RENAULT has released its new Captur compact SUV in the UK and it's bigger and better in every way than its predecessor.

Priced from £17,595, the second generation of Renault's baby SUV is more refined, comes with state of the art technology and uses improved engines that deliver on all fronts.

We have just tried out the new Captur in mid-grade Iconic and top specification S Edition trim and powered by turbo petrol engines.

The Iconic model came with Renault's TCe 100 three cylinder engine and the S Edition had four cylinder 130ps block under the bonnet mated to a seven speed electronic auto box.

Both give the Captur a good turn of speed and are nicely economical with the 100ps engine rated at 47.1mpg at best and the auto coming in at 44.8 to the gallon. Emissions are 118 and 124g/km respectively.

Over similar routes we saw an average of 45mpg from the manual Captur although the automatic was noticeably thirstier returning 34.3mpg.

In Iconic trim, which comes with the likes of rear parking sensors, LED fog lamps and handsfree access the Captur costs from £19,095 while the higher grade S Edition came in at £23,395.

Performance figures are 0 to 60 in 13.3 seconds with a maximum of 107mph for the 1.0-litre 100ps engine and a livelier 9.6 seconds acceleration time for the 1.3-litre EDC automatic with 120mph at the top.

In reality there is little between the two in everyday conditions and while the larger engine is well at home when cruising the TCe 100 is up to the task - just needs to be worked harder.

Both handled well, were well insulated from outside noise and with either transmission felt most accomplished.

Where the new Captur scores is with its looks and practicality with an evolutionary take on its design that sees it more than four inches longer than the original model but still recognisable at a glance as a Captur.

All models in the new line up come with ultra-bright LED headlamps while the likes of wireless phone charging and semi-autonomous driving systems are among a series of option packs Renault is also offering.

Boot space - now helped by even more movement on the sliding back seats - is now 536 litres and that's up by some two suitcases more than before.

Factor in good sized door pockets all round, underfloor storage areas and a maximum capacity of 1,334 litres of space with the rear seats down and the new Captur is genuinely very family friendly.

The interior is a breath of fresh air compared to the previous model and now features a modern look to the dashboard which is centred on a seven-inch touchscreen which gives access to the onboard systems and is fully smartphone compatible.

Iconic grade includes sat nav while the S Edition versions have a larger 9.3-inch portrait-style display as well as a seven-inch instrument cluster screen which makes the cockpit a smart and completely connected environment.

The feel of the interior on the automatic models is further enhanced by a ‘floating' design around the gear lever with more space below on the centre console.

It is all very upmarket and classy and gives the Captur a feel which is ahead of the game on the current new car scene.

Renault plans to expand the power choices available on the new Captur and will have a higher powered 155ps automatic variant as well as two diesel offerings with either 95 or 115ps on tap which are said to be capable of 58.9mpg with a CO2 figure as low as 106g/km.

A plug-in hybrid is also slated for release later in the year and that will have a zero emission range of up to 28 miles at speeds of up to 83mph - a system Renault will also be offering in its latest Clio.