Renault Captur (Kaptur) spotted in India for the first time [EXCLUSIVE]

Tipped to launch in H2 2017.

The Duster-based Renault Captur SUV has been spotted testing in India for the first time, courtesy of IAB readers Giftson Paul and Manaf Kareem. The Captur (called the 'Kaptur' in Russia) is tipped to launch in H2 2017, and rival top-end variants of the Hyundai Creta and Honda BR-V.

Codenamed HHA, the Captur's camouflage wrap tries to hide the Euro-spec Captur-inspired design which looks more contemporary and rounded than the rugged Duster. The model sold in Brazil measures 4,333 mm in length, 1,813 mm (excluding exterior mirrors) in width, 1,613 in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,674 mm.

Compared to the Duster, the Captur is 18 mm longer, but 9 mm narrower and 12 mm shorter. The 2,673 mm long wheelbase is identical to the Duster's. The Captur offers 387 litres of boot volume, which can be extended to 1,200 liters with the 60:40 split bench seats fully folded.

Under its hood would be the familiar 1.5-liter dCi four-cylinder diesel engine, with outputs around 110 PS and 245 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. Since it will be pitched as a premium offering, Renault could equip the smoother and quicker EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) gearbox instead of the low-cost Easy-R automated manual transmission (AMT) from the Duster. An AWD system is also likely to be offered in the range-topping variant.

Also Read: Renault Lodgy Stepway relaunched at INR 9.43 Lakhs

A petrol variant could also be in the cards, which packs the 1.6L SCe 4-cyl petrol engine, which could produce slightly more power than the Duster petrol's 104 PS output, also available with manual and automatic transmission options. The vehicle will be produced at the Renault-Nissan alliance plant in Oragadam, near Chennai.

The Captur en route to India differs largely from the European-spec Captur, and you can observe the differences between the models reading this story.