Renault will be launching a new crossover in India, named the Kaptur, in the month of October this year. The Renault Kaptur will likely be introduced a segment higher than the Duster. The automaker had revealed its plans to introduce the Kaptur in India last year, but hadn’t mentioned a specific timeline for the same.
While several media reports claim that Renault will likely replace the Duster with the Kaptur, we believe it would be a moronic decision to discontinue a popular nameplate. The Duster was Renault’s first shot at success in India and still enjoys a popular reputation in the segment. Replacing it with a completely new brand name will not only be confusing but also result in loss of all the prestige and image that has been formed under the Duster brand. Hence, we believe the Kaptur would instead be introduced at a slightly higher price tag, as compared to the Duster, with both of them selling alongside.
The Kaptur name might sound familiar to some of you auto enthusiasts. If you are unable to remember where you heard it first, let us help you out. Renault sells a crossover named the Captur in international markets like Brazil. While the Kaptur and Captur do have similar sounding names, the two cars are completely different. While the Captur is based on the Renault Clio hatchback’s platform, the India-bound Kaptur will underpin Renault’s MO platform, which is the same chassis on which the Duster is based. So expect the Kaptur to have similar dimensions, though it will get a more contemporary design.
So can Renault rewrite the Duster’s success story with the Kaptur? Let’s find out what all we know about the upcoming Renault car in India.
Renault Kaptur expected India launch
Renault will likely introduce the Kaptur crossover in India around this year’s festive season. Our sources at various Renault dealerships suggest that the Kaptur’s India launch will likely take place in the month of October 2017.
Renault Kaptur expected price in India
As we mentioned above, the Kaptur is expected to be priced slightly higher than the current Duster range. This will place it between the Duster and Lodgy and will avoid cannibalization of either of the products. Hence, we expect Renault to price the Kaptur in India from Rs. 11 lakh to Rs. 14 lakh.
| Variant | Expected Price |
| Base Model | Rs. 11 lakh |
| Top Model | Rs. 14 lakh |
Renault Kaptur Specifications
Renault hasn’t officially revealed specifications of the India-bound Kaptur. However, since it will be based on the Duster’s platform, it is safe to assume that the Kaptur’s specification sheet will include the existing engine options of the Duster. These include a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel. But since the Kaptur will be slightly heavier, we expect the engines to be retuned to suit the new car’s dynamics and power neeeds.
| Petrol | 1.6-litre |
| Diesel | 1.5-litre |
We will update this section as soon as more information about the Kaptur’s engine and gearbox options surfaces.
Renault Kaptur Dimensions
| Length | 4,333 mm |
| Width | 1,813 mm |
| Height | 1,613 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,674 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 204 mm |
| Boot space | 387 litres |