Singapore –

As noted previously in the pages of CarBuyer, limited editions cars are hit and miss. It’s hard to describe the tipping point between overpriced extra-plaque-on-the-inside and Truly Special, but the large-ness of the price tag has a lot to do with it.

Ferrari and Rolls-Royce have done SG50 tie-ins, while Volvo did a convincing special edition with its Ocean Race XC60 earlier this year. Now Renault’s unveiled its own limited-edition of the well-received Captur small crossover.

Alarm bells go off when we find out it’s called the Flamme Edition (not pronounced ‘flammy’) which is French for ‘let’s paint the bits we like orange’. Of course if anyone else, besides Italians, did it, it wouldn’t be called style.

A bevvy of amber-coloured parts are strewn across the dark paintwork: The roof is orange, the wheels are orange, the fog-light surrounds are orange, one of the front grille louvres is orange, as are the side-mirror caps and body accent strip.

The inside has citrus motifs (colour and shape) on the steering wheel and seats, while more pumpkin-shaded bits can be found ringing the center console and air vents. The Flamme Edition (not pronounced ‘phlegm-y’) only comes in black or white, and this one is probably better for avoiding implications of ING sponsorship.

It sounds loud on paper, but isn’t terribly outre in real life as overall effect is rather more pleasing than expected and lends the Captur a bit more menace in a reverse-jack-o-lantern sort of way.

READ MORE: French style, off-road looks and compact size? Also consider the Citroen Cactus

Luckily there’s some real flame to back up the Flamme Edition (not pronounced ‘flim’), as this model also sees the debut of a petrol-powered model, with a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine. Compared to the modest entry-level diesel, it makes 32bhp more, although 30Nm less torque, for a total of 120bhp.

It’s similar, if not the same, as the 1,197cc DIG-T engine that powers the Nissan Qashqai (courtesy of the Renault-Nissan alliance). With more horses on tap, it runs out of puff far later than the diesel and accelerates respectably in and around town, while also being quieter at the same time.

The Captur still feels well sorted overall. It’s not the quietest around, but bumps hardly disturb occupants significantly and true to its Clio-based nature, it doesn’t even mind being man-handled quickly through twisty sections of road.

READ MORE: VW’s Polo is a conventional hatch, but it’s also a WRC-winning off-road demon in another life

That sense of fun is married with practicality – a decent rear bench, variable boot space, dual-load level floor and more. The 1.2 lacks the R-Link infotainment system with Arkamys hifi sound, as well as keyless entry.

No limited-edition would be complete without qualifying statements to follow and the Captur Flamme Edition (not pronounced ‘phlur-mee’) is no different: A ‘limited number’ of them will be made, after which there are no more 1.2s.

It makes little sense (what with parts support logistics and all) but ostensibly the 1.2-litre engine will also be in the new Clio, which CarBuyer understands will be launched in Singapore some time later this year.

Still, the best thing about this warmer Captur, is the fact that the price is exactly the same as the ‘budget’ diesel model.

Taking the new styling exercise alone, you might be tempted to write the Flamme (pronounced ‘flay-m’) Edition off as merely burnt umber lipstick on a kurobuta. But thanks to the turbocharged mighty mite engine and an identical price tag, it’s not just a Flamme show on the outside, but everywhere else too, no matter how you really pronounce it.

Renault Captur 1.2 Flamme Edition

Engine                                     1,197cc, 16V, inline 4, turbocharged

Power                                                120bhp at 4900rpm

Torque                                    190Nm at 2000rpm

Gearbox                                    6-speed dual-clutch

Top Speed                                    192km/h

0-100kmh                                    10.9 seconds

Fuel efficiency                        5.4L/100km

CO2                                                125g/km

Price                                                $113,999 with COE

Availability                                    Now

Also Consider: Citroen Cactus, Nissan Juke, VW Polo 1.2