The Modus compact compact micro-van (overall dimensions 3792x1695x1589 mm, wheelbase 2482 mm) debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in the autumn of 2004, appeared in Russia at the end of 2005. A characteristic feature of the model is a single high volume body, which provides maximum interior space for passengers and baggage. The car is designed on the new platform B-Platform. Chassis Modus developed on the basis of the Megane II, which is the key to comfort and efficiency.
A worthy competitor to such models as the Citroen C3, Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris Verso. The Modus design stands out for its modern and bold front-end shapes with vertical headlights. Its silhouette has a clear profile, the windshield is pushed forward, the lines are swift. The hood and fenders, which extend the front pillars and the edges of the roof, give the impression of smoothness. These flowing lines are repeated in exterior mirrors, door handles and round-shaped rear lights. The front of the car looks serious: a large air intake in the bumper, grille a'la Megane. A distinctive feature can be called a high roof, which gives a lot of space.
The image turned out solid and bright. With a length of 3,792 mm, the Modus is the leader in its category in the size of the passenger compartment: it has the highest ceiling height in both the front (88 mm) and rear (46 mm) seats, the legroom of the rear passengers (235 mm) and the width of the passenger compartment at the level of the shoulders in the rear seats (1345 mm). With its compactness, the Modus is distinguished by its spacious interior and ease of fit thanks to its single-volume design, height 1,589 mm, thin center pillar and wide doors. The salon Modus is made in the cozy spirit of Renault with a Nissan accent (central location of the instrument panel).
Despite the fact that the steering column has no adjustment for the departure (for yourself), you can get more comfortable in the driver's seat even with a height of eighty meters: the pedals are right under your foot, the steering wheel is at hand. There is no need to reach up to the gear lever. The seat, though unsophisticated in configuration, is adjustable in height. The driver’s seat is high with good all-round visibility. There is not much room for rear passengers, but thanks to the decent tilt of the back of the back sofa it is comfortable and not crowded to sit there (provided that there are two passengers).
The information displayed on the central instrument panel is clearly visible to all passengers. The shape of the dashboard has soft and smooth lines that make the interior more comfortable. In its upper part, which does not have any irregularities, are placed technical elements, worked out in the spirit of restraint and moderation.
The transformation of the cabin in the basic configuration is very modest (folding back of the sofa). For an additional fee, a sliding rear seat called the Triptych with a foldable middle seat is offered. This seat shifts by 170 mm and can occupy four different positions. It can accommodate two or three passengers as needed. In the double version of the seat is set in four positions, and in the triple - in two.
Conversion from double to triple is done after the seat is moved to the front position. First, both seat cushions are shifted all the way to the sides of the cabin with the handle located under the right side of the seat. Then the middle cushion unfolds, forming the third place. Trunk volume 55 liters. Separately, it is worth noting such a detail as the flap in the lower part of the rear door, where it is convenient to load a briefcase or bag.
The range of gasoline engines includes three 16-valve engines: 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 liters in volume and 75, 98 and 113 liters respectively. from. The Megane II borrowed a gamma of 5-speed manual gearboxes, the gear ratios of which are adapted to the Modus, and an automatic gearbox is fitted with a 1.6-liter engine. In terms of chassis settings, Modus is simple-minded. Dense suspension have good energy, but tend to repeat the profile of the road, and even on small irregularities shake pretty. In the management of the car is sharp, dynamic, perfectly suitable for urban crowding.
He is obedient on country tracks. Modus is offered in a wide range of versions with different levels of configuration and power units. In the configuration Authentique, characterized by simplicity, the center console has a dark gray color. In combination with the geometric pattern of the upholstery fabric, this soft graphic base uses a play of light and shadow, without creating a sense of severity.
The exterior equipment of the car in the version of Authentique is represented by decorative caps of 15-inch wheels, side plates and lower parts of plastic bumpers, painted in four colors depending on the body color. In the more expensive version of the Expression, the upholstery and the center console appear red. Door panels have larger fabric inserts. The bumpers and exterior mirrors are painted in body color (depending on the country of delivery), and the side covers of the body are painted in a gray color of an unsaturated tone.
The version of Dynamique shows its character in a more saturated tone of the “Regato Carbone” upholstery and in leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob in dark gray. The upholstery is combined with a matte chrome finish of the gearshift pattern on the lever knob, the parking brake lever button and the upper part of the center console, as well as the dashboard trim. Door handles also have a chrome finish. By the way, the commission EuroNCAP has estimated the safety of the Renault Modus in five stars.
