Renault Modus Hatchback 1.5 dCi 106 Dynamique S

For:
The Modus has a good range of engines. It's relaxing, refined and easy to drive.

Against:
It's not as roomy as the bigger Grand Modus, and no more fun to drive.

On The Road
Ownership
In The Cabin
Technical Information

On The Road

Performance

You can choose from three petrol engines - a 74bhp 1.2, a turbocharged 99bhp 1.2 or a 109bhp 1.6 with an automatic gearbox. The turbocharged 1.2 is our choice, thanks to its impressive mid-range urge. Diesel buyers can choose between two 1.5-litre units offering 67bhp or 85bhp. Each is smooth and provides ample performance.

Ride & handling

The Modus concentrates on comfort rather than fun. The soft suspension soaks up all but the worst of urban lumps and bumps, and it stays smooth and settled on the motorway, too. Don't expect a great deal of fun in bends, though - there's lots of body roll and the steering is lifeless.

Refinement

By and large, the Modus is very refined. Wind and road noise are both very well contained, and only the smallest petrol engine makes itself heard more than it should. The diesels offer the most hushed journey, but all manual models suffer from a notchy, imprecise gearshift.

Ownership

Buying & owning

Although the Modus is priced to compete against the likes of the Vauxhall Meriva and Nissan Note, all three look expensive next to budget superminis offering similar levels of equipment. However, the Modus provides frugal running costs, low insurance rates and cheap servicing with 18,000-mile intervals.

Quality & reliability

The build feels solid, but Expression models miss out on the Dynamique's soft-touch cabin trim, so they don't feel as classy inside. Renault's record for reliability has been less than illustrious in recent years, though - the manufacturer has consistently finished near the bottom of the pile in our annual Reliability Surveys.

Safety & security

The Modus has a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating. All models come with at least four airbags and sophisticated brakes, and although stability control costs extra, it's inexpensive. On the security front, all versions have deadlocks and an engine immobiliser.

In The Cabin

Behind the wheel

Thanks to its wide-opening doors and lofty styling, access to the cabin is excellent. The steering wheel adjusts for height, but there's no movement for reach. The high driving position and large glass area give excellent visibility, but bulky windscreen pillars can obstruct your view.

Space & practicality

Renault calls the Modus a small MPV, but don't get too excited. There's more headroom and better access than in an average supermini, but legroom is no better and the boot is still on the small side. If you want MPV practicality, go for the bigger Grand Modus. It has a sliding rear seat that lets you choose either a big boot or limousine-like rear legroom.

Equipment

The Modus comes in either Expression or Dynamique trim. The entry models have basics such as air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows and a single CD player. More sophisticated Dynamique cars also have alloy wheels, electric rear windows and mirrors, curtain airbags, a leather steering wheel and soft-touch cabin trim.

Technical Information

Running Costs
Town mpg	50.4
Out of Town mpg	67.3
Average mpg	60.1
Tank Capacity (gallons)	10.7
CO₂ Rating (g/km)	124
Insurance Group	4
Typical Insurance Quote	£323
% Value Retained (3yrs/36,000mls)	37
Typical Contract Hire Rate (pcm)	£0
Pence Per Mile	0
Servicing Cost over 3yrs	£0
Servicing Intervals	N/A
Manufacturers Warranty

Performance & Measurements
Body type	Hatchback
Number of Doors	5
Number of Seats	5
Engine (cc/type)	1461/4
Fuel Type	Diesel
Max Power (bhp/rpm)	104/4000
Engine Position	N/A
Driven Wheels	Front
Length (mm)	3792
Width (mm)	1695
Height (mm)	1589
Boot Space (min ltr)	198
Boot Space (max ltr)	1283
Turning Circle (m)	N/A
Towing Weight(kg)	900
Kerb Weight (kg)	1120

View the What Car? Road Test for:

Renault Modus MPV 1.5 dCi 106 Dynamique S