India Bound: Renault Teases Kaptur!
So, Renault was cooking up a new crossover/SUV for emerging markets! With the rumours coming true, the French automaker has teased its new car which is likely to sit above the Duster in the said markets. It is christened the 'Kaptur', and will have its world premiere in a couple of weeks, in Russia. It is expected to be launched next year in India and its arch-rival will be the Mahindra XUV500, since the car is reportedly a seven-seater.
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Update: Renault has now officially revealed the India bound Kaptur.
So, Renault was cooking up a new crossover/SUV for emerging markets! With the rumours coming true, the French automaker has teased its new car which is likely to sit above the Duster in the said markets. It is christened the 'Kaptur', and will have its world premiere in a couple of weeks, in Russia. It is expected to be launched next year in India and its arch-rival will be the Mahindra XUV500, since the car is reportedly a seven-seater.
Design, Platform and Cabin
The Kaptur is said to be based on the Duster's platform, instead of the Captur, with which it will share its design and name! As the Duster's platform has been localised in the markets, this vehicle is entitled to make an appearance. As seen in the teaser image, the overall silhouette will be similar to that of the original European Captur. The headlights, taillamps, grille and digital instrument cluster, along with the contrasting roof, are among several features that will make the vehicle resemble its European counterpart. With a similar layout, the interiors are expected to be carried from the Captur as well. Lower variants will feature the MediaNav system from the Duster, while higher variants might showcase the Renault premium R-Link infotainment system.
Engines
Nothing has been revealed by the French automaker’s Russian counterpart but we expect the Kaptur to borrow its engines – similar to the Duster's – from the Captur. For Indian roads, the Kaptur is likely to be powered by a 1.5-litre dCi turbo diesel – 110PS version.
In Europe, Renault also offers a less powerful version of the diesel, similar to what it offers with the Duster in India (85 PS version – 85 PS/ 200 Nm). However, unlike the Duster, it is slightly more powerful (90 hp) and offers more torque (220 Nm). Even the 110 PS version is slightly torquier in Europe (260 Nm), as compared to the India version (245 Nm). It will also offer an all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup. In India, the diesel variant is likely to be 110 PS and Renault will offer an automatic option with its 6-speed EDC (efficient dual-clutch) transmission. This automatic gearbox was reported to be costlier and so the Duster facelift received an AMT gearbox. Renault might just be saving it for Kaptur in India!
Petrol can be a whole new engine altogether – Renault’s TCe 120 – 1.2l turbocharged motor. It produces 120 hp and 205 Nm of max torque. The overall weight of the Kaptur will be in the vicinity of the Duster’s, since they share the platform. These engines, if offered, will make the Kaptur a decent performer in its segment.
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