I went to test drive the Capture today, feeling extremely excited about the new model which would have been my 8th Renault purchase. Following extensive research and a lengthy wait to see a physical model as opposed to the information on the website I attended the appoitment for the test drive - money in the bank ready for immediate purchase.
I can only say that I came away from the showroom totally deflated with a nagging feeling that Renault have cut corners to an extent that belittles expectations of a leading manufacturer.
1. For a 'cross over vehicle' with a roomier interior the back seats are only accommodating and comfortable for two adults, restricted space was disappointing and unfeasible for a comfortable rear seat 3 adult drive, bump on the rear upright for the central passenger which makes for an uncomfortable ride, seat width at least one inch short either side of the available rear space(?), headrests uncomfortable.
2. Rear seat totally unstable when passengers are entering or leaving the vehicle with one side tilting up or moving with any entry or exit. Although I imagine all safety standards have been adhered to the unusual movement of the rear seat is disconcerting and I was mindful that in a high impact accident I would not have faith that the unstable rear seat would not be unhinged and cause additional trauma.
3. Front driving and passenger seats - tiny!!! Ridiculously small even compared to my current Clio Dynamique. As a medium sized female I would hate to think how a larger male/female driver/passenger could have a comfortable ride especially on a long journey.
4. Definately ergonomically challenging to try and latch the seat belt into the holder if you are a larger person especially if the model has the central arm rest. Even if the arm rest is raised out of the way elbow space is restricted and easy seat belt access is made difficult.
4. Dashboard and door furniture very plastic and cheap looking along with a central seat console that has a similar low budget aesthetic.
5. Unsuitable boot space for animals. We have a dog who travels regularly in the boot of the car. If the dog is stowed in the boot without the platform board the rear seat handle is a danger and the dog could easily be injured with movement or a sudden braking. If the platform board is used on the higher level there is a 1 -2inch gap at the back of the board that a dog could easily get its leg stuck down during transit causing a potential broken leg - definately a health and safety hazard for an animal. Also this problem with the boot platform board could become difficult if your boot is full of heavy or large items and a small item stowed in the boot fell behind the gap ...... resulting in the whole boot having to be unpacked to retrieve the small item.
6. Cheap and unsuitable latch on the central driver arm rest - car was less than one week old in the showroom and already the plastic catch was broken - definately a money saving oversight and does not hold a longevity factor for a family car and it leaves open the expectation that similar locking devices in the car could also snap and be rendered useless.
7. For a family sized car the English version (right hand drive) gave very little space in the glove compartment due to European market electrics still being housed on the left hand side of the vehicle.
8. Rear seat magazine holders - I found the design unsightly and unsuitable and would look untidy if several items were stored as all would be on show and smaller items would fall out due to it not being a pocket type.
On the positive side I liked the new age dashboard furniture and especially the media tablet which is excellent and the removable/washable seat covers are superb. However as no other vehicle in the Renault range had all of the elements we required in one vehicle we have reluctantly gone elsewhere and will be purchasing a vehicle from another manufacturer.
I can only say that I came away from the showroom totally deflated with a nagging feeling that Renault have cut corners to an extent that belittles expectations of a leading manufacturer.
1. For a 'cross over vehicle' with a roomier interior the back seats are only accommodating and comfortable for two adults, restricted space was disappointing and unfeasible for a comfortable rear seat 3 adult drive, bump on the rear upright for the central passenger which makes for an uncomfortable ride, seat width at least one inch short either side of the available rear space(?), headrests uncomfortable.
2. Rear seat totally unstable when passengers are entering or leaving the vehicle with one side tilting up or moving with any entry or exit. Although I imagine all safety standards have been adhered to the unusual movement of the rear seat is disconcerting and I was mindful that in a high impact accident I would not have faith that the unstable rear seat would not be unhinged and cause additional trauma.
3. Front driving and passenger seats - tiny!!! Ridiculously small even compared to my current Clio Dynamique. As a medium sized female I would hate to think how a larger male/female driver/passenger could have a comfortable ride especially on a long journey.
4. Definately ergonomically challenging to try and latch the seat belt into the holder if you are a larger person especially if the model has the central arm rest. Even if the arm rest is raised out of the way elbow space is restricted and easy seat belt access is made difficult.
4. Dashboard and door furniture very plastic and cheap looking along with a central seat console that has a similar low budget aesthetic.
5. Unsuitable boot space for animals. We have a dog who travels regularly in the boot of the car. If the dog is stowed in the boot without the platform board the rear seat handle is a danger and the dog could easily be injured with movement or a sudden braking. If the platform board is used on the higher level there is a 1 -2inch gap at the back of the board that a dog could easily get its leg stuck down during transit causing a potential broken leg - definately a health and safety hazard for an animal. Also this problem with the boot platform board could become difficult if your boot is full of heavy or large items and a small item stowed in the boot fell behind the gap ...... resulting in the whole boot having to be unpacked to retrieve the small item.
6. Cheap and unsuitable latch on the central driver arm rest - car was less than one week old in the showroom and already the plastic catch was broken - definately a money saving oversight and does not hold a longevity factor for a family car and it leaves open the expectation that similar locking devices in the car could also snap and be rendered useless.
7. For a family sized car the English version (right hand drive) gave very little space in the glove compartment due to European market electrics still being housed on the left hand side of the vehicle.
8. Rear seat magazine holders - I found the design unsightly and unsuitable and would look untidy if several items were stored as all would be on show and smaller items would fall out due to it not being a pocket type.
On the positive side I liked the new age dashboard furniture and especially the media tablet which is excellent and the removable/washable seat covers are superb. However as no other vehicle in the Renault range had all of the elements we required in one vehicle we have reluctantly gone elsewhere and will be purchasing a vehicle from another manufacturer.
