Clash Of Segments: Renault Captur vs Tata Nexon - Which SUV To Buy?

Modified On May 11, 2018 08:13 PM By Dhruv Attri for Tata Nexon 2017-2020

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Does the top-end Nexon make more sense than the entry-level Captur?

From the outset, let us clarify that the Tata Nexon and Renault Captur are not natural rivals. While the Nexon is a sub-4-metre SUV, the Captur is bigger and belongs to a segment above. There is significant difference in the prices of the two SUVs as well. So, if you’re considering the Nexon, especially one of its top-spec variants, does it make sense to stretch your budget and get the bigger, more premium Captur? Let’s find out.

Tata Nexon Top Variant Prices

XZ+ Petrol (Manual) Dual-Tone: Rs 9.01 lakh

XZ+ Diesel (Manual) Dual-Tone: Rs 9.89 lakh

Renault Captur Base Variant Prices

Captur RXE Manual Petrol: Rs 9.99 lakh (Rs 98,000 more)

Captur RXE Manual Diesel: Rs 11.14 lakh (Rs 1.25 lakh more)

Major Differences

Renault Captur	Tata Nexon
Bigger overall: The Captur is bigger than the Nexon and it offers slightly better cabin space. The Captur’s 392-litre boot has 42 litres of additional storage volume over the Nexon’s.	Compact, for the city: The Nexon’s is more compact dimensions compared to the Captur and it should make it be easier to drive/park in the city. There’s not much difference in the ride height. At 209mm, the Nexon’s ground clearance is comparable to those of bigger SUVs. Also, it’s only 1mm lower than the Captur’s.
No automatic on offer: The Captur is available with both petrol and diesel engines. However, both the engines are available with a manual transmission only.	Choice of powertrain: Tata launched the Nexon with a petrol and a diesel engine, but the carmaker later added an automatic transmission to the mix. Both the engines on the Nexon can now be had with an AMT.
The Captur is a natural rival to the Hyundai Creta, Jeep Compass and the Mahindra XUV500.	The Tata Nexon takes on sub-4-metre SUVs such as the Ford EcoSport, Maruti Vitara Brezza and the Honda WR-V.

Renault Captur RXE Vs Tata Nexon XZ+ Dual Tone: Features Comparison

Features:

Takeaway

Since we have compared the base variant of the Captur with the top variant of the Nexon, we were expecting the latter to be more feature-rich and yet affordable. And, it didn’t disappoint. In addition to the Captur RXE’s features, the Nexon XZ+ gets a touchscreen system with parking camera and rear sensors, fog lamps, alloy wheels and more storage spaces. The Captur RXE is also more expensive than the Nexon XZ+ by Rs 98,000 for the petrol-manual and Rs 1.25 lakh for the diesel-manual, respectively.

Verdict: Which Car To Buy Then?

Why Buy Tata Nexon

It’s cheaper: A price saving of Rs 1 lakh is significant. Plus you get a top-end fully loaded variant as opposed to the Captur’s base variant which is well equipped but has fewer features than the Tata.
Compact dimensions: Can be slightly easier to maneuver and park in the city.
Looks: Design is attractive but polarising. Top-end variant also gets dual-tone exterior colour options and alloy wheels.
Features: The Tata Nexon comes with floating touchscreen infotainment, umbrella holders in front doors, 1-litre bottle holders on all four doors, sliding central storage, and a wearable key, that’s missing on the Captur.
Powertrain options: Looking for an automatic SUV? Between the Captur and the Nexon, only the Tata offers an AMT with both engine options.

Why Buy Renault Captur

Looks: The Captur’s European crossover-like styling looks stunning and gives it a premium SUV vibe. Also, albeit in a backhanded way, fewer Capturs on the road will give you a sense of exclusivity.
Spacious: The Captur offers more legroom and under-thigh support than the Nexon and a wider rear seat, making it more suitable for the chauffeur-driven. It also has a bigger boot so you can pack more luggage.
Better Performance: Our test figures reveal that the Captur diesel, despite its lower output, performs slightly better than the Nexon.

Which of these SUVs makes more sense to you and why. Let us know in the comments section below.