Modus rewrites the rules when it comes to size matters - Car in tune with modern needs (From Hereford Times)

Modus rewrites the rules when it comes to size matters - Car in tune with modern needs

4:00pm Thursday 9th July 2009 in

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AT-A-GLANCE Renault Grand Modus 1.5 diesel Dynamique 86bhp 5-door manual.

Price: £13,525 (on the road).

Top speed: 106mph.

0-62mph: 13.4 seconds.

Fuel: 62.8mpg (combined figure).

Emissions (g/km): 119.

Verdict: Impressive refinement and running costs. Funky looks, versatile and fun to drive.

HIGH costs are making motorists think more seriously about their choice of transport.

Instead of running large vehicles, many could save pounds – and the planet – by downsizing to a practical vehicle, particularly if the model offers the creature comforts of a big car. And nowadays, many smaller cars do.

A good model to consider is the Renault Modus, which is as funky as it is versatile. This little mover has not only been refreshed but is offered in a more spacious Grand Modus form, which, in effect, makes it a compact MPV. And it exudes a solidity that few other small cars can match.

The bigger model doesn’t come cheap, though, with on-the-road prices going from £10,975 to £14,275 but while it is more expensive than a number of small vehicles, costs do compare favourably with wellequipped top-of-the-range rivals.

The Modus family is certainly big on style, offering 15 versions across two trim levels, Expression and Dynamique, with the widest range of engines and transmissions in its class.

The motors include Renault’s advanced 1.2-litre TCE (turbo control efficiency) petrol engine, which is a gem of engineering. There is 100bhp on tap to prove it can deliver the performance of larger capacity units while maintaining low fuel consumption and emissions.

However, in much demand are the diesels, with the 1.5-litre unit offering different power outputs. The middle band motor with 86bhp is a cracker, being quick, smooth, economical, cheap to insure, and having high standards in emissions which all help to keep a tight rein on ownership costs. Its five-speed manual gearbox is slick with ratios, nicely spaced for a blend of performance with economy.

With its extra 160mm length, there is generous load space of up to 1,454 litres and with the split and flat-folding rear seats, the Grand Modus can become more versatile for families with extra luggage.

The cabin is spacious and classy looking, with a central digital dashboard display that can be read at a glance. There are plenty of storage spaces and handy features, such as the aircraft-style fold-down tables.

On the road, the Spanish-built Modus will put a smile on your face.

The diesel unit is flexible in town, accelerates briskly for swift overtaking and is fun to drive on long hauls.

However you drive the Grand Modus, the fuel consumption seems to be pleasing, with 60mpg-plus obtained in combined-cycle driving.

With C02 levels at 119g/km, owners pay £35 a year for the road fund licence and are exempt from the London congestion charge.

The ride is relatively soft and pliable with the vehicle remaining composed for safe handling by the press-on driver. The car is quiet riding, too, thanks partly to digital finetuning of vibration and acoustic performance.

Where the Renault scores highly is on safety standards.

The first-generation Modus made history as the first small car to gain a five-star Euro NCAP adult protection crash test result and set a benchmark for child passenger safety.

The new Modus and Grand Modus sustain this high level of protection.

The cars are offered with a wealth of modern and innovative features, including automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, climate control, cornering lights, electric stability programme and, in Dynamique trim, get the special multiadjustable rear-seat system.