India Bound: Renault Kaptur’s Production Commences In Russia

Renault’s recently revealed a crossover, the Kaptur, has entered production at its Moscow plant in Russia. The French car giant plans to export the car to neighbouring countries and a few others. Globally, it is expected to be launched around July-2016, however, the Kaptur can only make it to India post its Brazil launch in early 2017. When launched, the vehicle will sit above the Duster and will rival the likes of the Mahindra XUV500 and the upcoming Hyundai Tucson.

Aesthetically, the Kaptur is a rather sportier offering than what the Indian consumers are accustomed from Renault. Its major design cues includes the signature grille and headlamp layout (also available in the Koleos), with the lamps swept back more than usual, and a lower bumper with wide air-dam flanked by c-shaped LED DRLs. Moving to the sides, the use of body cladding on the bottom of the Kaptur’s body is synonymous with the crossover appeal. Another highlight is the rising window line, present towards the rear, which lends the Kaptur a darting forwards stance (similar to the Ford Fiesta). The rear seems raised-up, courtesy the high set tail lamps and a muscular rear bumper, which is finished off with a skid-plate (supposedly).

Insides of the Kaptur are inspired, or might I say? It is based on the Captur, which the Duster- with respect to size, and is designed for the European markets. The Kaptur, on the other hand, has been stretched by a few millimetres to supersede the Duster’s dimensions. The instrument cluster is a unique mix of a digital speedometer and a clock-type tachometer. The dash layout has been kept simple and uncluttered, with the central console featuring an infotainment unit. 

Underneath the bonnet, the Kaptur can feature a 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engine for the foreign markets, though, the Indian version could just get the 1.5-litre diesel motor from the Duster. However, the manufacturer can make it a bit more powerful in order to compensate the added weight.