Renault Grand Modus (08-12) - Review

The cabin feels roomy and there’s plenty of head, leg and elbow room in the front. Space is tight in the rear for three grown-ups, though small children will be fine. The driver’s seat is comfortable for adults of all sizes - so lengthy journeys shouldn’t be a pain – and the suspension does a good job of softening lumps and bumps in the road. The Grand Modus is quiet and settled at speed and Renault has noticeably reduced road noise levels over the previous Modus. However, the engines can be noisy when revved.

The Grand Modus’ biggest asset is its sizeable boot. It can comfortably hold the weekly shopping or a few suitcases. When occasionally transporting larger items, the versatile rear seats can either be folded down flat or flipped up and pushed forwards to sit flush behind the front seats. There are plenty more solutions to keep the cabin clutter free, including under-floor storage, a large glovebox and an optional aircraft-style overhead locker. The Grand Modus is also easy to get in and out of thanks to its upright front seats and well-sized cabin.

The cabin feels well designed and nicely finished. From the clear dashboard-mounted instrument cluster to the simple control panel, all functions only require a quick glance to operate when driving. It's not exactly stylish, but it is easy to get to grips with. The driver’s seat and steering wheel can be raised for optimum comfort while the large windows aid all-round visibility and lighten the cabin. The slender windscreen pillars affording the driver a good view of the road at junctions but rear visibility is obscured slightly by the thick rear pillars and small rear window.