Launch of the Captur could lead to more sporting variants, as well as similar cars in different segments
A three-door coupé version of the Renault Captur is likely to be produced if the launch of the five-door is a success, according to Renault's head of design Laurens van den Acker – and a more focused Renaultsport version of that car is also possible.
The heavily stylised crossover moves Renault into the mainstream crossover market, and insiders admit that it is likely to be joined by larger and smaller crossovers in the near future as sales of such vehicles are booming.
"For the moment we must concentrate on the mainstream – creating the cars that will attract volume sales is the sensible thing," said van den Acker. "But one day I hope to do a three-door version of the Captur. Speaking as a designer and not a product planner, then I can say too that a Renaultsport version of that car would also be special. It is something that I have given a lot of thought to."
In addition, Renault bosses are said to be mulling the future of the next-generation Espace, and in particular whether to switch its practical, load-carrying format to into a large crossover body style.
Renault's product line-up boss Tom Lane said, "It’s a discussion. We need to decide what to do with Espace, and if we change direction with it whether to keep the Espace name. I cannot imagine just redoing the current Espace – that market is shrinking rapidly. As yet, though, there's no decision."