Skip advert
Advertisement

Renault Captur automatic (EDC) 2014 review

Does this twin-clutch gearbox work better in 2014 Renault Captur automatic than in the Clio?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,896 off RRP*
Find your Renault Captur
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The Renault Captur automatic is a spacious and good-looking crossover. It’s not especially exciting, but it’s at least simple to drive. This should be enhanced by the EDC gearbox, but its poor responses frustrate, while the grabby brakes only make matters worse. The higher-powered petrol engine is smooth, although there are better models in the range.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Renault’s EDC dual-clutch gearbox was disappointing in the Renault Clio RS. So is it a better fit in the Renault Captur crossover?

• Full Renault Captur review

Unlike the hot Clio, you can have your Captur in manual or automatic form. However, if you prefer petrol power, the EDC comes with the 118bhp 1.2-litre engine, while the manual is fitted solely to the 89bhp 900cc version.

Off the line, it doesn’t matter if you press the throttle softly or aggressively, the Captur never seems to engage first gear fast enough, or get off the line without jerking forward, which is annoying in stop-start traffic.

The gears shift more smoothly once you’re up and running, but the box is slow to react if you want it to kick down so you can overtake a slower vehicle.

Renault Clio and Captur range updates

The brakes lack finesse, too. While the pedal has a long travel, the brakes only respond once you’ve pressed it half way. And when they do apply, they’re really grabby, so it’s hard to make a smooth stop.

Still, the Captur remains a good-looking car - the Captur isn’t quite as handsome as the Clio, but it’s easier on the eye than a Nissan Juke - and the high driving position is a bonus, even if the thick A-pillars restrict your view at junctions. And while the ride is firm over low-speed bumps, the engine is smooth and quiet.

It’s hard to look beyond the dual-clutch box and poor tuning of the brakes – they make this version hard to recommend. This EDC gearbox came in for some stick in the hot Renaultsport Clio, and it’s no better in the Captur.

• Renault Clio RS review

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Captur

Renault Captur

RRP £19,420Avg. savings £2,896 off RRP*Used from £6,995
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £8,595
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025