Renault Grande Modus Estate 2008 - Present

The Renault Modus has taken the underpinnings of the Clio, their ever popular supermini, and boosted the size of the body to make the Modus.  This in turn was a bit small on load space so; ladies and Gentlemen we proudly present the Grande Modus.  The Grande Modus addresses the short comings of the Modus, primarily the lack of load space, although there are other issues that could have been considered too.

The Modus bears the family heritage in it’s looks.  The styling is distinctively modern Renault, with the modus looking like a smaller, yet chubbier version of the Megane.  The finish is distinctively Renault, with good levels of leg and head room afforded to front and rear passengers.  The back occupants room dependent on not having a loaded up boot so that they can slide the seat back.  There are a wide array of trim options.  Entry-level Expression come with electric front windows, tinted glass and air conditioning, with the  Dynamique versions addinf 15" alloy wheels, electric door mirrors and electric rear windows, as well as the side curtain airbags (well worth having).  Further up the range there are Storage (overhead console, fold-down seat-back tables) and drawers under the front seats as well as Cool Pack Plus (climate control, electric panoramic roof).  The panoramic roof really adds to the quality of the ride and feel.
 
On the road the Grande Modus suffers from what is probably it’s biggest gripe - too many underperforming engines.  There are five different engines on offer and nothing will get below ten seconds for the 0 – 60 sprint.  Granted they all offer miserly fuel figures, with the worst performers coming in at 47 mpg, unless you opt for the auto gearbox which takes a further 10 mpg off the fuel figures, frankly for that money you can get your left leg limbered up.  The best is the 1.5 DCi which offers an excellent 62 mpg in the 86 bhp tune, although the 106 bhp tune version is the fastest of the bunch with 10.8 seconds for the 0 – 60 and 115 mph top speed, all while returning 60 mpg.  The 1.2 Turbo petrol unit performs nearly as well with 10.8 and 113 mph, and returns 47 mpg.  When you look at the disparity in fuel costs it won’t be much more expensive to run than the oil burners.  They all feel reasonably nippy around town, without offering too much excitement.  The more powerful engines are certainly the best on the motorway and will just about offer cruising ability, but I’d have liked a bigger engine option just to flesh the range out.

The Grand Modus isn’t great fun to drive, which doesn’t come as a great surprise.  It is easy and feels assured although never really engages one with the experience of driving.  The cornering is tight and natural, while retaining good accuracy, even at speed.  The Suspension is adept at insulating the occupants from the quality of the road, while retaining good poise round corners.  There is a little body roll if you attempt fast cornering.  The assisted steering makes parking a breeze, but does make the drive somewhat sterile.  The body roll of the Modus is bizarrely welcome at first as a sign of life, but does soon wear thin. 

The Grande Modus takes a good car and makes it more versatile, through it’s extra size.  It will be ideal for someone who is more concerned with getting somewhere than how they get there as the only real criticism comes from the enjoyment rather than the quality of the drive.  It’s quality almost becomes it’s Achilles heel, so if you’re looking for fuss free miles this may be the car for your family.

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