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 Modus in action Why has Renault produced the all-new Euro NCAP five-star rated Modus as an alternative to the very capable Clio? Customer demand for a roomy supermini has increased and Renault didn’t wish to compromise the sporty design of the next generation Clio by making it taller. Hence the Modus offers the efficiency of an MPV but has no high-performance pretensions. The Modus could have turned out to be another boxy little city car; instead it is cute and cheeky, despite its diminutive exterior and spacious interior. At the front, the grilles smiles while elsewhere there’s barely a straight line to be found. It looks alert and friendly; there’s no hint of aggression. The Modus’ practicality, comfort and interior versatility is why it features alongside the Clio. The huge glass area allows for an airy interior, further enhanced by an optional full-length electric panoramic sunroof. Storage compartments are everywhere and there’s generous, unsupermini-like room in all directions, both front and rear. This is further enhanced by the Modus’ ‘Triptic’ rear bench seat, which can be folded in all sorts of ways for optimum space. Another touch of ingenuity is the optional ‘boot chute’; at the press of a button, the tailgate opens, while secondary buttons allow the bottom-hinged lower section to open, providing easy access to the boot even while parked in a confined space. The Modus could hardly be described as sparsely equipped, with a healthy equipment list as standard. Also offered as options are: manual aircon or auto climate control, 15ins or 16ins alloy wheels, ESP, a Modus-specific bike rack – which holds two bikes and still allows access to the Modus’ boot chute – Xenon headlamps, front fog lamps, three different audio systems, satellite navigation, curtain airbags and cruise control with speed limiter. No, I’ve not veered into Renault’s top-of-the-range Espace’s option list… At over six feet tall, I’ve been used to driving superminis with my arms extended and my legs overly bent but, with wheel and seat adjusted, the Modus provides me with an ideal driving position. Negotiating Bristol’s heavy traffic was almost a pleasure due to the steering’s precision, supple suspension, the deftness of the gearbox and clutch, and the impressive all round visibility. Available with six different engine and transmission units from 1.2-litre petrol to 1.5 dCi (68 or 86 hp) and 1.6 petrol (manual or auto), even my relatively humble 1.4 petrol more than held its own. With a top speed of 110mph, gone are the days when small cars were to be found between juggernauts in the inside lane. And, let’s not forget, 42.2 mpg (combined) isn’t to be sniffed at either. On a round trip from London to Bristol and back, the fuel gauge barely dropped a bar. In all, I can’t think of a single reason why you wouldn’t be completely chuffed with your new Modus. EXPERT VERDICT “Renault brings together the best of contemporary thinking in a superbly executed package. Probably the best vehicle in its class.” Car “We’ve never seen a small car that’s so suited to family life. It’s packed with clever features that will have rivals scurrying back to the drawing board.” AutoExpress |
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