Renault Modus (04-12) - Review

Review by David Ross on
If you want a more practical version of a small hatchback, but don't need a people carrier, then the Renault Modus could be the answer. It's based on the Clio but is more versatile with extra rear passenger space. It combines features you wouldn't necessarily expect to find on a small car, with some clever solutions to carrying large and bulky items. It was also the first small car to achieve a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. Unfortunately it's not quite big enough to be truly practical and alternatives, such as the Nissan Note, are better value. If you like the idea but need more space, the Grand Modus is a good choice.
3 out of 5

Other Renault reviews

3 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£9,075 - £14,965

Used price range:

£1,842 - £9,558

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Decent interior room, high safety credentials, good diesel engines, comfortable ride

Small boot, alternatives are more spacious and better value, lacklustre petrols

If you want a more practical version of a small hatchback, but don't need a people carrier, then the Renault Modus could be the answer. It's based on the Clio but is more versatile with extra rear passenger space. It combines features you wouldn't necessarily expect to find on a small car, with some clever solutions to carrying large and bulky items. It was also the first small car to achieve a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests. Unfortunately it's not quite big enough to be truly practical and alternatives, such as the Nissan Note, are better value. If you like the idea but need more space, the Grand Modus is a good choice.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    3 out of 5

    "The entry-level engine in the Modus is a 1.2-litre petrol but with a mere 75bhp progress is slow and..."

  • Handling

    3 out of 5

    "The Modus handles predictably and safely, with only a hint of body roll when cornering. However,..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    4 out of 5

    "The Modus can seat four people in adequate comfort and has a sliding rear bench to prioritise..."

  • Practicality

    3.5 out of 5

    "While the Modus is roomy enough for four adults and some luggage, it also offers some ingenious..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "Despite its crash-test success, base-model Authentique models come with only four airbags, but do..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "Sitting relatively high in the Modus, the driver has an excellent view of the road ahead, while the..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    3.5 out of 5

    "The Modus starts at a few thousand above the basic hatchback price level, but a discount should be..."

  • Green credentials

    4 out of 5

    "The Modus is an environmentally friendly model and it's the diesel models that have the lowest..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4 out of 5

    "Although the Modus gained five stars for occupant protection in the Euro NCAP tests in 2004 - and..."

  • Reliability

    3 out of 5

    "This is an area where Renault claims to have made improvements but there have been numerous recalls..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    3.5 out of 5

    "You should expect a healthy discount as the Modus has been slow to take off since it was introduced."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "There are plenty of pre-registered cars around with up to £2,000 advertised off the list price."

  • Selling

    2 out of 5

    "A lack or awareness of this car meant it had trouble becoming established. It will sell on its..."

Gallery

  • Interior Renault Modus (04-12)
  • Exterior Renault Modus (04-12)
  • Exterior Renault Modus (04-12)

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Owners' reviews