Renault Modus

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Renault Modus
Renault Modus
Manufacturer Renault
Production 2004—2008 (Original "Modus")
2007 ("Modus 2007")
2008-present ("New Modus" and "Grand Modus")
Predecessor None
Class Mini MPV
Body style(s) 5-door MPV
Layout FF layout
Platform Nissan B platform
Engine(s) 1.5 dCi
1.6 16V
1.2 16V
1.4 16V
Length 3790 mm (149.2 in)
Width 1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height 1590 mm (62.6 in)
Related Nissan Micra
Nissan Note
Renault Clio
Renault Twingo

The Renault Modus is a mini MPV designed and built by the French automaker Renault in Valladolid, Spain since September 2004. The production version is very similar to the concept car of the same name. It is essentially a taller and higher version of the Clio and, as such, shares its platform and much of its engine range with the Clios latest incarnation. Originally marketed as "a higher-range alternative to the Twingo and Clio", it is targeted at people who want the practicality and versatility of the larger Renault Scénic but without the added size. The Clio platform that spawned the Modus also gave rise to the current Nissan Micra and its monospace relative the Nissan Note.

Contents

[edit] Design features

The practicality of the Modus is increased by the addition of several innovative features:

The Triptic seating system which has the rear seats mounted on sliding rails with four preset positions. When in the rearmost two positions the seats are configured for two people with increased leg, hip and shoulder room. When in the forward positions they are configured for three people, sacrificing comfort but increasing cargo capacity. To do this, you pull the seat forward to its most foremost position, pull a lever on the right side of the seat and pull the seat outwards. Then pull down the middle seat into the gap that is created by the two seats moving apart and lower the seatbelt down from its' magnetic ceiling holding.

The sliding rear bench, and the centrally-mounted instrument panel, is a development of that found in the 1993 Renault Twingo.

Another seat-based feature of Modus is the 'Stay Put' system. The base of the front passenger seat flips up to reveal a space in which a handbag or other item can be held securely in place.

Further innovation can be found in its boot chute; a drop-down opening in the centre of the tailgate below the rear window which can be opened even when the car is parked nose to tail with other vehicles which would normally prevent access to its load area, thus enabling the user to place smaller items inside even in those situations. The boot chute closely resembles the tailgate of the original MINI.

Modus Phase 2 was launched in Europe in 2007, featuring colour-coded bumpers on all versions, clear Perspex 'glass' indicator bezels, revised side door mouldings and updated interior trim on all specification levels.

Soonafter, in February 2008, a restyled Modus and new Grand Modus was launched. Grand Modus has an extended length of 4034 mm (158.8 in) and a boot volume of 410 litres (0.41 m³ (0.5 cu yd)). This restyle saw significant changes made to the front and rear of the standard model to match the styling of the newer Grand variant. The boot chute has been removed from the options list due to slow sales.

[edit] Safety

The Modus was the first small car to receive the full 5 Euro NCAP stars for passenger safety due in part to its six airbag system, front and rear side impact bars and ISOFIX child seat fixing points. It was also one of the first cars in its class to have such features as automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers on its options list. Also, the Modus has 'Dedicated Cornering Headlamps' which give the driver a wider field of vision when going round corners. However, they only operate at a speed of 38 mph (61 km/h) or less, which limits their practicality somewhat, and they're only available on higher trim levels only. Another headlight-related option, again only available on higher trim levels and are included as standard on Privilège and Initiale trim levels are the double distance Xenon headlights which increase the driver's field of vision, therefore decreasing the number of accidents of which are caused by lack of vision at night.

[edit] Mechanicals

Powering the radical Modus is a variety of engines.
The available engine range in Europe to date is as follows:

  • 1.2 16v Petrol in various states of tune (from a 65 bhp/48 kW unit to a 74 bhp/55 kW)
  • 1.4 16v Petrol (97 bhp/72 kW)
  • 1.5 dCi Common Rail Diesel (from 68 bhp, 85 bhp/63 kW up to 106 bhp/78 kW unit)
  • 1.6 16v Petrol (111 bhp/82 kW)

The dCi 106 and petrol 1.6 16v 113 are available with a six-speed 'box for 'relaxed cruising and economy'. The petrol 1.6 16v 113 is available with a 4-speed auto 'box.

In terms of reliability, according to the 2006 breakdown survey from the German Automobile Club [1], the Modus ranks 3rd in its class with an average 5,8 breakdowns per 1000 vehicles after 3 years. This is behind the Audi A2 (1st) and the BMW Mini (2nd) and ahead of the VWs Lupo (4th) & Polo (5th), Toyota Yaris (6th) and Honda Jazz (7th).

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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« previous — Renault car timeline, 1980s–present
Type 1980s 1990s 2000s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
City car Twingo Twingo II
Supermini 5 / 7 Super 5 Clio I Clio II / Thalia Clio III
Small family car 14 9 / 11 19 Mégane I Mégane II Mégane III
Large family car 18 21 Laguna I Laguna II Laguna III
Executive car 20 / 30 25 Safrane Vel Satis
Leisure activity vehicle Kangoo I Kangoo II
SUV Koleos
Mini MPV Modus
Compact MPV Scénic I Scénic II
Large MPV Espace I Espace II Espace III Espace IV
Coupé Fuego Avantime
Roadster Spider