By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
As November fades into holiday mode, the motoring world usually slows down. Renault, however, wasn’t ready to call it a year. Instead, it made sure South Africans noticed the refreshed Captur, a stylish reminder that before the year ends, they might just deserve a new set of wheels on their own wish list. Last Monday morning led us to Vivari Hotel & Spa, one of the West’s best-kept secrets. This five-star retreat is rooted in nature, offering a calm, luxurious escape from the city. Lined up at the entrance were rows of Renault Capturs, perfectly at home in this serene, beautifully curated setting.
The Car
The Renault Captur stands out in the B-segment with its unmistakable French flair. Compact on the outside, it blends an athletic stance with striking lighting and sits confidently on new 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels. It’s well-balanced, good-looking, and naturally draws you in.
Inside, the Captur delivers on that promise. The cabin combines modern minimalism with clever, characterful touches that give it warmth and personality. The sporty ambience is paired with intuitive tech, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, centred around a crisp 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen.
Practicality hasn’t been overlooked either. Thoughtful storage solutions, such as the generous 7-litre glovebox and rear map pockets (depending on the version), make daily life easier. Add a high driving position and adaptable, comfortable interior, and the Captur proves itself a compact that’s easy to live with.
The Drive
After the presentations whetted our appetites, we were keen to get on the road and see what the Captur could really do. Our two-hour drive took in freeways, quiet back roads and some of the most scenic routes in Gauteng and the North West, including a stretch past Hartbeespoort Dam that instantly felt like holiday mode.
From the first pull-off, the Captur impressed. Acceleration on the freeway was effortless, with instant response and no engine strain, even when speeds crept up. We were warned to keep an eye on the speed limit — the quiet, refined cabin and smooth ride make it easy to forget how fast you’re going. It remained just as composed in stop-start traffic, feeling responsive, easy to drive and confidence-inspiring throughout.
The Verdict
After two hours on the road and conversations that drifted from national politics to family and everything in between, my co-driver and I were in agreement: the Captur ranks among the most impressive cars we’ve driven this year. Renault truly saved the best for last and closed 2025 with a bang.
- Renault Captur 1.3L Techno EDC R515 999
- Renault Captur 1.3L Iconic EDC R544 999
- Renault Captur 1.3L Esprit Alpine EDC R614 999
