Test drive by Renault Modus 2005 - 2008 Minivan

Est Modus in Rebus

Renault Modus ... Bukashka? Why not? After all, the nickname Zhuk did not prevent the brainchild of Ferdinand Porsche to become almost the most successful car-long-lived car in the history of automotiveism. So is it worth it to be surprised at such comparisons in our case?
Hardly. This is by no means an insult, but rather a compliment. Unusually high, but at the same time very compact Modus really resembles an insect, so such associations are probably not alien to a person with developed imagination. And here, of course, it was not without the peculiarities of perception - the car looks much more traditional by its relatives from high school. In his exterior, there are practically no stylistically complex breaks and forms that have taken root, for example, in the Megane II hatchback. In general, Renault’s car turned out to be simple, a little funny, but very pretty and friendly - a sort of not released by the growth of Scenic.
The interior also sets up on positive, especially the impromptu central console, crowned with a small semicircular instrument panel, looks especially touching. But this is far from the main thing. Apparently, it was not for nothing that the company's marketers considered Modus, a small Renault with a big soul, considered the lesion of the company appropriate. As it turned out, this phrase should be understood literally. Despite its more than modest size, inside the hatchback was quite spacious. Almost vertical sides and a high roof provided the Frenchman with a capacity worthy of larger cars. Even with his impressive dimensions, the author of these lines did not experience any tangible discomfort at either the wheel or on the neighboring chair - there was enough space for the legs, and for the shoulders, and for the head, although planting in Modus is typically minivan - high and almost vertical .
However, the rear passengers even have to dream of this. When a tall man is behind the wheel, they provide them with a more or less comfortable journey of a car, the length of which barely exceeds 3.5 meters, is clearly not able to - the space for the feet and knees is not enough catastrophically. The only acceptable compromise is people of medium height both in front and behind.
Although the last minus partly relates to the disadvantages of a separate configuration. Modus fell into our hands in the most budget performance by Authentique, which some options will not work out even with a very great desire. Take, for example, the TripTIC system, guaranteed to enter into increasingly advanced options - thanks to it the driver has the opportunity to experiment with the transformation and movement of the rear sofa. So, if necessary, it can be moved by 170 mm, thereby increasing either the passengers space, or the volume of the luggage compartment. In addition, the folding central place will transform the entire second row from the triple into double - it seems that love for non -standard solutions among the French in the blood.
There is no need to wait for any revelations on the road from Modus. Only with small differences does it almost completely copy the behavior of the vast majority of classmates. This compact car with a high body and short wheelbase is clearly sharpened under stone jungle, so people who are often forced to make rather long trips along suburban tracks should look after something larger. Otherwise, you will have to put up with a noticeable scruff of the road, with excessive rolls, and with excessively loud acoustic accompaniment. But this is not the worst.
A strong lateral wind or turbulent twin from oncoming heavy trucks delivers much greater difficulties. For extra centimeters above the head, the owner of the Frenchman has to pay in great sailing and a high center of gravity. Sometimes it even gives the impression that the car is about to overturn that, despite its five stars at the EURONCAP crash tests, the option is not at all desirable. By the way, it is also better to refuse a 1.2-liter engine in this case. In principle, it is not bad, but at speeds over 100 km/h, the lack of power still begins to irritate. In addition, the alternative is very worthy: in the Arsenal Modus there is a very successful 98-horsepower unit with a volume of 1.4 liters, as well as a 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 113 hp from Megane II.
Nevertheless, this Frenchman withstood the city exam perfectly. It is clear that thanks to its subcompact dimensions and minimal overhangs in the city, it is like a fish in water. It is also worth noting that the large area of \u200b\u200bglazing turned out to be very useful, but, however, the lateral mirrors, on the contrary, are small ... But the main applause was earned by a 5-speed mechanics. The transfer numbers of the transmission are selected very successfully - in general, it would seem, the usual manual transmission provides almost the same amount of comfort as the machine gun. Thanks to the stretched transmissions to the switch lever, they are quite rare even when moving along the central (read: overloaded) streets of the metropolitan metropolis.
The brakes were more worthy, however, the work of ABS (+ EBV) at first seemed too intrusive, but it soon became clear that the system only corrected the flaws of regular all -season tires that clearly saved in front of the current frosts and snowfalls. The 75-horsepower 16-valve engine provides the hatchback not only of decent dynamics, but also quite decent for its volume (1149 cm3), even at low speeds. However, with all his advantages, he, apparently, suffers from strong gluttony, consuming a little less than 8 liters of fuel on 100 km. I would like to believe that such an excellent appetite is only an unpleasant consequence of those who visited us during the test of Arctic cold weather.
However, this is far from the strongest disappointment that befell the author of these lines. As you understand, in general, the car left a very favorable impression. However, it would seem, a completely standard question is what how much? The next, and very impressive, a spoonful of tar still added. The cheapest Modus that pleased us these few days costs more than $ 16,000! And here, as they say, the comments are unnecessary. It is only worth noting that the picture, this time considered through the prism of prices, did not seem so joyful. In general, as Horace once said, Est Modus in Rebus - there is a measure to everything.
Text: Vladimir Zhidkov

Source: Mkobil magazine [13.02.2006]