Although this refreshed version of the Renault Captur may look very similar to the car it has replaced, with the same engines available, some subtle changes added for 2017 aim to lift quality and further cement its position in this ever-growing segment.

However slight, the styling updates bring the Captur more in line with its bigger brother, the Kadjar, and include a modified grille design, the firm’s C-shaped light signature and some new skid plates.

Inside retains many of the quirky features that made the previous Captur stand out, including the removable upholstery covers and large tablet-style infotainment system, while a variety of higher-grade materials and plastics have now been used to help improve cabin refinement.

There’s a new trim level added too, called Signature S, which incorporates advanced kit like hands-free parking and blind-spot monitoring, plus personalisation options have been improved thanks to new colours and interior combinations.

Interiorshot

Four engine choices are available in the UK including a 120hp 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel with either 90 or 110hp. The higher-powered diesel that we’re testing here is likely to be the biggest seller with the 120hp 1.2-litre petrol taking a close second.

With 110hp and 260Nm of torque there’s enough pulling power to accelerate from 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds, and although the car feels slightly underpowered at higher speeds, there’s more than enough low-down revs to make decent progress around the city.

On the road the car is comfortable and well suited to city living, while the light steering proved direct. Ride quality also seems well judged, although admittedly the Danish route we drove the car on didn’t quite have the ‘character’ of our UK roads, so we’ll have to wait until we driven it here to give a definitive verdict.

Sideshot

Although it’s not the most exciting car to drive, there’s a lot to like inside the revised Captur and the latest materials and detailing give the interior a noticeable uplift. It’s not perfect and there are still a few cheaper plastics lurking, but it’s a distinct improvement nonetheless.  

Headline figures are very good too with 98g/km of CO2 emitted officially and a combined consumption figure of 76.4mpg – very competitive against newer rivals. On the whole-life costs front, both the Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur are pretty evenly matched. Renault beats its French rival on residual values while the Nissan Juke remains surprisingly competitive despite the current model now being seven years old.

The infotainment system remains easy to use and most of the key controls around the cabin are simple to navigate around. It’s not as modern as some of its rivals’ systems, though, and the sat-nav feels clunky to use at times, while the position of the cruise control functions still seem ridiculous to me.

A few niggles aside, you’ve got a well-built and fairly refined cabin that is spacious too. This latest update doesn’t mess with the dimensions of the Captur, so like before, headroom will be fine for anyone under six foot in the rear, while legroom is good too. The boot at 377 litres will prove more than adequate for most small families and there’s a handy adjustable floor in case you need to hide items out of view. 

Rear

For a top-of-the-range car in this sector, a price of £22,970 is reasonable when you consider the amount of kit on offer.

Among the standard features on this Signature S Nav car is heated part-leather seats, seven-inch touchscreen and R-Link media system with reversing camera, blind spot monitoring, a premium Bose surround-sound system and hands-free parking, as well as other kit which is available across other levels in the range like sat-nav, climate control, Bluetooth, LED lights and parking sensors. 

Interestingly, Android Auto is offered as standard but not Apple CarPlay, and there are no current plans to introduce it either.

There’s a lot to like about the Captur: it looks good, has some pleasant road manners and comes generously equipped for the price tag. It’s not perfect, but it’s among the best in the sector and offers a stylish all-round package. But only opt for this top trim if you’re really going to get the benefit of the extra kit as it is on the expensive side.

P11D Price: £22,970
On sale: May 2017
Residual value: 33.5%
Depreciation: £15,270
Fuel: £4,302
Service, maintenance & repair: £1,976
Cost per mile: 49.8p
Fuel consumption: 76.4mpg
CO2 (BIK Band): 98g/km (21%)
BIK 20/40% per month: £80/£161
Boot space: 377 litres
Engine size/power: 1,498cc/110hp