Renault MODUS 1.2 16v RANGE
The Entry-Level
Renault Modus 1.2-Litre Offers A Stylish Option In The Bludgeoning Supermini MPV Market. Steve Ghosley Checks It Out
Theyve done it before, so can they do it again? Renault have a habit of creating new markets with innovatively designed cars like the Espace and Scenic so will they make it a hat trick with the chic looking Modus? If looks alone were the main criteria that made cars sell by the bucket load then Renault would certainly be on to a winner. Getting customers through the doors and cars onto the road is the main priority for a new car, so the entry-level model we look at here, the Modus 1.2-litre 16-valve, is Renaults chance to get the launch off to a flying start.
The Modus certainly looks the part resembling a slimmed down Espace and is far more interesting than the rather bland competition offered up by Vauxhalls Meriva and Peugeots 1007 models. From the front, the friendly face of the Modus is characterised by the large headlamp eyes that appear to have droopy eyebrows created by the wrap-over indicator lights and a big smile from the lower grille. At the rear the cars circular lights are a nice defining touch as is the now familiar rear Renault bustle, first seen on the latest Megane. But its not just the Moduss good looks that the entry-level 1.
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2-litre 16-valve buyer will be getting for their money. Being a very distinctly family-oriented vehicle the Modus is also the safest supermini currently available on the market having been the first model in its class to gain the coveted five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating. This also goes along way to ensuring that the Modus 1.2-litre 16-valve achieves a 2E Insurance rating, one of the lowest in its class.
The importance of this car to
Renault cannot be understated. Fully one-third of all cars sold in Europe hail from this small car segment and with both the Clio and Twingo models now looking rather old, Renault needed a fresh challenger. Only available in five-door guise, the Modus 1.2-litre 16-valve makes a convincing fist of things, especially when it comes to the vital first five seconds the period of time in which the majority of new car sales are either won or lost.
"Passive safety is impressive, reflecting Renaults strategy and expertise in this area."
The interior is exceptionally airy, the huge amount of glass up top and the low waistline brightening the cabin. The driving position feels more like a
mini-MPV than a conventional hatch and the centrally mounted instrument panel allows the designers to make a feature of the smooth sweep of the fascia, again giving a clean, minimalist look. The Modus 1.2-litre16-valve comes in two trim levels, the familiar Authentique and Expression styles.
The Authentique features tinted glass, fully reclining front seats, 60/40 split rear seats and an RDS radio/cassette with fingertip remote controls. With the Expression, additional features include front and rear reading lights, electrically operated and heated door mirrors, curtain airbags, an air recirculation facility and a single CD/RDS radio again with fingertip remote controls. The suspension of the Modus draws its inspiration from that of the Mégane II, itself one of the best riding cars in its class. Both its ride and road-handling aim to match best-in-class levels. The 1.2-litre 16-valve engine wont break any speed records with a 0-62mph achieved in 13.
5 seconds and a top speed of 101mph but then buyers of these cars arent in the market for out and out performance in terms of speed. They are generally more interested in the fuel comsumption figures and the Modus 1.2-litre 16-valve wont disappoint here either returning 47.1mpg on the combined cycle.
A 5-speed manual gearbox is also taken from the Mégane II, with gear ratios adapted for the Modus. Renault have also worked hard to ensure low noise levels and the Modus 1.2-litre 16-valve features more noise insulation material than any other direct rival. The Modus rear hatch can open much like a conventional hatchback (that is, hinged at the top) or the lower section can open using hinges at the bottom, thus making it easy to access the luggage bay in cramped conditions.
Should you ever get a puncture in the Modus, youll appreciate the sheer amount of design ingenuity in the way Renault have engineered the spare wheel system. No car in this class can cut it these days without generous safety provision and the Modus 1.2-litre 16-valve adopts a belt and braces philosophy. It benefits from Bosch 8.
0 anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist as standard. Buyers can also opt for a new-generation ESP electronic stability control with ASR traction control and if you go for the Expression trim, then an automatic tyre pressure monitor is also available. Passive safety is impressive, reflecting Renaults strategy and expertise in this area. The Modus structure includes numerous strengthened crumple zones, designed to work in harmony with the restraint mechanisms of Renault's third-generation System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3). Other safety features of the Modus are its six airbags including two adaptive front airbags and front safety belts with load limiters and double pretensioners. The Renault Modus 1.2-litre 16-valve may be just the ticket to keep the Valladolid factorys production lines churning out this cute supermini.
With the Modus, Renault would seem to have a winner on their hands providing they keep the pricing competitive and the specification up to the mark. The Modus 1.2-litre 16-valve offers a safe and economical entry into the stylish next generation of supermini MPVs.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Renault Modus 1.2-litre 16-valve
PRICES: £9,250-£9,650 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 2E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 145g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.2 16V] Max Speed 101mph / 0-62mph 13.5s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.2 16V] (Combined) 47.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front/side airbags, ABS, brakeforce distribution WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Height: 3792/1960/1589mm
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