Renault is debuting the E-Tech hybrid versions of the new Clio and Captur subcompacts at the Brussels Motor Show (January 10-19) in Belgium. Though both are labeled E-Tech, the Clio gets a classic hybrid setup while the Captur adopts a plug-in hybrid system. Obviously, the electrified powertrains help limit CO2 emissions and fuel consumption while giving buyers a sample of the EV driving experience.
The Captur E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid is able to drive in pure electric mode for 50 km in mixed use (WLTP) and 65 km in urban use (WLTP City), with a top speed of 135 km/h in EV mode. That’s made possible by a 9.8 kWh battery pack (400V) that works together with two electric motors, a new-generation 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a multi-mode clutch less hybrid gearbox.
One of the electric motors is an HSG (High-Voltage Starter Generator), while the other is a “powerful e-motor” with an undisclosed output. Renault says the association of both electric motors and the F1-inspired gearbox is optimized to deliver smooth gear changes. Furthermore, the clutch-free gearbox allows for a 100-percent electric start handled by the primary electric motor. Equipped with the plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Captur E-Tech is expected to average 188 mpg (1.5 l/100 km / 156.8 mpg US) and emit about 34 grams of CO2/km in the mixed cycle – obviously with maximum use of the electric motor.
The new Captur E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid features a dedicated ‘Pure’ Multi-Sense driving mode which allows for all-electric driving, as well as a special feature available in Multi-Sense ‘Sport’ mode. When the battery has enough charge and the accelerator pedal is fully depressed, the electric motors and the gasoline engine work together thanks to the series-parallel architecture.
This unleashes the powertrain’s full potential, helping during overtaking maneuvers, for example. There’s also a feature called ‘E-Save’ which limits the use of the electric motor and draws power from the combustion motor to save battery power for later. As for the Clio E-Tech Hybrid, it uses a similar setup as the Captur E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid with the main difference, apart from it being a conventional hybrid and not a PHEV, being the smaller 1.2 kWh battery (230V). Combined with regenerative braking and battery regeneration while slowing, it is said to enable up to 80% of urban driving time in 100% electric mode.
As a result, fuel consumption drops by up to 40 percent in the urban cycle compared with an internal combustion engine. The Clio E-Tech emits under 100 g/km CO2 (WLTP) and can reach 70-75 km/h in all-electric mode. Besides the battery, another difference between the two hybrids is the system power: 140 PS in the Clio versus 160 PS in the Captur. Renault doesn’t say it explicitly but the difference is likely made by the main electric motor. Both models feature subtle styling tweaks that differentiate them from regular versions, as well as superior equipment.
Renault’s hybrid vehicle lineup will soon be expanded with the Megane E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid. By 2022, the French automaker plans to ramp-up its electric range with eight fully electric models and 12 electrified models (hybrid and plug-in hybrids).
