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In-depth reviews

Renault Modus MPV (2004-2012)

"Thanks to its ingenious design and compact proportions, the Renault Modus is a practical and comfortable alternative to a family hatchback."

Carbuyer Rating

4.0 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.3 out of 5

Read owner reviews

Pros

  • Excellent diesel engine economy
  • Easy to drive
  • Clever cabin storage ideas

Cons

  • Questionable reliability
  • Cheap feeling interior
  • Engines can be noisy

As well as being practical, the Modus is comfortable and easy to drive. The diesel engines are a little noisy at high revs, but offer strong performance. Most models are well equipped, while flagship editions are genuinely luxurious. Safety is impressive, although electronic stability control is a cost option.

MPG, running costs & CO2

Petrol engines are best around town

When fitted with the 1.5 dCi diesel engine, the Modus will average an impressive 62.8mpg and only costs £35 per year for Road Tax. Petrol engines aren’t quite as efficient, but are more responsive and better to drive around town. Service intervals are between 12,000 or 18,000 for petrol and diesel engines respectively, but Renault has a reputation for offering decent value servicing costs.

Engines, drive & performance

The Modus is an easy car to drive

With its light controls, the Renault Modus is an easy car to drive. It has a comfortable ride and offers a commanding driving position. As a result, it’s simple to navigate around town. The small 1.2-litre petrol engine is underpowered, but fine if you stick to town driving. If you plan long motorway journeys, our favourite is the 1.5 dCi diesel. It's available in three different power outputs and suits the Modus exceptionally well.

Interior & comfort

Back seat passengers will never be short on headroom

The boxy proportions of the Modus mean back seat passengers will never be short on headroom. Legroom is less plentiful, and those who plan to travel with rear seat passengers on a regular basis will be better off with the Grand Modus, which is more spacious. There's more than enough space for the driver and passenger up front, though.

Practicality & boot space

The standard car's boot isn't very big, at 217 litres

There are a few ingenious features hidden in and around the Modus that make it more practical than its rivals. The optional split-opening tailgate is very useful - it's possible to open a small section of the boot to quickly drop small items inside, which is particularly handy if another car has parked close behind. There's also a sliding rear bench seat and the option of an integrated bike rack. The 217-litre boot isn't great, though - the Grand Modus offers a more impressive 305-litre boot and more space in the cabin.

Reliability & safety

Cabin build isn't up to the standard as Renault’s recent models

The Modus has experienced its fair share of issues. While top specification Dynamique equipped cars offer impressive luxury, entry-level cars are less desirable. Some sections of the cabin trim feels quite poor quality, and cabin build isn't up to the same plush standards as some of Renault’s more recent models, which have moved on in leaps and bounds. Engine problems are not unheard of, either.

Price, value for money & options

Cheaper to buy than fellow small MPVs such as the Nissan Note

In its most basic form, the Modus is cheaper to buy than fellow small MPVs such as the Nissan Note - but it’s expensive when compared to the Clio hatchback on which it's based. A relatively low list price, plus the fact that it's a small and economical car means resale values are strong.

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Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

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