Renault Modus (2004-) Review

On the road

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There's more feel to the Modus' electrically-assisted steering than in previous Renault power-assisted set-ups, making it easy to manoeuvre and to accurately place around a bend.

The driving position is good - though, as in many modern cars, the large A-pillars around the windscreen can impair vision slightly - and the controls well laid-out and intuitive to find.

Brakes are sharp and progressive, and the Modus feels absolutely solid and stable despite its high roof and short wheelbase, even at high European motorway speeds and in difficult driving conditions.

The diesels are the best choices; the 1.5 dCi (updated for 2008) is consistently good in the Renault-Nissan range, and while it's not exactly quick in 68bhp form (0-60 takes 15.3 seconds) it's strong enough for steady progress. The dCi 86 (replacing the earlier 80bhp unit) cruises effortlessly on the motorway, and has more than enough torque (pulling power) for quick progress up mountain roads.

The 1.2 16v (75bhp) is underpowered, however. It struggles uphill even with just two adults on board, and its high-set gear ratios means you have to keep dropping down a gear and suffer the engine's high-pitched whine. The 1.2 Turbo (100bhp, 0-60 in 11.2 seconds) is livelier than the 1.4 it replaces, though still not as gutsy as the diesels.

The 1.6 (111bhp, 0-60 in 12.3 seconds) is now only available with the auto gearbox.

The petrol 1.6 16v is also quick but noisy. On uphill stretches, the auto feels like it is continually 'hunting' for a gear. It does have a sequential-shift mode, which is simple to understand but rather slow to react. The Quickshift5 transmission, optional with the 1.5 dCi 86, is fiddly, but a better bet if you have to have an auto.