Renault MODUS
Renaults Clio is one of Britains favourite superminis, so a more versatile design based on the same platform has to make sense doesnt it? June Neary checks out the
Renault Modus
Can a supermini really translate into some kind of MPV? At first I was more than a little sceptical. Yes, Id seen the hype on the new Renault Modus were looking at here but I was still unconvinced that a car this small could offer anything that a slightly larger family hatchback couldnt. The rounded shape I could get on with and the cars unthreatening nature endeared it to me straight away but I couldnt shake this nagging suspicion that the marketing department were stringing us a line concerning the cars real world versatility. Time to put those claims to the test.
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This is a cleverly thought out little car. Take the unusual sunroof system for example. The rear panel is fixed while the forward one can be operated by a one-touch switch. In addition to the usual tilt position, there are also three possible slide positions.
The manual roof offers two side-by-side panels which can be tilted or removed completely and stowed in a bag behind the rear bench
seat.
Renault dubs this sliding rear bench the Triptic and it features a folding centre section. With a sliding range of 170mm, the rear of the car can be optimised for passengers, luggage or a compromise between the two. In two seat configuration, it can be set to any one of four positions whilst in three-seat mode, two positions are available.
It can also be folded down to form a completely flat floor area. The novelties dont stop there either. 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.
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 suspension of the Modus draws its inspiration from that of Renaults Mégane II family hatchback, itself one of the best riding cars in its class. Both its ride and road-handling aim to match best-in-class levels, and theres a wide engine choice available to UK customers. Petrol engines comprise three 16-valve units: 75bhp 1.2-litre, 98bhp 1.4-litre and 113bhp 1.6-litre.
At launch, the Modus diesel engine range includes the 65bhp and 80bhp 1.5-litre dCi units with additional diesel engines in the pipeline. The range of 5-speed manual gearboxes is taken from the Mégane II, with gear ratios adapted to the Modus, while the 1.6-litre engine also drives through an automatic gearbox. Renault have worked hard to ensure low noise levels and the Modus features more noise insulation material than any other direct rival. No car in this class can cut it these days without generous safety provision and the Modus adopts a belt and braces philosophy.
It benefits from a Bosch 8.0 anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution, new-generation ESP electronic stability control with understeer control and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The Modus is also available with additional cornering lights a world first in the small car segment double-distance xenon headlamps, together with an automatic range adjustment system. 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.
Prices are only a little above those being asked for equivalent Clio models which means a price span in the £8,500 to £12,000 bracket. That seems fair enough to me given the versatility on offer.
I rather surprised myself with this car. Would I go back to a conventional supermini after this experience? I rather think not.
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