Renault chases crossover market

Renault Captur debuting in March at the Geneva Motor Show, will offer space and agility. Photo / Supplied

Renault is the latest marque to outline plans for joining the small urban crossover segment.

The French marque has announced its new Captur model, which it says will deliver the styling and driving position of an SUV, the cabin space and modular interior of an MPV, and drive with the agility of a compact hatchback - all within a compact overall length of 4.12 metres.

The Captur will compete in the same market as the upcoming Ford EcoSport and Peugeot 2008 as well as the Nissan Juke.

Evolving from a 2011 motor show concept using the Captur name, the production version uses the Renault Nissan Alliance B-platform (in common with the Clio III and Nissan Juke) and introduces the latest step in Renault's design offensive, under the leadership of Laurens Van den Acker.

The production car takes its inspiration from the Captur concept car.

It boasts compact dimensions, raised ground clearance, wide wheels and sill guards and will be easy to customise.

Renault Captur also boasts the appointments and comfort refinements expected of an MPV, such as a raised driving position, large boot, modular interior and innovative stowage solutions.

Petrol and diesel engines will be available with the latest Renault technologies and will return CO2 emissions starting from as low as 96g/km.

The Captur will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.