Fiat 500L Trekking and Renault Captur respond to current lifestyle. They are practical and versatile. They are part of a new urban tribe, which also takes advantage of leisure time. And to win over young audiences, playing different tricks.

The first thing to be clear is that we have two models aimed, above all, circular asphalt. Yes, they can be considered two hikers pocket, because ground clearance offers insights presented with some comfort in simple ways when a family wants to enjoy a day in the countryside. In the case of Trekking also has an advanced traction control (Traction +), which can be activated with a button next to the gear lever provided they do not exceed 30 km / h, and It helps to improve the response on slippery surfaces, with their type tires M + S (Mud + Snow, mud + snow), but no ability to move where would a model with all-wheel drive.

different sizes

There are also certain differences in concepts that mark significant distances between one another. For example, trekking 15 is longer than the Captur cm, but is also 11 cm high and 2 cm wider, an x-ray that shows its more familiar approach, looking for more space in the passenger compartment, opposite the mini-SUV Urban Renault, which has a sharper shape and aerodynamics, trying to captivate an audience with other inducements.

With such architectures, the Fiat 500L Trekking It offers a more spacious interior, more width in both rows of seats Behind the Renault Captur has 9 cm less to admit a third temporary, and a hollow leg less tight in the 2nd row and a larger trunk, which as measured by our Technical Center has 40 liters more luggage than the French model.

The scale does not cheat

But these important differences in the “armor” also imply a distance when passing through the scales nearly 150 kg, as we have seen when comparing the units tested. It’s like, starting, the 500L Trekking carry two passengers more than the Captur, thus it represents when accelerating, braking, cornering control inertias or save fuel, for example.

This time we have faced the Diesel automatic versions available in both ranges, the 500L Trekking 1.3 Multijet 85 hp Dualogic -the Italian is also offered with diesel engines of 105 and 120 hp, but with manually change and Renault Captur 1.5 dCi 90 hp-of EDC is currently no diesel engines more potentes-.

Although the difference in power and torque between them is not too much, there is decisive when analyzing the performance of both factors. On the one hand we have a different mass to be moved, with an engine and a full tank, the Fiat round ton and a half in order-fly; and on the other hand, we have the huge difference in response between the robotized Dualogic Trekking and EDC dual clutch Captur; Apart from the 200 cm3 separating both engines.

Much slower

Just take a look at the data recorded during acceleration or recovery “D” that simulates an overtaking maneuver, to see the great inequality that exists between the two. The Captur moves in a logical record for power level, and the phases of “optimum pickup” its automatic transmission reacts quickly and smoothly enough in jumping gear, providing quite pleased at the wheel. Trekking invests more 5.5 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km / h and is 6 seconds slower recovery of 80 to 120 km / h, a very poor record, confidence remaining at any time in which the driver required agility.

Even using the steering wheel paddles -in the Captur is a detail to improve because you do not have them-not greatly improves the response of the Dualogic box, freckle slowly breaks up eternalizes and software that has the slightest chance tends to seek a higher gear. And there is not the thing, because the system Stop&Start or respond quickly and, for example, leave a slope, waiting first to start the engine and then the change will react, it becomes eternal, with a consequent drop the car back despite having the system Help Hill Holder. Even There is parking maneuvers that become something exasperating, by the vagaries of the car, preventing be precise.

Although the 500L Trekking Point out important virtues in other sections, it is not acceptable that an automatic transmission available as an aspect to this review by Fiat- seriously, so clearly advise the traditional manual gearbox, with no it will be much faster, but allow the driver to feel more secure protagonist.

equaled consumption

And, for example, the Italian engine is quieter at idle than the French, and system Stop&Start helps you spend considerably less in town, but the biggest drag on the road takes its toll. The Captur does not carry Stop&Start in the EDC version, but has an “Eco” button that, when pressed, reduces torque delivery, softens throttle response and even change the operation of the air conditioning compressor, which also helps to save fuel. At the end, the actual average of both was around 5.3 l / 100 km.

In behavior, the racks of both, aided by generous tire ride, respond well, nobly strong reactions in support changes. Trekking direction is less direct and touch it less pleasant road, and although the Fiat leads discs in the rear and Renault is equipped with drums, braking distances are bright and Captur better than rival.

In the price / equipment there is minimal advantage Trekking, but not enough to recover the ground lost on other fronts already mentioned.