CAR REVIEW: We drive the 'gorgeous' new Renault Captur

Renault punts its updated Captur as a compact and assertive SUV that stands out in every respect, and Melinda Ferguson would agree.

She loved both its looks and its performance.

The new Captur is available in three models: the entry-level Turbo Techno EDC, mid-range Turbo Iconic EDC and top-end Turbo Esprit Alpine EDC.

The car is powered by a 1.3L turbo petrol engine which delivers 113 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed EDC automatic transmission.

Ferguson notes that people tend to confuse it with the Renault Sandero but declares that the Captur is the classier car.

"The new Captur has this gorgeous redesigned front grille, new LED headlamps with very nice daytime running lights and then this reworked lower bumper."

She also loves the interior, which features a central 10.4" touchscreen and 7" digital driver display.

"This car, for me, captures some of the French flair that some of the Indian-made, more down-priced Renaults lack. This one is the real-deal Euro-spec."

The refreshed Captur edges into the R600 000 price range at the top end.

The entry-level Techno comes in at R515 999 and the mid-range Iconic at R544 999, while the top-of-the-range Esprit Alpine will set you back R614 999.

Ferguson rates the new Captur "a really good" 8 out of 10.

To listen to Melinda Ferguson in conversation with Sara-Jayne Makwala King on CapeTalk's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below - skip to 5:49 for the Renault Captur review