elements to distinguish them from other Captur II variants.
Chassis & Braking
The Captur II 1.6 E-TECH Hybrid utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. The suspension setup is tuned for comfort and ride quality, prioritizing a smooth ride over sporty handling. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. The regenerative braking system, integrated with the hybrid powertrain, helps to recapture energy during deceleration, further enhancing fuel efficiency. Electric power steering provides light and precise steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Renault Captur II 1.6 E-TECH Hybrid was generally well-received by critics for its fuel efficiency and smooth driving experience. However, some reviewers noted the slightly underwhelming acceleration compared to more powerful Captur II models. Compared to the 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline variants, the E-TECH Hybrid offered significantly better fuel economy, particularly in urban driving conditions. Reliability reports have been generally positive, with the hybrid powertrain proving to be relatively robust. However, as with any hybrid vehicle, the battery pack and associated components require specialized maintenance.
Legacy
The Renault Captur II 1.6 E-TECH Hybrid played a significant role in Renault’s transition towards electrification. It demonstrated the viability of hybrid technology in the compact crossover segment and paved the way for the introduction of fully electric Captur models. On the used car market, these models are sought after by buyers prioritizing fuel economy and low running costs. The powertrain has proven to be reasonably reliable, although regular maintenance and battery health checks are essential. The Captur II 1.6 E-TECH Hybrid remains a practical and economical choice for those seeking a well-equipped and environmentally conscious compact crossover.
