At the unveiling of the second generation Captur a
few months ago, Renault announced a plug-in hybrid variant that will follow
next year without divulging its specs.
However, according to AutomobileMagazine, it seems
that it will feature a 90 PS 1.6-liter petrol engine paired to
a 70 PS electric motor and a starter-alternator. Total output
should be around 160 PS, and the battery, with a confirmed
capacity of 9.8 kWh, will give it a range of 45 km at a maximum
speed of 135 km/h.
Those interested in Renault’s plug-in hybrid
subcompact SUV will reportedly have to wait until next spring, when it’s expected
to launch. In the meantime, they will have to settle for one of three petrol
and two diesel power units, with outputs ranging between 100 and 155 PS for the former, and 95 and 115 PS for
the latter. All variants of the new Captur are offered solely with front-wheel
drive.
This plug-in hybrid powertrain is thought to be
eventually adopted by the facelifted version of the Megane, which is already
undergoing testing. Furthermore, the second-gen Nissan Juke is believed to be a
good candidate for getting a PHEV variant as well, as it’s based on the same
CMF-B platform of the new Captur and Clio.