In a surprising twist of automotive fate, the Renault Captur 2025 is set to make a grand entrance into the Australian market, going head-to-head with its own twin, the Mitsubishi ASX. This intriguing development marks a new chapter in the small SUV segment, promising to shake up the competition and offer Australian consumers more choices in the ever-popular crossover market.
The Return of the Captur
Renault Australia has confirmed that the facelifted Captur will grace Australian showrooms in the second half of 2025. This announcement comes after a brief hiatus for the nameplate in the local market, with the previous model selling out late last year. The return of the Captur is eagerly anticipated, as it has historically been one of the most popular models in Renault’s Australian lineup.
Glen Sealey, General Manager of Renault Australia, expressed enthusiasm about the Captur’s comeback, stating, “Dealers have been receiving constant enquiries from buyers asking when the new model is due here.” This level of interest suggests that the Captur has maintained a loyal following despite its temporary absence from the market.
A Fresh Face and New Features (Renault Captur 2025)
The 2025 Captur isn’t just a rehash of its predecessor. This facelifted model brings a host of updates that promise to elevate the driving experience and keep it competitive in the rapidly evolving small SUV segment.
Exterior Updates
The new Captur sports refreshed front and rear styling, giving it a more modern and dynamic appearance. While specific details are yet to be revealed for the Australian market, European models showcase sleeker LED headlights, a revised grille design, and updated bumpers that contribute to a more sophisticated look.
Interior and Technology Upgrades
Inside, the Captur receives a significant technology boost with the introduction of the new OpenR Link infotainment system. This system features:
- A larger 10.4-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen (up from 9.3 inches)
- Google built-in, allowing for seamless integration of Google Maps and Google Assistant
- Both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster capable of displaying navigation information
These upgrades position the Captur as a tech-savvy option in its class, appealing to buyers who prioritize connectivity and modern infotainment features.
Enhanced Driving Dynamics
Renault claims to have made several improvements to the Captur’s driving characteristics. These include:
- Revised suspension geometry
- Updated “force-velocity characteristics” of the shock absorbers
- Tweaked power steering calibration
The French automaker asserts that these changes result in improved body control and “significantly increased driving pleasure,” suggesting a more engaging driving experience for the 2025 model.
Safety Enhancements
Safety hasn’t been overlooked in the update. The new Captur includes:
- Intelligent speed limit assist (now required in Europe)
- A customizable ‘My Safety Switch’ on the steering wheel, allowing drivers to activate or deactivate certain driver assist settings simultaneously
These additions complement the Captur’s existing suite of safety features, ensuring it meets the latest standards and consumer expectations.
Powertrain Options and Performance
While specific powertrain details for the Australian market are yet to be confirmed, the European Captur offers a range of options that could make their way Down Under:
- A mild-hybrid 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine
- A full hybrid powertrain
- A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant
The previous model sold in Australia was equipped with a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 113kW of power and 270Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It remains to be seen whether this powertrain will carry over or if Renault will introduce more electrified options to the Australian lineup.
Pricing and Positioning
Renault Australia has yet to release pricing information for the 2025 Captur. However, the pre-update model was priced from $33,000 to $39,500 before on-road costs. Given the extensive updates and potential new powertrain options, a slight price increase wouldn’t be surprising.
The Captur will slot into Renault’s Australian SUV lineup below the related Arkana and the larger, aging Koleos. This positioning aims to capture buyers looking for a compact, city-friendly SUV with European flair.
The Mitsubishi ASX Connection (Renault Captur 2025)
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the 2025 Captur’s Australian launch is its relationship with the new Mitsubishi ASX. In a unique twist, the second-generation Mitsubishi ASX, also due for release in 2025, is essentially a rebadged version of the Renault Captur.
This situation arises from the alliance between Renault, Nissan, and Mitsubishi, which allows for platform and technology sharing among the brands. While the two vehicles will share underpinnings and many features, they’re likely to have distinct styling cues and potentially different trim levels to cater to their respective brand identities.
The competition between these twins will be fascinating to watch. Mitsubishi has a wider dealer network and stronger brand recognition in Australia, particularly with the ASX nameplate. However, Renault’s European cachet and the Captur’s established presence in the market could make for an interesting sales battle.
Market Impact and Consumer Choice
The arrival of the facelifted Renault Captur and its Mitsubishi ASX twin is set to inject new life into the small SUV segment in Australia. This category is fiercely competitive, with popular models like the Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota Yaris Cross vying for market share.
The Captur’s European design, updated technology, and potential hybrid powertrains could appeal to buyers looking for something different from the usual Japanese and Korean offerings. Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi ASX, with its familiar nameplate and potentially more competitive pricing, might attract those seeking reliability and value.
This dual-pronged approach from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance could potentially capture a larger slice of the market, offering consumers two flavors of essentially the same vehicle. It also raises questions about how other manufacturers might respond to maintain their market positions.
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Looking Ahead (Renault Captur 2025)
As we approach the launch of the 2025 Renault Captur in Australia, several questions remain:
- Will Renault introduce hybrid powertrains to the Australian Captur lineup?
- How will the pricing and specifications differ between the Renault Captur and Mitsubishi ASX?
- Can the Captur carve out a significant niche in the crowded small SUV market?
What’s clear is that the small SUV segment in Australia is set for an exciting shake-up. The 2025 Renault Captur, with its fresh styling, updated technology, and potential for electrified powertrains, is poised to make a strong impression. Whether it’s chosen with a Renault badge or a Mitsubishi one, Australian consumers stand to benefit from increased choice and competition in this popular vehicle category.
As we await further details and the eventual launch, the 2025 Renault Captur represents not just a new model, but a fascinating case study in brand collaboration and market strategy in the automotive industry.