It seems Renault's funky Captur concept that premiered in Geneva won't remain just another design study, as the French automaker is planning to build two production models inspired by the small crossover, according company insiders quoted by Autocar. The first version will be a small five-door crossover similar in size to the Nissan Juke, with which it will share the platform.
The other will be a three-door version with different design features – think of something in the likes of the three-door Range Rover Evoque, but on a smaller scale. The three-door version is rumored to feature a coupe-like body, which could be the first of its kind in this class and will represent Renault in the premium supermini segment, where it will compete with models like the Citroën DS3 and Mini Cooper.
According to the report, the deadline for the launch of the production versions is 2013 for the five-door model with the three-door model following shortly after.
Each Renault concept car revealed after the 2010 Paris Motor show illustrates a what the company describes as the “cycle of life”, with the Captur being inspired by the “explore” theme. The next design study will be a van inspired by the theme of “work” and hint at the next generation Kangoo. It is expected to debut at the Frankfurt auto show this autumn.
By Dan Mihalascu
