Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Renault's new baby
Renault Modus
With its new baby called Modus, Renault seeks a similar evolutionary progression with the Clio to that it performed when it developed the Scenic version of the Megane. While the Scenic established the 'compact MPV' segment, Modus might be described as a 'supermini MPVÕ.' Built on a platform that will be the basis of the next-generation Clio, Modus offers greater versatility than the Clio, high equipment levels and a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines.
Not a replacement for Clio - which continues in three or five door form - the five-door Modus will stand wheel-to-wheel in the showrooms with Renault's well-established supermini. The closest competition to Modus is from cars such as the Toyota Yaris Verso, Vauxhall Meriva and Ford Fusion.
It has most of the distinctive styling cues now common to all current-generation Renault products. In the metal, with its smiley face, big eyes and crisp lines, Modus looks cute, contemporary and stylish. There is a large rear tailgate incorporating a secondary, bottom-hinged opening hatch called a 'boot chute', that allows smaller items to be loaded/unloaded when the car is in a tight parking space - and Renault also offers the clever 'Velofix' bike rack attachment system.
Inside, Modus is deceptively roomy - although lanky drivers might like a little more leg room. In the rear is what Renault calls a 'Triptic' bench, with a middle seat that can be folded up to allow the seats to be slid for-and-aft to allow generous rear legroom, or left in place to give seats for three. The bench also has a one third/two thirds split-folding facility and can be tipped forwards to provide a flat-floored load area.
There are numerous cubby-holes, pockets and bins for the stowage of car-clutter - including under-floor storage and a space under a hinged panel in the front passenger seat for car or driver documents etc.
Renault reckons that some 35 per cent of Modus sales will be to fleet customers - about the same figure achieved by Clio. Rather surprisingly, it also estimates that - initially at least - only around 20 per cent of sales will be of diesel engined versions. A more realistic guess would be that diesel-powered variants will account for a higher percentage than Renault's estimate. As well as delivering far superior economy and emissions ratings, the 1.5dCi is the most pleasant version to drive. Renault predicts that the best selling version will be the petrol-powered 1.4 16v Dynamique.
On the road, Modus feels agile and grippy. To optimise the car's slightly greater height - compared with Clio - the driving position is a little more upright, but not excessively so. On poor road surfaces, Modus feels rigid and taught - but with plenty of suspension suppleness. Unlike some electrically power-assisted systems (EPAS), Modus' is pleasantly and appropriately weighted for this type of car. Even in diesel form, Modus delivers the kind of refinement that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago for a car of this size and price.
Renault's products are doing particularly well these days when it comes to the Euro NCAP safety ratings and Modus has become the seventh Renault to achieve a top, five-star rating and also scored a best-in-class four-star score for child protection. Low insurance groupings begin at 2E for the entry level 1.2 Authentique, rising to 6E for the 1.6-litre Privilege.
There are four specification levels - Authentique, Expression, Dynamique and Privilege. Entry-level price is £9,250 for the 1.2 16v Authentique rising to £13,000 for the range-topping 1.6 16v 113 Auto. Standard equipment across the range includes ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, electric front windows, height adjustable steering wheel, ISOFIX child seat attachment system, remote central locking, 'see me home' headlights, four airbags and electric variable-assist power steering.
Expression specification adds things such as two more airbags, body colour bumpers, and electric door mirrors while Dynamique versions have charcoal grey upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel, alloys and integral front fog-lamps.
The range-topping Privilege has a plusher interior, automatic front wipers and headlights, child surveillance mirror, cornering headlights, manual air conditioning and a 60-Watt single CD RDS radio with four speakers. Option packs include the 'Cool Pack' which, at £950, features panoramic sunroof and manual air-conditioning. There is also a 'Chill Pack' at £800 providing climate control and sun blinds.
Modus is a logical development of the Clio - just as Scenic was of Megane. Like a mini-Espace, it combines practicality and versatility with good road manners and refinement. A tempting addition to the menu of well-packaged and boldly designed cars in Renault's current catalogue.
Source Fleetworld
With its new baby called Modus, Renault seeks a similar evolutionary progression with the Clio to that it performed when it developed the Scenic version of the Megane. While the Scenic established the 'compact MPV' segment, Modus might be described as a 'supermini MPVÕ.' Built on a platform that will be the basis of the next-generation Clio, Modus offers greater versatility than the Clio, high equipment levels and a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines.
Not a replacement for Clio - which continues in three or five door form - the five-door Modus will stand wheel-to-wheel in the showrooms with Renault's well-established supermini. The closest competition to Modus is from cars such as the Toyota Yaris Verso, Vauxhall Meriva and Ford Fusion.
It has most of the distinctive styling cues now common to all current-generation Renault products. In the metal, with its smiley face, big eyes and crisp lines, Modus looks cute, contemporary and stylish. There is a large rear tailgate incorporating a secondary, bottom-hinged opening hatch called a 'boot chute', that allows smaller items to be loaded/unloaded when the car is in a tight parking space - and Renault also offers the clever 'Velofix' bike rack attachment system.
Inside, Modus is deceptively roomy - although lanky drivers might like a little more leg room. In the rear is what Renault calls a 'Triptic' bench, with a middle seat that can be folded up to allow the seats to be slid for-and-aft to allow generous rear legroom, or left in place to give seats for three. The bench also has a one third/two thirds split-folding facility and can be tipped forwards to provide a flat-floored load area.
There are numerous cubby-holes, pockets and bins for the stowage of car-clutter - including under-floor storage and a space under a hinged panel in the front passenger seat for car or driver documents etc.
Renault reckons that some 35 per cent of Modus sales will be to fleet customers - about the same figure achieved by Clio. Rather surprisingly, it also estimates that - initially at least - only around 20 per cent of sales will be of diesel engined versions. A more realistic guess would be that diesel-powered variants will account for a higher percentage than Renault's estimate. As well as delivering far superior economy and emissions ratings, the 1.5dCi is the most pleasant version to drive. Renault predicts that the best selling version will be the petrol-powered 1.4 16v Dynamique.
On the road, Modus feels agile and grippy. To optimise the car's slightly greater height - compared with Clio - the driving position is a little more upright, but not excessively so. On poor road surfaces, Modus feels rigid and taught - but with plenty of suspension suppleness. Unlike some electrically power-assisted systems (EPAS), Modus' is pleasantly and appropriately weighted for this type of car. Even in diesel form, Modus delivers the kind of refinement that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago for a car of this size and price.
Renault's products are doing particularly well these days when it comes to the Euro NCAP safety ratings and Modus has become the seventh Renault to achieve a top, five-star rating and also scored a best-in-class four-star score for child protection. Low insurance groupings begin at 2E for the entry level 1.2 Authentique, rising to 6E for the 1.6-litre Privilege.
There are four specification levels - Authentique, Expression, Dynamique and Privilege. Entry-level price is £9,250 for the 1.2 16v Authentique rising to £13,000 for the range-topping 1.6 16v 113 Auto. Standard equipment across the range includes ABS with Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution, electric front windows, height adjustable steering wheel, ISOFIX child seat attachment system, remote central locking, 'see me home' headlights, four airbags and electric variable-assist power steering.
Expression specification adds things such as two more airbags, body colour bumpers, and electric door mirrors while Dynamique versions have charcoal grey upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel, alloys and integral front fog-lamps.
The range-topping Privilege has a plusher interior, automatic front wipers and headlights, child surveillance mirror, cornering headlights, manual air conditioning and a 60-Watt single CD RDS radio with four speakers. Option packs include the 'Cool Pack' which, at £950, features panoramic sunroof and manual air-conditioning. There is also a 'Chill Pack' at £800 providing climate control and sun blinds.
Modus is a logical development of the Clio - just as Scenic was of Megane. Like a mini-Espace, it combines practicality and versatility with good road manners and refinement. A tempting addition to the menu of well-packaged and boldly designed cars in Renault's current catalogue.
Source Fleetworld
# posted by Liz Laurie @ 3:53 AM 
