Renault Modus

Renault Modus
Overview
Manufacturer Renault
Production 2004–2012
Assembly Valladolid, Spain (Renault Spain)
Body and chassis
Class Mini MPV
Body style 5-door MPV
Layout Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform Alliance B platform
Related Renault Clio
Nissan Cube
Nissan Note
Powertrain
Engine 1.2 L 16-valve I4 (petrol)
1.2 L 16-valve TCe I4 (petrol)
1.4 L 16-valve I4 (petrol)
1.6 L 16-valve I4 (petrol)
1.5 L dCi I4 (diesel)
Transmission 5-speed manual
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic
5-speed semi-automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,482 mm (97.7 in) (Modus)[1]
2,575 mm (101.4 in) (Grand Modus)[2]
Length 3,792 mm (149.3 in) (Modus)
4,034 mm (158.8 in) (Grand Modus)
Width 1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height 1,590 mm (62.6 in)
Chronology
Successor Renault Captur

The Renault Modus is a mini multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) produced by the French manufacturer Renault from September 2004 to 2012, in Valladolid, Spain. The production version is very similar to the concept car of the same name, which was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. It is essentially a taller version of the Clio and, as such, shares its platform and much of its engine range with the Clio's 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.

In December 2011, Renault announced that the Laguna, Espace, Kangoo, Modus, and Wind lines would be axed in the United Kingdom as part of a cost-cutting plan to help the company earn a profit. This change took effect in February 2012. The Laguna, Espace, Kangoo, and Wind lines are still available in Europe, but the Modus has been replaced by the Renault Captur.

Design features

2007 Renault Modus facelift
Renault Grand Modus, launched in 2008, has a larger wheelbase than the Modus

Modus' rear seats are 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, increasing cargo capacity. This is being referred to in Renault marketing as the "Triptic system". Another seat-based feature of Modus is the "Stay Put" system. The base of the front passenger seat flips up to reveal a compartment in which a handbag or other item can be held.

A particularly distinctive optional feature of the Modus is a boot chute, a drop-down opening in the centre of the tailgate below the rear window.

"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.

Restyle

Soon after, in February 2008, a restyled Modus and new the Grand Modus were launched. Also that year, the Grand Modus replaced the Modus in Spain. The Grand Modus has an extended length of 4,034 mm (158.8 in) and a boot volume of 410 litres (0.41 m3 (0.54 cu yd)) below the parcel shelf.

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.

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.

The Modus was offered with a cornering lamp function. Concealed in the main headlamp unit and operating at speeds less than 38 mph (61.2 km/h), the lights gave the driver a wider field of vision when going round bends. On Privilège and Initiale models, Renault offered the Modus with "double-distance" Xenon headlamps.

Mechanicals

Phase I

modelengine typemax. powerrpmmax. torquerpmtop speed
0–100 km/h (62 mph)
mpgCO2 emissions[3]
petrol engines
all fuel injected
1.2 16v I4 DOHC 75 PS (55 kW)5500 104 N·m (77 lbf·ft)4250 101 mph (162.5 km/h) 13.5 sec 47.0 145 g/km
1.4 16v 100 PS (74 kW)5700 127 N·m (94 lbf·ft)110 mph (177.0 km/h) 11.4 sec 42.3 161 g/km
1.6 16v113 PS (83 kW)6000151 N·m (111 lbf·ft)117 mph (188.3 km/h)10.3 sec41.6 163 g/km
1.6 16v Auto114 mph (183.5 km/h)12.3 sec37.8182 g/km
diesel engines
all Direct Injection (dCi)
1.5 dCiI4 SOHC turbo 68 PS (50 kW)4000 160 N·m (118 lbf·ft)2000 96 mph (154.5 km/h) 15.3 sec 60.1 125 g/km
86 PS (63 kW)3750 200 N·m (148 lbf·ft)1900 106 mph (170.6 km/h) 12.6 sec 62.8 119 g/km
106 PS (78 kW)4000 240 N·m (177 lbf·ft)2000 116 mph (186.7 km/h) 11.2 sec 60.1 124 g/km

Phase II

modelengine typemax. powerrpmmax. torquerpmtop speed
0–100 km/h (62 mph)
mpgCO2 emissions[3]
petrol engines
all fuel injected
1.2 16v I4 DOHC 75 PS (55 kW)5500 104 N·m (77 lbf·ft)4250 101 mph (162.5 km/h) 13.5 sec 47.9 138 g/km
1.2 16v QS5*105 mph (169.0 km/h)15.0 sec50.4134 g/km
1.2 TCeI4 DOHC turbo 100 PS (74 kW)5500 145 N·m (107 lbf·ft)3000113 mph (181.9 km/h) 11.2 sec 47.1 139 g/km
1.6 16v AutoI4 DOHC113 PS (83 kW)6000151 N·m (111 lbf·ft)4250 114 mph (183.5 km/h)12.3 sec36.7179 g/km
diesel engines
all Direct Injection (dCi)
1.5 dCiI4 SOHC turbo88 PS (65 kW)4000 200 N·m (148 lbf·ft)1750 106 mph (170.6 km/h) 13.0 sec 62.8107 g/km
1.5 dCi QS5*14.8 sec119 g/km

In terms of reliability, according to the 2006 breakdown survey from the German Automobile Club,[4] 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).

See also

References

External links

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