Renault Grand Modus Expression 1.2 TCe 100 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The Grand Modus is an easy drive, thanks to its light control. The seats are comfortable and afford an excellent driving position. It is a small MPV but it’s quite nibble and quite easy to navigate in and out of town. Its combined mpg is 47.1, which makes the 1149cc engine quite frugal. However, the 1.2 litre engine does not have the punch for long trips on the motorway. Visibility is not a problem.

The ride quality is smooth as it absorbs even the sharpest speed bumps and potholes. Body roll is controlled in corners and bends. Steering is light and accurate but it lacks “feel”. A more pressing concern is the fact that this car tends to be susceptible to crosswinds.

This version is a manual 5-speed. Its 4-cylinder, 16-valves engine has the power to produce 100 bhp at 5500 and develops a torque of 112 lb-ft at 3500 rpm. It can reach 62 mph in 11.4 seconds and has a top speed of 113 mph.

The interior is fittingly designed to accommodate a family. The seating arrangement is well thought-off as the numerous cubby holes in the cabin. The Grand Modus is a 5-seater but the third row can also be used to transport kids so this version could actually carry more than five passengers. The dashboard has a computer screen that is quite intuitive to use. However, some of the knobs are fussy to use. The wide windscreen and slim pillars provide great visibility.

Standard equipment includes: Electric windows, Electric mirrors, CD player, air conditioning, Split/Fold Rear Seat, Power steering, Drivers airbag, Side airbags and Passenger airbag. Cost options for the Grand Modus Expression are metallic paint, alloy wheels, reversing sensor and electric sunroof.

The Grand Modus is fitted with some ingenious features that make this car very practical. There’s an optional split-opening tailgate that is quite handy for opening a part of the boot for quickly dropping off items. It has a sliding rear bench seat and an integrated bike rack as option. The boot has a storage space of 305 litres with all the seats up but when the seats are folded or removed, the boot expands to 1,454 litres. Removing some of the seats to open up more boot space is a simple task.

The Renault Grande Modus was given a 5/5 Occupant rating in the Euro NCAP and a Child NCAP safety rating of 4/5. Standard safety equipment include six airbags, Isofix child seat mounts at the rear seats, front seatbelt pre-tensioners that tightens before an impact and load limiters for reducing internal injury risks. The belt pre-tensioners can be deactivated in case a child seat is to be fitted. ABS, central and remote locking are standards.

Brand reliability has greatly improved but there have been reports of recalls since its launch in 2008.

Priced at £11,850 the Renault Grand Modus Expression 1.2 TCe 100 is on par with other small MPV such as the Nissan Note . Its combined mpg is 47.1, with CO2 emissions of 138g/km. It falls under insurance group 11 and Road Tax Band E.

This car is frugal and eco-friendly. Its resale value is still not clear though. Based on what the car has to offer, this car is great value for money but this line is relatively still unknown.