Renault modus - compactbess has never been so big
Renault has expanded its range with the Modus, which it plans to launch in the supermini segment in autumn 2004 as a higher-range alternative to the Clio.
This "small car with a big heart" combines best-in-class living space with exceptional exterior compactness. Its style expresses all the warmth and friendliness of Renault's small cars to the point where even the front "face" of the car seems to smile at you - aggressiveness is out! The comprehensively equipped Modus offers a wealth of features and innovative functions and boasts outstanding ride and travelling comfort. Preview information can be found on www.modus.renault.co.uk
In response to customer demand for a smart, roomy and versatile small car, Renault has produced the Modus, an alternative to classic hatches in the small car market like Clio. As Clio majors on being a sporty design Renault did not want to compromise the next new Clio in 2006 by making it taller, hence Clio and the five-door only Modus will sit side-by-side complimenting each other and both targeting supermini buyers. Kangoo continues to offer a low cost MPV alternative, whilst Modus will offer the cheeky style of Twingo to UK buyers only on a larger scale. This big-hearted little car is both exceptionally spacious and airy inside. With its cheery and distinct lines and assertive personality, Modus unquestionably fits into today's modern and innovative Renault range.
Its design and interior style have produced a friendly, comfortable, efficient cabin. It is generously proportioned and very bright thanks to its sunroof. In addition to the panoramic, electrically-operated sunroof inspired by the Mégane II, Modus also comes in a version which offers an original, fun manual control for opening and closing the two sunroofs.
Modus, ingenious and generous
Modus offers some of the space efficiency of an MPV, but on a smaller scale. Its sliding two- or three-way split-folding rear bench, unique "boot chute" rear tailgate and specially designed bike rack make it an ingeniously-designed, user-friendly vehicle.
Ingenious, but generous, too, the Modus comes with many comfort features, some of which are borrowed from higher-segment models. Special attention has been paid to its ergonomics. The driving position combines the advantages of a hatch with those of an MPV. With its centrally positioned dashboard that can be viewed by all its occupants, Modus makes for a convivial driving experience.
Smooth and dynamic
The suspension of the Modus draws its inspiration from that of the Mégane II, itself a benchmark of comfort and efficiency. Both its ride and road-handling match best-in-class levels, as does its range of powertrains. Petrol engines comprise three 16-valve units: 75hp 1.2 16V, 98hp 1.4 16V, and 113hp 1.6 16V. At launch the Modus diesel engine range will include the 65hp and 80hp 1.5 dCi units, recognised for their efficiency and low noise levels. Further Euro IV compliant engines will round off the diesel range in the ensuing months. The range of 5-speed manual gearboxes is taken from the Mégane II, with gear ratios adapted to the Modus, while the 1.6 16V engine also drives through an automatic gearbox.
Low noise levels play an important part in driving pleasure and they were factored into engineering at an early stage, with the result that noise insulation is best-in-class.
A new platform and original technologies for the benefit of safety
The chassis and body shell of the Modus yield levels of driveability and safety worthy of top-of-the-range models. It is the first Renault to be produced from the Alliance platform B, jointly developed by the Renault-Nissan Alliance. With its generously dimensioned braking system, the Modus offers class-leading levels of active safety. It benefits from a Bosch 8.0 ABS-EBD, new-generation ESP with understeer control and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The Modus is also available with many active and passive safety features, which include additional cornering lights - a world first in the small car segment - double-distance xenon headlamps, together with an automatic range adjustment system.
Passive safety is impressive, reflecting Renault's strategy and expertise in this area. The Modus structure includes numerous strengthened crumple zones, designed to work in harmony with the restraint mechanisms of Renault's third-generation System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3). Other safety features of the Modus are its six airbags - including two adaptive front airbags - and front safety belts with load limiters and double pretensioners.
A car that goes easy on motorists and the environment
The Modus lightens the load for its users with longer service intervals of up to 18,000 or every two years and the design quality of the Modus ensures high durability with reduced running costs. Components like the polypropylene rear beam have helped it secure excellent classification in the Danner insurance impact tests. It carries a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.
Ninety-five percent by weight of the Modus can easily be recycled. The solutions which shaped the "eco-design" of the Modus are also aimed at anticipating planned legislation to restrict the use of heavy metals.
Modus, Renault's first use of the Alliance B-platform
Renault is one of the main players in the small-car I segment, which accounts for one-third of the European automobile market and in 2003 became the largest segment in the UK for the first time. With the Clio and Twingo (still the best-selling city car in continental Europe), Renault's share of segment I in 2003 was 11.5%. It will be introducing new models of both cars in coming years and with the addition of the Modus it will further bolster an already powerful presence.
The Modus will be produced solely at Renault's Spanish plant at Valladolid. It is one of the most productive in Europe and will bring to Modus all the benefits of the
