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Performance:
Ride comfort:
handling:
Safety:
Reliability:
Total score:
64%
Recommended models
in the range
Fastest Model
1.6 Maxim 5dr
New price: Used price: 1,895
10.3 secs
0-62mph:
68.9 mpg
Overview
The spacious Modus is well-suited to family life. It offers more space than a standard supermini
- its 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 Renaults
claimed 62.8. Weve 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).
According to our latest Which? Car survey, the Modus and Grand Modus have an average
(three-star) reliability rating. The most commonly reported issues are the dashboard display, air
con, dashboard switches, rainwater seals, lights, suspension components and springs.
10,655
995
Owners View
Nearly all of the faults in
my previous Modus have
been eliminated. Replacing
headlight bulbs can now
be done underbonnet. No
need to slide seat in Grand
Modus for rear legroom.
But heater fan failed at
48K miles rather than 90K
miles. Renault replaced
On the road
How we test
The Modus is fun to drive, easy to handle and gives a good, comfortable ride.
Performance
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
engines performance characteristics well.
Model tested
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)
Ride comfort
Acceleration (37-62mph)
8.1 secs
11.1 secs
7.7 secs
Rating
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
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)
Rating
Ride comfort is assessed by our laboratory experts who have driven hundreds of
thousands of miles in a myriad of different
models.
How we test
Handling
Handling
The Modus offers good directional stability and a reassuringly safe ride. Despite responsive
steering, it understeers strongly in corners, which wont suit everyone, however. Brake Assist
with electronic traction control, which helps maximise braking and prevent wheelspin, can be
bought at an extra cost, as can a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Model tested
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)
Rating
Brakes
Although the brakes are quick to respond, theyre not as effective as those of other cars in this
class. Brake Assist helps the driver to apply maximum force in emergency stop situations.
Model tested
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)
Rating
The Modus interior is smart and seems well put together, and there are plenty of storage
spaces around the cabin. Its not too noisy either; even the sound of the diesel engine is barely
noticeable. However, when travelling at higher speeds, wind noise is audible.
Model tested
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)
Cruising noise
70dB
70dB
67dB
Rating
How we test
Cabin and controls
The dashboard is well laid-out. All of the most important switches and dials are easy to find and
use, while a display provides information on the outside temperature as well as the average
and current fuel consumption. The Modus is fitted with electric windows and powered exterior
mirrors, while the windscreen wipers and exterior lights come on automatically in higher-spec
models, and you can operate the audio system from buttons and switches on the steering
wheel.
However, there are some gripes. The steering wheel is positioned slightly too low and the
instruments in the centre are difficult to read, particularly in direct sunlight. Similarly, some of
the controls for the heating system switch are too small and hard to see at a glance.
A large sunroof and a satellite-navigation system are both available at extra cost.
Model tested
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)
Rating
Thanks to the elevated seating position and the high roof, the view out of the front is fantastic.
Its not so great out of the back but you can push the rear headrests down into the rear seats
to improve visibility. Parking sensors are available at extra cost and xenon headlights and
active cornering-beam headlights are also optional.
Model tested
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)
Turning circle
10.7m
10.3m
10.7m
Rating
How we test
Getting in and out isnt a problem, thanks to the Modus big doors, and theres plenty of room
inside despite the odd comfort gripe. Boot space is disappointing, although this can be greatly
increased by pushing the rear seats forward.
Rating
Theres plenty of head- and elbowroom in the front. The drivers seat is height-adjustable but,
irritatingly, the drivers left leg is pushed up against the storage box between the seats, and
the passengers seat feels very high. Although the seats are firmly padded, theyre foamcushioned and may get a bit sticky and uncomfortable during the summer.
The clever sliding and folding Triptic rear bench can be adjusted to comfortably seat two
large adults, or three smaller passengers.
Model tested
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)
Rating
How we test
Boot and storage
There are plenty of spaces to store things in the cabin, but initially the size of the boot is
disappointing. The Vauxhall Meriva, for example, offers much more space. But by sliding the
rear seats forward you can create lots more room for bulky items.
Although its relatively easy to open and close, the tailgate doesnt open very wide, and its
easy to bump your head on it.
Model tested
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)
Rating
The heating system is nothing special, but will warm up the cabin within a reasonable period of
time. And theres good news for allergy sufferers; air conditioning comes with a pollen filter.
Model tested
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)
Rating
How we test
Overall, running costs are about average for the class. Diesel models are pretty economical
for fuel and road tax. The Modus sheds its value rapidly, which is good news for second-hand
buyers.
Insurance costs arent too bad, with all models in low groups. Road tax is generally low-rate
across the range; however, servicing isnt the cheapest in class.
Fuel consumption
The 1.5 dCi Privilege we tested delivered 55.3mpg, a fair way short of Renaults claimed
62.8mpg but still good enough to please most drivers.
Although the petrol models cant be expected to do as well as this, they arent particularly
thirsty; overall fuel consumption is average for its class.
Model tested
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)
Urban (claimed/measured)
51.4 mpg/52.3 mpg
36.7 mpg/34.9 mpg
31.4 mpg/31.0 mpg
Model tested
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)
Model tested
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)
Motorway (measured)
45.6 mpg
35.3 mpg
31.7 mpg
Model tested
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)
Combined (claimed/measured)
62.8 mpg/55.4 mpg
47.1 mpg/41.5 mpg
41.5 mpg/36.2 mpg
Fuel consumption
How we test
Emissions
Emissions
In tax terms, the diesels clearly make most sense. Some (though not all) of the 1.5 dCi diesels
come in under the 120g/km mark for carbon dioxide emissions, and thus into a low-rate annual
VED tax band.
Model tested
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)
Emissions (claimed/measured)
120g per km/139g per km
140g per km/156g per km
163g per km/184g per km
Here is the video of the 2004 Renault ModusEuro NCAPfrontal crash test.
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Adult occupant
Child protection
Pedestrian protection
Security
Theft of car:
The Which? Car Survey is the UKs most robust reliability and owner satisfaction survey. In
2015, drivers told us about 58,000 cars, covering more than 484 million miles in the previous
12 months (thats equivalent to driving to the moon and back a hundred times). This unique
feedback allows us to rate satisfaction and reliability for hundreds of new and used cars.
Note: Star ratings below are from 1-5 (1 is very poor and 5 is very good). Percentages
shown under Most common faults indicate the proportion of owners reporting each problem
in the past 12 months.
Brand
Renault ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this brand
Brand reliability
Dealer Servicing & repair
Ownership ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this range
Driving enjoyment
Ease of driving
Comfort
Dash layout and controls
Practicality
Value for money
Running costs
In-car technology
-
69%
Brand ratings
75%
Owners View
I bought the car for the
raised driving position, its
ability to convert to load
carrying, low road tax and
economy. I have not been
disapointed with any of the
aspects.
Owners View
Extremely versatile interior.
Rear seat slides/folds for
great legroom or great
loadcarrying. High driving
position with good seating
adjustments. Panoramic
roof with opening sunroof.
Economical lively diesel
engine. Proper spare
Reliability ratings
Overall Reliability
Petrol cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
Diesel cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
All cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
Up to 3 years old
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7%
151
We split reliability into breakdowns (including failure to start), faults (where parts
need replacing) and problems (minor issues e.g. squeaks and loose trim). Where
the car has been on sale for some time,
and we have numerous survey responses
from owners, we also split scores by the
age of car and fuel type. Star ratings are
out of five the more stars, the more reliable the car.
Most common faults
Up to 3 years old
-
-
-
-
-
Air Con
Dashboard display
Dashboard switches
Rainwater seals
Springs
Failure rate: The proportion of owners reporting this problem in the last year
7%
7%
7%
7%
5%