Renault Captur to Get Production Versions

It shocked the 2011 Geneva Auto Show, but in a pleasant way. The Captur concept was Renault's way of reminding everyone that, when it wants to, it can create breath-taking designs. And when it wants some more, it can also produce those breath-taking designs.

The latest rumor in the industry is that the Captur model presented this March will spawn not one, but two production models. According to Autocar, the two models will be a five door Nissan Juke-based model and the other a three-door coupe, reminiscent and rivaling the MINI Cooper and the Citroen DS3.

Provided the rumors are true, the two Captures will surely capture the imagination of many. Currently, Renault has nothing similar to the wacky Juke of partner Nissan to offer, nor does it have any Cooper or DS3 rival to throw into the battle. The launch dates of the new models are not known, but insiders say it's likely we'll see them on the streets within two years.

No big surprises are expected to pop out from under the hood of the models, as Renault has a healthy, reliable range of engines it uses successfully for some time now. Knowing the appetite the car maker has developed for EVs, it's likely such a power train would be offered as well.

For the concept presented in Geneva, Renault hinted to the use of the new Energy dCi 160 twin-turbo engine which, when coupled with a dual clutch EDC gearbox, produces 160 hp and a peak torque of 380 Nm.