Renault is introducing new powertrains for its hybrid-engined Captur and Symbioz models, along with some other mid-life upgrades for both cars.
What new engines are they getting?
The headline act here is a new full-hybrid powertrain, based around the same 1.8-litre petrol engine that recently made its debut in the new Dacia Bigster. It develops 160hp, up from 145hp in the old 1.6-litre hybrid.
That cuts the 0-100km/h time by a full second, but efficiency is also improved thanks to a larger 1.4kWh battery pack, which Renault claims saves five per cent in terms of fuel, and cuts the CO2 emissions to 97g/km.
The hybrid's unique gearbox - which uses four physical gears and two electric motors to achieve, effectively, infinite gearing - has also been updated and improved, and Renault claims that it now offers smoother shifting and an additional driving mode designed specifically for motorway use which “Reduces noise levels and improves responsiveness.”
The hybrid's maximum towing capacity has also gone up, from 750kg before to 1,000kg now.
You said engines, as in plural...
Oh yes, the Symbioz (but not the Captur) is now going to be available with an updated 1.3-litre mild-hybrid engine, which now develops 140hp.
It manages 5.8 litres per 100km on average, and has CO2 emissions of 133g/km. It now becomes the entry-level powertrain for the Symbioz range.
Any other updates to the SUVs?
Yup, there are some other small detail changes. All trim levels in the Captur line-up now feature an electric parking brake with auto-hold as standard. Adaptive cruise control with a speed limiter is now included on the mid-range Techno trim and above for all hybrid models, too.
The range-topping Esprit Alpine trim goes further, with lane centring, occupant safe exit, blind-spot recognition, rear detection with emergency lane keeping assist and rear cross-traffic alert all as standard. A new child locking function for the rear doors and windows is also included.
Irish prices and arrival dates for these new models have not yet been set, but orders are already open in some other European markets so they should be with us before too long.