The Renault Grand Modus is basically a compact people carrier. The car’s main strength is its versatility which is down to generous interior space and sliding seats. Thus the Modus can either offer those sitting in the back lots of room, or provide a large area for cargo to be carried in the boot. The Grand Modus is also relaxing to drive.
Practicality
The Renault Grand Modus offers wide-opening doors and a tall stance, both of which help make access to the interior a simple operation with no fuss.
The Grand Modus is also more than six inches longer than the standard Modus, again improving interior space. The rear seats slide backward and forwards allowing you to decide whether extra space for passengers or cargo is the priority. So whether you want limo-like space for rear seat occupants or the ability to transport everything and the kitchen sink, the Grand Modus is your man.
One small moan is that although there is a lot of oddments space, the compartments are all on the shallow side so items tend to come out of them over bumps and around corners.
A comfortable position behind the steering wheel is easily obtained thanks to a wide range of adjustment while the high driving position and large glass area mean great visibility – however on the downside the windscreen pillars can obstruct the view at junctions.
The Renault Grand Modus is solidly built with everything well screwed together. The cabin is well-finished with digital instruments sunk into the top of the dashboard. Most of the plastics look and feel reasonably upmarket.
Life Style
The Renault Grand Modus may be tall and practical, but Renault’s designers have given it a touch of joie de vivre making it easy on the eye.
On the road the focus is on comfort with a soft suspension absorbing all but the worst that our highways have to offer these days.
On the motorway the Renault Grand Modus is smooth and settled while on more twisty routes there is little lean through corners and road holding is competent.
All things considered, the Renault Grand Modus is an extremely refined car. Wind and road noise are about as welcome in the interior as a pickpocket at a funfair while only the smallest petrol engine makes more of a fuss than it should. The diesels, as with most modern oil burners these days, are remarkably quiet.
The Renault Grand Modus is easy on the wallet when it comes to running costs with decent fuel economy combining with relatively low insurance costs and cheap servicing.
It has a good turning circle so is useful as a city car while weekend shopping or leisure trips are also within its scope. Environmental concerns are best met by the diesel powered Grand Modus which uses fuel like a miser and is a good choice for those looking for a green compact MPV. Carbon dioxide emissions are also low so it will avoid paying the London congestion charge.
Security and Safety
As far as deterring the criminal element goes all versions of the Renault Grand Modus rely on central locking, deadlocks, an alarm and an engine immobiliser.
The Renault Grand Modus maintains the French company’s good record for safety equipment by including at least four airbags and sophisticated brake safety systems on all versions of the compact MPV. One negative though is that stability control costs extra.
The Finishing Touches
The Renault Grand Modus comes in two levels of trim – Expression or Dynamique – with entry-level models fitted with kit such as electric front windows, air-conditioning, a single CD player and remote central locking. Step up to the more expensive Dynamique car and Renault throw in alloy wheels, electric rear windows and door mirrors, curtain airbags and a leather steering wheel.
Summary
The Renault Grand Modus – based on the Clio supermini – is a practical compact MPV that has much to recommend it due to a clever design.
All versions of the car are good to drive and there are lots of engines and trim levels to choose from.
The car is surprisingly capable on long journeys as it takes little out of occupants on motorways while still being fun to take down twisting county lanes.
Of the available power plants, the entry level 1.2 litre petrol is adequate, but the more powerful 85 bhp and 105 bhp diesels are better giving decent performance while the range-topping 1.6 litre petrol engine with an automatic gearbox gives the Renault Grand Modus some kudos when the traffic lights turn green.
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