You know a car-maker is trying really hard to connect with young buyers when it purposely misspells the name of its new offering to grab maximum attention in the marketplace.

Renault is the latest in a long line of manufacturers content to rip up the dictionary, and its Captur – without an ‘e’ – enters an important and growing category, that of mini SUV.

Competing alongside the likes of Opel’s Mokka, Peugeot’s 2008, Nissan’s Juke and even Skoda’s Yeti, Renault’s Captur has to do more than simply look good to attract the attention of a savvy buying public.

There’s no avoiding the fact that the Captur does look good, though. Displaying elements of Clio alongside its high-rise hatchback stance, Renault’s mini SUV is offered in a bold and bright choice of exterior colours plus Mini-like contrasting shades for the roof, wheels and air intake frames. The end result is a car with the capacity to shame some of its more conservatively styled rivals.

It’s fair to say that the Captur can be categorised as a ‘high-rise’ Clio. The mini SUV’sfive-door hatchback layout certainly apes that of the conventional compact hatch, and in light of an increasing number of buyers downsizing from larger vehicles there’s a lot to be said for the Renault’s modest dimensions.

A fraction over four metres in length, the Captur is rooted in supermini territory. However, with a generous 200mm of ground clearance, in relative terms it towers over the Clios and Fiestas of this world.

The result is a lofty and, for an increasing number of buyers, desirable driving position plus the associated benefits of good, all-round visibility.

Factor in a wide-opening tailgate complete with a waist level load lip and reversible boot liner and you’ve got a package Renault hopes will tempt families out of their existing, conventional hatchbacks, estate cars and possibly larger, more costly to run SUVs and people carriers.

Certainly, on the cost of ownership front, Renault’s current plan on focusing on frugal, small-capacity petrol and diesel engines should find favour with cost-conscious motorists.

Low-fuel consumption and CO2 figures across the board are promoted, and there’s no doubt that for urban motoring the Captur’s 1.5-litre 90bhp diesel motor is more than capable and registers just 95g/km CO2. You might need to regularly shift down a gear on motorway inclines and if carrying a full load, but it’s never vocal or unrefined.

The same is true of the petrol alternatives, in that the real-world experience is surprisingly positive despite the lack of cubic cm on offer.

There’s no avoiding the fact that the Captur does look good

Turbo technology again features alongside an all new 1.2-litre, 120bhp motor, and like the diesel option, there’s the prospect of above average mpg in the real world. Combine this with the option of a slick-shifting dual clutch semi-auto gearbox on selected models and the Captur becomes a refreshingly easy- to-use-and-drive car.

For all the Captur’s neutral handling, accomplished ride and modest footprint, for many the real focus will be on the car’s practical elements. Being a tallish car, the Captur boasts a generous level of cabin headroom. There’s also plenty of legroom fore and aft, with the latter adjustable via a sliding rear bench so you can increase load space or legroom depending on your needs to a maximum of 215 mm of legroom.

Up front, there’s the now familiar fascia design first seen on the latest generation Clio featuring, depending on the model, a slick touchscreen incorporating audio and navigation functions.

Although the cabin plastics are hard to touch, this will likely prove attractive to families willing to place durability over plush, fancy-looking trim.

That said, like the Clio, Renault is pushing hard the concept of personalisation, and offers a wide choice of themed, interior colour combinations and designs in a bid to connect with young buyers. The end result can be just as striking as the car’s exterior and does much to lift the cabin’s ambience.

Generous standard equipment across the four model range – including a good spread of safety kit – completes what is an attractive package – visually and from a practical perspective.

Furthermore, the Captur can be had with a high-end audio and navigation system, Bluetooth phone and MP3 player connectivity plus removable and washable seat covers and a full keyless go option. With all this in its favour, it’s no wonder Renault has high hopes for its new baby.

At a glance

Engine
1.5-litre diesel unit developing 90bhp.

Top speed
106mph.

0-62MPH
12.6 seconds.

Economy
76.4mpg.

C02
95g/km.

Transmission
5-speed manual transmission as standard, driving the front wheels.