Renault Modus Expression 1.2 16v 5dr Car Review - February 2012

The Modus Expression has a relatively high driving position which means that forward visibility is excellent. Rear visibility is also good and reversing is made easier due to the near vertical back end of the car. The dash is well laid out and is clear and uncluttered; all controls are within easy reach. High quality materials are used throughout the cabin and the build quality is superb.

This is the entry-level version with a 75bhp, 1.2-litre, petrol engine. This 4-cylinder, 16-valve power unit while capable of a top speed of 101mph and a 0-62mph time of 13.5 seconds doesn’t seem to have much pulling power low down - despite the 78lb-ft of torque it produces - and progress feels slow. Its average fuel economy of 47.9mpg is decent but not class beating. There are certainly better engines in the range.

Handling is predictable and safe with only slight body-roll when cornering. The steering lacks precision as do the clutch, accelerator and gear-change. Driving the Modus is easy though, if somewhat uninspiring, and its tight turning circle makes it easy to park.

You’ll get four people comfortably seated inside and the sliding rear bench can be adjusted depending on the luggage space or seating space you need. In the back there’s plenty of head room but legroom is not quite so generous. In general the interior is airy and comfortable but engine noise from the smaller petrol units can be intrusive when they are working hard. For a small car it’s a good ride overall, coping with bumps and uneven road surfaces well, while offering a decent level of comfort for occupants.

The familiar Renault grille adorns the Modus and it looks every bit a Renault. Modern styling and well proportioned lines give it a lot of appeal for a small car.

This Expression version comes with central locking, air con, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, immobiliser and CD fitted as standard. Stability control (£315), alloy wheels (£520), metallic paint (£455) and rear parking sensors (£315), are available as optional extras.

The Modus Expression 1.2 16v offers good space for adult passengers and a sliding rear seat allows you to prioritise between rear passenger space and load space in the boot. The boot offers 217 litres of space with the rear seats in position and an impressive 1,195 litres with them folded down. A split opening tailgate is available which is very useful sometimes in tight spaces and you can also specify the integrated bicycle rack for two adult-sized bikes.

As you’d expect with a EuroNCAP rating of five-stars (individual ratings were 5 for occupants, 4 for children and 1 for pedestrians) it comes equipped with six airbags, front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and Isofix mountings for child-safety-seats.

Renault has made improved the reliability of the Modus over the earlier versions and now many owners report having no problems. It comes with Renault's three-year, 100,000 mile warranty and regular service intervals of 18,000 miles.

The Modus Expression priced at £10,650 offers decent economical motoring with plenty of practical space for a small car. It’s still not as popular as the Grand Modus version which has even more space available in it and Nissan’s offering is superior and cheaper. You should be able to get healthy discounts from dealers or even consider a used buy.

Running costs are on a par for its class with insurance in group 6, average fuel economy of 47.9mpg and CO2 emissions of 138g/km putting it in VED band E for Road Tax.