Renault Clio E-Tech and Captur E-Tech Plug-In: this is what the new hybrids from the French brand look like

Renault continues moving towards this new era of mobility with two of its star products: the Clio and the Captur. The diamond brand revolutionised the segment with the arrival of the latest generation of both models, and it wants to do so again with two new versions that could prove genuinely interesting. These are powered by hybrid drivetrains and aim to offer an alternative to 100% electric vehicles without sacrificing considerable fuel savings and much less harmful CO2 emissions for the environment.

From the outset, Renault developed both the new Clio and the new Captur with a view to introducing a hybrid and even an electric version. As promised, here is one of the first steps taken by the French firm towards this new era of mobility, which will be well underway by 2022 with eight 100% electric models and twelve electrified ones (hybrids and plug-in hybrids).

For now, the Renault Clio E-Tech uses a traditional hybrid system, meaning it combines a combustion engine and an electric motor, albeit with certain nuances. This is because the French supermini uses a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre combustion engine which, with the help of a starter-generator and an electric motor, is capable of producing 140 CV.

The presence of a 1.2 kWh lithium-ion battery allows the Clio E-Tech to run in 100% electric mode for certain periods of time. The case of the Captur is somewhat different due to its plug-in hybrid status, although the petrol engine remains the same, a naturally aspirated four-cylinder 1.6. The difference lies in the fact that two electric motors now assist the French SUV, paired with a four-speed gearbox without a clutch.

In this context, we find a Renault Captur capable of producing 160 CV, with an electric-only range of 50 kilometres according to the WLTP cycle. At the same time, this mode allows a top speed of 135 km/h, but the diamond-badged SUV offers two more driving modes to meet the needs of its users.

In addition to “Pure” mode, which runs the electric motor exclusively, there is also “Sport”, which makes all three powertrains work together. Finally, we should highlight “E-Save” mode which, as its name suggests, is designed to conserve battery energy, ideal when driving in areas where we will make more intensive use of the electric motor.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

CrossoverRenault Captur26 versions · from 22,900 €

HatchbackRenault Clio20 versions · from 16,390 €