Renault Grand Modus: the lowdown
Let’s not beat around the bush. The Renault Modus has not sold as well as its paymasters hoped. Hence this stretched version, designed to offer more space to broaden the appeal of this high-roof supermini cum mini-MPV. That’s the backdrop to the Grand Modus, the stretched mini to partner the Grand versions of the Scenic and Espace. And Renault has repeated the formula here, with a 93mm longer wheelbase liberating more space for limbs and luggage.
It’s another small car that’s getting bigger!
You’re right. Small cars are growing bigger and bigger. Where will it all end? Some will say that the Grand Modus, at 4034mm long, is hardly a small car any more. But you can’t deny that it has a huge boot (at 410 litres, the biggest in class according to Renault) and there’s useful extra space for passengers too. The three-body rear benchseat slides and tips forward, depending on your lugging needs. And if the Grand Modus is too big, you can stick with the normal Modus, also freshly spruced up and the same size as before at a more manageable 3873mm long.
When do the new Modii arrive?
Production starts in early 2008, so you’ll see both new Modus variants next spring. Will it be worth the wait? The Modus has always been a decent small car – if you need a small package with extra versatility. It’s just that not enough buyers in Europe have flocked to this new breed of mini MPVs…