Renault Modus 2004 2012

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Renault Modus (2004-2012)

Sep 2004 Class: People carriers/MPVs
New price: 10,655 - 14,435 Used price: From 995
On sale:
Performance:
Ride comfort:
handling:
Boot & Storage:
Safety:
Reliability:
Total score:
64%
Good crash safety.

Good ride and handling.
Generous interior space, and innovative design.
Stability control not standard on many models.
High depreciation (loss in value).
Long braking distances.
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1.5 dCi 88 I-Music 5dr
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Combined fuel economy:
68.9 mpg
Cheapest Model to buy new

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Overview
The spacious Modus is well-suited to family life. It offers more space than a standard supermini
- its based on the Clio - but is smaller, easier to manoeuvre and cheaper to run than an all-out
MPV. Renault generally has a poor record for reliability, and so far owners have mainly reported
problems with the non-engine electrics.
The Modus was co-developed with sister-brand Nissan - its own mini MPV, the Note, is a
direct rival. The Modus range was updated in 2008, when the longer-wheelbase Grand Modus
joined the line-up to offer further interior space and practicality.The range was axed in the UK
in February 2012.
The Modus excels with its on-road manners keen drivers will enjoy the way it handles
and rides. Responsive steering gives good turn-in and the suspension absorbs most bumps
readily, despite being firm.
We drove the mid-powered 86bhp 1.5 diesel, achieving 55.4mpg, a little short of Renaults
claimed 62.8. Weve also tested the 1.6 petrol, which provides good pulling power if you rev it;
we achieved 36.2mpg against the 41.5mpg official figure.
All is not perfect up front, where the central storage box can get in the way. However,
things are better in the back, with a sliding rear seat. In its rearmost position (when it seats only
two, instead of three) boot space is a disappointing 190 litres, but if you fold the seat down, you
have up to 595 litres of luggage room. The Grand Modus has an extra 150/100 litres of space
(seats up/down).
According to our latest Which? Car survey, the Modus and Grand Modus have an average
(three-star) reliability rating. The most commonly reported issues are the dashboard display, air
con, dashboard switches, rainwater seals, lights, suspension components and springs.
10,655
Cheapest Model to buy used

1.2 Authentique 5dr
Used price:
995
Cheapest Model to Run (new)

1.2 Expression 5dr [AC] [Euro 5]
New price: 10,655
Running costs: 11,367
(3 years/36,000 miles)
Owners View
Nearly all of the faults in
my previous Modus have
been eliminated. Replacing
headlight bulbs can now
be done underbonnet. No
need to slide seat in Grand
Modus for rear legroom.
But heater fan failed at
48K miles rather than 90K
miles. Renault replaced
Which? Car review

People carriers/MPVs
On the road
How we test
The Modus is fun to drive, easy to handle and gives a good, comfortable ride.
Performance
Performance
We tested a Modus with the 1.5-litre diesel engine, which is a well-mannered unit capable of
delivering good performance even at relatively low revs. Vibrations from the engine are kept to
a minimum. The gears engage easily and precisely, and the five-speed gearbox matches the
engines performance characteristics well.
Model tested
diesel 1.5dCi (86bhp) manual 5-door (2005)
petrol 1.2 16v (75bhp) manual 5-door (2008)
petrol 1.6 (88bhp) manual 5-door (2004)
Ride comfort
Acceleration (37-62mph)
8.1 secs
11.1 secs
7.7 secs
Rating
We use the sophisticated electronic timing

equipment to record standing-start and
in-gear acceleration, and repeat each test
several times.
Ride comfort
The suspension is well balanced and absorbs most bumps well. At high speed, the Modus can
shuffle about a little, but unwanted movements are generally very limited.
Model tested
Rating
Ride comfort is assessed by our laboratory experts who have driven hundreds of
thousands of miles in a myriad of different
models.
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On the road continued...
How we test
Handling
Handling
The Modus offers good directional stability and a reassuringly safe ride. Despite responsive
steering, it understeers strongly in corners, which wont suit everyone, however. Brake Assist
with electronic traction control, which helps maximise braking and prevent wheelspin, can be
bought at an extra cost, as can a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Model tested
Rating
On-the-limit handling is explored well

away from public roads to ensure a fair
test. Our obstacle avoidance test is one of
the harshest tests in the industry..
Brakes
Brakes
Although the brakes are quick to respond, theyre not as effective as those of other cars in this
class. Brake Assist helps the driver to apply maximum force in emergency stop situations.
Model tested
Braking distance (62-0mph)

41.5m
38.5m
41.5m
Rating
The Which? Car braking test measures

stopping distance from 62-0mph and is
repeated ten times in quick succession to
highlight any brake fade issues.
Refinement and noise
Refinement and noise
The Modus interior is smart and seems well put together, and there are plenty of storage
spaces around the cabin. Its not too noisy either; even the sound of the diesel engine is barely
noticeable. However, when travelling at higher speeds, wind noise is audible.
Model tested
Cruising noise
70dB
70dB
67dB
Rating
The Which? Car experts use a decibel

meter to record interior sound levels
at common UK motorway speeds, and
combine this with subjective assessments
to arrive at an overall score.
Which? Car review

On the road continued...
How we test
Cabin and controls
Cabin and controls
The dashboard is well laid-out. All of the most important switches and dials are easy to find and
use, while a display provides information on the outside temperature as well as the average
and current fuel consumption. The Modus is fitted with electric windows and powered exterior
mirrors, while the windscreen wipers and exterior lights come on automatically in higher-spec
models, and you can operate the audio system from buttons and switches on the steering
wheel.
However, there are some gripes. The steering wheel is positioned slightly too low and the
instruments in the centre are difficult to read, particularly in direct sunlight. Similarly, some of
the controls for the heating system switch are too small and hard to see at a glance.
A large sunroof and a satellite-navigation system are both available at extra cost.
Model tested
Visibility and parking
Rating
Visibility and parking
Thanks to the elevated seating position and the high roof, the view out of the front is fantastic.
Its not so great out of the back but you can push the rear headrests down into the rear seats
to improve visibility. Parking sensors are available at extra cost and xenon headlights and
active cornering-beam headlights are also optional.
Model tested
We penalise cars with difficult controls,

and we look for things like backlit light
switches and easy-to-use heating and
ventilation adjustments.
Turning circle
10.7m
10.3m
10.7m
Rating
Visibility is a major issue for motorists

today, so each car gets a 360-degree
swivel view test to reproduce the drivers
eye view and any obscured areas.
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Comfort and practicality
How we test
Getting in and out isnt a problem, thanks to the Modus big doors, and theres plenty of room
inside despite the odd comfort gripe. Boot space is disappointing, although this can be greatly
increased by pushing the rear seats forward.
Getting in and out

Model tested
Seat space and comfort
Rating
Theres plenty of head- and elbowroom in the front. The drivers seat is height-adjustable but,
irritatingly, the drivers left leg is pushed up against the storage box between the seats, and
the passengers seat feels very high. Although the seats are firmly padded, theyre foamcushioned and may get a bit sticky and uncomfortable during the summer.
The clever sliding and folding Triptic rear bench can be adjusted to comfortably seat two
large adults, or three smaller passengers.
Model tested
Getting in and out
Rating
We take measurements all around the

driver and passengers door apertures
and note the height of the seat, door sills
and step down onto the car floor. The
best cars dont require too much bending
or stretching to get in and out.
Seat space and comfort
We assess seat comfort subjectively,

using our road testers expert knowledge
and experience from thousands of different cars. And we measure the head-, legand elbowroom on offer in every seat, to
see how well the car caters for people of
all shapes and sizes.
Which? Car review

Comfort and practicality continued...
How we test
Boot and storage
Boot and storage
There are plenty of spaces to store things in the cabin, but initially the size of the boot is
disappointing. The Vauxhall Meriva, for example, offers much more space. But by sliding the
rear seats forward you can create lots more room for bulky items.
Although its relatively easy to open and close, the tailgate doesnt open very wide, and its
easy to bump your head on it.
Model tested
Heating and ventilation
Boot space (seats up/down)

190 litres / 595 litres
Rating
The heating system is nothing special, but will warm up the cabin within a reasonable period of
time. And theres good news for allergy sufferers; air conditioning comes with a pollen filter.
Model tested
Carmakers give official stats for boot

space, but our tests are more realistic. We
load the boot up with measuring blocks
only as far as the rear window line, so
that luggage is well secured and wont
obscure rear visibility. We repeat the test
with the rear seats up, and folded down
(where possible).
Heating and ventilation
Rating
Feel sorry for the tester who has to warm

each car up from a frosty -10 degrees in
our climate chamber. Starting with a cold
engine, we measure how long it takes to
warm up the front and rear of the cabin.
Diesel cars usually take longer. We also
check the effectiveness of air conditioning, where fitted.
Which? Car review

Running costs and depreciation
How we test
Overall, running costs are about average for the class. Diesel models are pretty economical
for fuel and road tax. The Modus sheds its value rapidly, which is good news for second-hand
buyers.
Insurance costs arent too bad, with all models in low groups. Road tax is generally low-rate
across the range; however, servicing isnt the cheapest in class.
Fuel consumption
The 1.5 dCi Privilege we tested delivered 55.3mpg, a fair way short of Renaults claimed
62.8mpg but still good enough to please most drivers.
Although the petrol models cant be expected to do as well as this, they arent particularly
thirsty; overall fuel consumption is average for its class.
Petrol (combined mpg, claimed)
37.1 mpg - 50.4 mpg
Diesel (combined mpg, claimed)
60.1 mpg - 68.9 mpg
Model tested
Urban (claimed/measured)
51.4 mpg/52.3 mpg
36.7 mpg/34.9 mpg
31.4 mpg/31.0 mpg
Model tested
Extra urban (claimed/measured)

70.6 mpg/72.4 mpg
55.4 mpg/54.3 mpg
50.4 mpg/46.3 mpg
Model tested
Motorway (measured)
45.6 mpg
35.3 mpg
31.7 mpg
Model tested
Combined (claimed/measured)
62.8 mpg/55.4 mpg
47.1 mpg/41.5 mpg
41.5 mpg/36.2 mpg
Fuel consumption
We test fuel economy under strict lab

conditions using realistic test cycles to
reveal the facts behind the figures. Our
figures rarely match manufacturer claims
as, unlike the official mpg test, we measure economy with both a hot and cold
engine, and on the motorway.
Which? Car review

Running costs and depreciation continued...
How we test
Emissions
Emissions
In tax terms, the diesels clearly make most sense. Some (though not all) of the 1.5 dCi diesels
come in under the 120g/km mark for carbon dioxide emissions, and thus into a low-rate annual
VED tax band.
Petrol (CO2, claimed)
134g per km - 185g per km
Diesel (CO2, claimed)
107g per km - 125g per km
Model tested
Emissions (claimed/measured)
120g per km/139g per km
While testing fuel economy, we also

collect exhaust gases to enable us to
measure the amount of carbon dioxide
(CO2) emitted. We also check whether
particulate filters are effective at removing
sooty emissions from diesel engines.
Safety
Safety and security

Euro NCAP score
Here is the video of the 2004 Renault ModusEuro NCAPfrontal crash test.

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Adult occupant
Child protection
Pedestrian protection
Which? safety rating
Active (crash avoidance)

Passive (crash safety)
Child
Pedestrian
Security
Theft of car:
Theft from car:
We rate cars for safety using Euro NCAP

crash test scores (where available),
alongside our own comprehensive safety
checklist. Uniquely, we also feed in results
from our accident avoidance test after
all, its far better to steer around a crash
than rely on the airbags...
Security
Security scores come from the security

experts at Thatcham, who break into
hundreds of cars each year. Most modern
cars are very difficult to drive away, but
are still too easy to steal from.
Which? Car review

Which? Car Survey results
About our survey
The Which? Car Survey is the UKs most robust reliability and owner satisfaction survey. In
2015, drivers told us about 58,000 cars, covering more than 484 million miles in the previous
12 months (thats equivalent to driving to the moon and back a hundred times). This unique
feedback allows us to rate satisfaction and reliability for hundreds of new and used cars.
Note: Star ratings below are from 1-5 (1 is very poor and 5 is very good). Percentages
shown under Most common faults indicate the proportion of owners reporting each problem
in the past 12 months.
Brand
Sample size: 1,465 people
Renault ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this brand
Brand reliability
Dealer Servicing & repair
Sample size: 82 people
Ownership ratings
Overall owner satisfaction for this range
Driving enjoyment
Ease of driving
Comfort
Dash layout and controls
Practicality
Value for money
Running costs
In-car technology
-
Everyone who takes part in the Which?

Car survey tells us about their car and
the dealers who sell and service it. We
analyse this feedback across all cars to
give top-level satisfaction ratings for each
brand, including the brands reliability
record over the last eight years. All star
ratings are out of five.
Model ownership ratings
Dealer Sales Service
Model: Renault Modus (2004-2012)
69%
Brand ratings
These show how owners score this car

in 12 different areas, from performance to
heating. Owners ratings are subjective
so may differ from Which? Car test scores
but they give a good idea of what the
car is like to live with. Where relevant, cars
are scored against other cars in the same
class (e.g. for space).
75%
Owners View
I bought the car for the
raised driving position, its
ability to convert to load
carrying, low road tax and
economy. I have not been
disapointed with any of the
aspects.
Owners View
Extremely versatile interior.
Rear seat slides/folds for
great legroom or great
loadcarrying. High driving
position with good seating
adjustments. Panoramic
roof with opening sunroof.
Economical lively diesel
engine. Proper spare
Which? Car review

Which? Car Survey results continued...
About our survey

Reliability ratings
Reliability ratings
Overall Reliability

Petrol cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Average annual repair cost
Diesel cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
All cars
Reliability
Breakdowns
Up to 3 years old
4-8 years old
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
7%
151
We split reliability into breakdowns (including failure to start), faults (where parts
need replacing) and problems (minor issues e.g. squeaks and loose trim). Where
the car has been on sale for some time,
and we have numerous survey responses
from owners, we also split scores by the
age of car and fuel type. Star ratings are
out of five the more stars, the more reliable the car.
Most common faults
Breakdowns: Percentage of cars suffering a breakdown in last 12 months

Average annual repair cost: Average annual cost of repairs (not servicing), in past 12
months
Most common faults

Up to 3 years old
-
-
4-8 years old
-
-
-
Air Con
Dashboard display
Dashboard switches
Rainwater seals
Springs
Failure rate: The proportion of owners reporting this problem in the last year
7%
7%
7%
7%
5%
Want to know whats most likely to go

wrong as the car gets older? These are
the five most common faults reported by
owners, grouped by age into new, recent
and older cars. A score of 40% means
four out of 10 owners reported problems
with that part of the car over the previous
12 months. Engine electrics and non-engine electrics (e.g. windows, stereo) cause
more headaches than mechanical parts in
most modern cars.

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