Renault wants to Captur market

Renault's Captur concept vehicle has provided inspiration for the new crossover design. Photo / File

The battle of the mid-sized crossovers is heating up with Renault adding a model while Peugeot, Audi, Mercedes and Lexus have hinted at adding to their fleets.

According to British publication Auto Express, Renault is adding a Nissan Juke-like model to its line up and will take its cues from its Captur concept from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Following the axing of the Koleos crossover and the paring down of its current range, Renault is looking to appeal to a new set of customers, just as Nissan has done with the Juke.

Like the Juke, the new model will be available with four-wheel drive in flagship form, but the vast majority of cars sold will be front-wheel drive.

The new crossover will share its engines with the Juke, too, including the top-of-the-range 1.6-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre turbo diesel.

The Juke-sized car is just one of three new Renaults on the way. The company is planning a new mid-sized model, based on the next-generation Nissan Qashqai, and an even larger car based on the upcoming Nissan X-Trail replacement. The latter was previewed at the recent Geneva Motor Show by the Hi-Cross concept.

Meanwhile, Peugeot has prioritised a 208-based SUV, to be named the 2008, over development of the hot GTI and CC cabrio versions of the car. Audi is also set to build on the success of the Q3 by launching its A1-based model called the Q1. Mercedes has confirmed an A-Class-based 4x4, while Land Rover and Lexus have hinted at forthcoming smaller crossovers.