Renault Modus (2004 – 2012) Review
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Renault Modus (2004 – 2012) At A Glance
Sensible, practical little car with good features like 'Triptic' rear seat and some diesel engines under 121g/km. Plenty of character too.
'Triptic' seat apparently dropped from spec sometime in 2007.
Seriously cute, immensely likeable and very practical sums it up in one line. I hadn't expected to get on with the Modus as well as I did.
Reviews for Renault Modus (2004 – 2012)'s top 3 rivals
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Renault Modus (2004 – 2012) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.2 16V to 1.6 Automatic
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 27–72 mpg
First proper drive was a night-run to the airport with steamed up windows in freezing fog. The Modus unsteamed its widows with unseemly ease for a stone-cold diesel engine. The 1.5 DCI has plenty enough poke, to the extent that you don't really want any more in a car like this. At first, the steering feels a bit over-centred, but grip is good and you soon get used to it. The cable shift feels like one, but not to the extent I'd complain about it. Only the digital speedo on the passenger side of the central pod is a little touch of RHD skinflinting.
The digits are so big you can read it easily enough, but the surrounding rev counter light show is a bit harder to keep track of. Take your eyes off the road and you will see that 3,000rpm gives you a usefully long 80mph cruise (actually a true 76mph). Ride quality is very good too, absorbing poor surfaces and road humps like a balloon-tyred 4x4 despite the car's diminutive size.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 16V | 48 mpg | 13.5 s | 138–140 g/km |
| 1.2 TCe | 47–48 mpg | 11.2 s | 139–140 g/km |
| 1.4 16V | 42 mpg | 11.4 s | 161 g/km |
| 1.5 dCi 106 | 60 mpg | 11.2 s | 124 g/km |
| 1.5 dCi 68 | 60 mpg | 15.3 s | 125 g/km |
| 1.5 dCi 86 | 63 mpg | 13.0–14.8 s | 119 g/km |
| 1.5 dCi 88 | 69 mpg | 11.0 s | 107 g/km |
| 1.6 16V | 42 mpg | 10.3 s | 163 g/km |
| 1.6 VVT Automatic | 37 mpg | 12.3 s | 179 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Renault Modus (2004 – 2012)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
93%
Real MPG
27–72 mpg
MPGs submitted
153
Renault Modus (2004 – 2012) interior
- Boot space is 198–1283 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3792–3874 mm |
| Width | 1695–1709 mm |
| Height | 1586–1589 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2482 mm |
The surprise and delight feature is the amazing ‘Triptic' rear seat. The centre squab can be flipped up, the two side squabs pushed together, then the whole seat pushed back to provide an astonishing amount of legroom. And this doesn't rob the boot too badly either as there is still plenty of space for bags or shopping. On top of that, the doors open wide, giving excellent access to the seats for the elderly, the infirm or those suffering a weekend rugby injury.
Step outside to look at the car and you cannot quite understand how they get some much interior into such a short car. ‘Tardis' is a corny old analogy, but it applies perfectly to the Modus. It's only 12' 5" long yet there's more rear legroom than a limo. Very clever.
You don't get the boot chute as standard though, even on the top spec Privilege. It's an extra £200 for a Mini-like trapdoor in the rear hatchback though which to drop the shopping. Do you need it as much as £200? Your decision.
Good car, though, in what has become an intensely competitive niche market. And fantastic you can now get so much in something so short.
Renault Modus (2004 – 2012) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3792–3874 mm |
| Width | 1695–1709 mm |
| Height | 1586–1589 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2482 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1080–1205 kg |
| Boot Space | 198–1283 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 12000–18000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £9,075–£14,965 |
| Insurance Groups | 6–11 |
| Road Tax Bands | B–I |
| Official MPG | 36.6–68.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 5 |
| Child | 4 |
| Pedestrian | 1 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until January 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique 1.2 TCe 100 5dr | £12,350 | 47.1 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Dynamique 1.6 VVT Auto 5dr | £13,760 | 36.7 mpg | 12.3 s |
| Dynamique dCi 88 5dr | £13,445 | 68.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
| Expression 1.2 16v 5dr | £10,650 | 47.9 mpg | 13.5 s |
| Expression dCi 88 5dr | £12,445 | 68.9 mpg | 11.0 s |
On sale until March 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Dynamique dCi 86 5dr | £13,900 | 62.8 mpg | 13.0 s |
| Dynamique dCi 86 5dr Auto | £13,900 | 62.8 mpg | 14.8 s |
| Expression dCi 86 5dr | £13,000 | 62.8 mpg | 13.0 s |
On sale until May 2008
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Expression dCi 68 5dr | £10,970 | 60.1 mpg | 15.3 s |
On sale until July 2007
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Authentique 1.2 16v 5dr | £9,075 | 47.9 mpg | 13.5 s |
| Authentique dCi 68 5dr | £10,065 | 60.1 mpg | 15.3 s |
| Expression 1.2 16v 5dr | £9,825 | 47.9 mpg | 13.5 s |
| Expression 1.2 Turbo 100 TCE 5dr | £10,525 | 47.9 mpg | 11.2 s |
| Expression 1.4 16v 5dr | £10,325 | 42.2 mpg | 11.4 s |
| Expression dCi 68 5dr | £10,815 | 60.1 mpg | 15.3 s |
| Expression dCi 86 5dr | £11,295 | 62.8 mpg | 13.0 s |
| Expression dCi 86 5dr Auto | £11,295 | - | - |
On sale until May 2007
Model History
March 2004
Taller mini MPV version of Clio to rival FIAT Idea and Vauxhall Meriva first shown at 2004 Geneva Motor Show and in UK from September 2004. 3,792mm long, 1,709 mm long, 1,589mm high.
Has central instruments; split folding sliding 'Triptoc' rear seat (giving added legroom) and optional boot chute in tailgate. Engines: 75bhp 1.2 16v; 100bhp 1.4; 115bhp 1.6; 65bhp 1.5dCi and 80bhp 1.5dCi. In UK from September 2004, prices from £9,250 to £13,000. Automated manual versions offered.
July 2004
Order books open. Extremely likable little car. Goes well with 1.5 diesel engine. Huge rear legroom for two. Optional cruise control and speed limiter. Passenger airbag can be deactivated by keyswitch. 5 star NCAP occupant safety rating, and 4 stars for child protection.
June 2005
Oasis and Maxim Special editions launched. Oasis has Air conditioning, ‘Boot Chute’ double opening tailgate and specific Oasis ‘Kaleidoscope’ red upholstery. Prices: Oasis 1.2 16V 75 £10,100, Oasis 1.4 16V 98 £10,600, Oasis dCi 68 Euro IV £11,000, Oasis dCi 86 Euro IV £11,500.
Maxim has Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Speed Limiter, 16" ‘Star’ alloy wheels, 60W single CD stereo. Prices: Maxim 1.4 16 98 £11,200, Maxim 1.6 16V 113 £11,700, Maxim 1.6 16V 113 Auto £12,705, Maxim dCi 86 IF Euro IV £12,100, Maxim dCi 86 IF Euro IV QS5 £12,600, Maxim dCi 106 IF Euro IV £12,800.
See also Grand Modus
What to watch out for
If buying a used 1.5 dCi diesel, check very carefully that it is certified at under 121g/km as this puts you onto £35 a year VED and saves £80 - £90 a year.
On 1.5 dCi EGR valve should open to allow carbon dioxide, which acts as a cooling gas) into the combustion chambers when the engine is under load (>30% boost). This allows the combustion chamber temperature to drop and thus the temperature of the exhaust gases. If it sticks in the closed position the exhaust gas temperature will rise causing a) the turbo bearings to fail and b) engine oil into the induction system. This can cause the engine to run on its crankcase oil until it is either stalled or goes bang. Problems with EGR valves in Renault dCi engines are also the cause of rough running when the valve is stuck in the open position. In several cases turbos have blown but the EGR valve has not been replaced. Inevitably the new turbo unit will not last long. This seems to be confined to early 1.5DCIs as Renault modified the EGRs and no further reports of trouble in the 9 months to April 2007.
Beware, if battery fails and is replaced or disconnected or an attempt is made to charge it via the cigar lighter/aux power socket, the codes for the power steering will be lost and will have to be re-coded by a Renault dealer.
Noise on start upoof an ageing 1.6 could be a failing camshaft dephaser requiring replacement at a cost of £916.
21-12-2015:Report of frustrating central locking problem with 2005 Modus. Clicks and tries to unlock doors independent of key. Probably caused by moisture ingress.
23-07-2016:Report of breakage of hydraulic piston controlling the gearchanges of 59k mile 2010 Renault Modus 1.5 diesel automated manual.
18-01-2018:Problems reported with automated manual transmission of 2009 Renault Modus: T he check gearbox light came on and it lost all gears. Managed to get into gear again and drove home. RAC towed car to local dealer who claim diagnostics have showed no fault. They stripped gearbox down and found there was no hydraulic fluid but they cannot tell where it leaked from. They put it back together and gears are working but say as diagnostics showed no fault they don’t know whether it will leak again.
