Overview
The spacious Modus is well-suited to family life. It offers more space than a standard supermini
- it’s based on the Clio - but is smaller, easier to manoeuvre and cheaper to run than an all-out
MPV. Renault generally has a poor record for reliability, and so far owners have mainly reported
problems with the non-engine electrics.
The Modus was co-developed with sister-brand Nissan - its own mini MPV, the Note, is a
direct rival. The Modus range was updated in 2008, when the longer-wheelbase Grand Modus
joined the line-up to offer further interior space and practicality. The range was axed in the UK
in February 2012.
The Modus excels with its on-road manners – keen drivers will enjoy the way it handles
and rides. Responsive steering gives good turn-in and the suspension absorbs most bumps
readily, despite being firm.
We drove the mid-powered 86bhp 1.5 diesel, achieving 55.4mpg, a little short of Renault’s
claimed 62.8. We’ve also tested the 1.6 petrol, which provides good pulling power if you rev it;
we achieved 36.2mpg against the 41.5mpg official figure.
All is not perfect up front, where the central storage box can get in the way. However,
things are better in the back, with a sliding rear seat. In its rearmost position (when it seats only
two, instead of three) boot space is a disappointing 190 litres, but if you fold the seat down, you
have up to 595 litres of luggage room. The Grand Modus has an extra 150/100 litres of space
(seats up/down).
The Modus has average reliability, according to our latest Which? Car survey, but older
diesel versions are definitely less reliable.
Which? car review
Renault Modus (2004-2012)
people carriers/MpVs
On the road
The Modus is fun to drive, easy to handle and gives a good, comfortable ride.
performance ★★★
We tested a Modus with the 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is a well-mannered unit capable of
delivering good performance even at relatively low revs. Vibrations from the engine are kept to
a minimum. The gears engage easily and precisely, and the five-speed gearbox matches the
engine’s performance characteristics well.
Model tested acceleration (37-62mph) Rating
diesel 1.5dCi (86bhp) manual 5-door (2005) 8.1 secs ★★★★
petrol 1.2 16v (75bhp) manual 5-door (2008) 11.1 secs ★★
petrol 1.6 (88bhp) manual 5-door (2004) 7.7 secs ★★★★
Ride comfort ★★★★
The suspension is well balanced and absorbs most bumps well. At high speed, the Modus can
shuffle about a little, but unwanted movements are generally very limited.
Model tested Rating
diesel 1.5dCi (86bhp) manual 5-door (2005) ★★★★
petrol 1.2 16v (75bhp) manual 5-door (2008) ★★★★
petrol 1.6 (88bhp) manual 5-door (2004) ★★★★
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