Early Popular Model of Domestic Compact SUVs
Returns as 2nd Generation Renault Capture After 7 Years
Stirring a Hit with XM3 and Joined by Capture
Renault's Diamond-Shaped 'Rojangju' Emblem Applied
[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] Following the success of the XM3 launched earlier this year, Renault Samsung Motors is set to dominate the compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) market by introducing the second-generation Renault Captur (photo) to the domestic market.
On the 13th, Renault Samsung held a launch event for the compact SUV Renault Captur at the Walkerhill Hotel in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, and officially began sales nationwide. Since the first-generation model was launched in 2013, the Captur has been a best-selling model, ranking first in the European compact SUV market for six consecutive years from 2014 to 2019.
In Korea, it first appeared under the name QM3 in 2013 and established itself as a key player that sparked the boom in the compact SUV market. At that time, it was a highly popular model, setting a record by selling out the initial 1,000 units within just seven minutes of pre-orders. Until 2013, the domestic compact SUV market was an undeveloped area with annual sales not exceeding 20,000 units. The role of QM3 in initially expanding the market share was instrumental in the market growing to 80,000 units in 2015 and further to 200,000 units last year.
In 2015, with QM3 achieving annual sales of 25,000 units, the automotive industry confirmed the potential of the compact SUV market. Subsequently, new models in this segment such as SsangYong Tivoli, Hyundai Venue, and Kia Seltos flooded the market, enabling it to grow to an annual scale of 200,000 units.
Returning as a completely redesigned model after seven years, the second-generation Captur is launched with upgraded design and platform, the latest specifications, and an added gasoline engine lineup. The Captur is an imported model produced at Renault’s plant in Spain and will be sold domestically under the Renault brand’s diamond-shaped "lozenge" emblem, removing Renault Samsung’s "Eye of the Typhoon" logo.
The design features an increase in length and width by 105mm and 20mm respectively compared to the previous generation QM3, and the wheelbase, which determines the interior space, has been extended by 35mm to 2640mm. It offers ample spaciousness while incorporating a stylish French design for a sophisticated feel. Notably, the center console is designed as a "flying console," giving the impression of floating in mid-air, enhancing design completeness and maximizing space utilization.
The powertrain lineup includes two options: the 'TCe 260 gasoline engine' and the '1.5 dCi diesel engine.' The TCe 260 gasoline engine, jointly developed by Renault and Daimler, delivers a combined fuel efficiency of 13.5 km/l, with a maximum output of 152 horsepower and peak torque of 26.0 kg·m. The 1.5 dCi diesel engine produces a maximum output of 116 horsepower, peak torque of 26.5 kg·m, and achieves a combined fuel efficiency of 17.7 km/l.
Additionally, the Captur is equipped with class-leading advanced safety features to enhance driving convenience and safety. The around-view monitor system, implemented with four cameras, is uniquely standard in the compact SUV segment. It also includes a 360˚ parking assist system, rear cross-traffic alert, distance warning, lane departure warning and prevention assist, and blind-spot warning system.
Convenience and safety features of the Captur are standard across trims without additional options. The diesel model’s Zen trim is priced at 24.13 million KRW, and the Intens trim at 26.62 million KRW. The gasoline model’s Intens trim is priced at 24.65 million KRW, and the Edition Paris at 27.48 million KRW. Kim Tae-jun, head of sales at Renault Samsung, stated, "With its stylish French design and class-leading smart features provided as standard, we expect the Captur to bring a fresh breeze to the domestic imported compact SUV market."
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