Modest modus

The French industrial giant is keen to portray its swollen supermini as a cute, cheeky car that will cause babies to burble and make adults think about giving it a pat on the head as they pass.

On that basis, the Modus fails, because instead of being a "character" car like the MINI or smart ForTwo, it actually offers a rather grown-up approach to modern motoring.

Larger than a Clio but smaller than a Scenic, the Modus doesn't offer the sporty drive of the former or the family-friendly credentials of the latter.

Don't despair though, because the Modus still has plenty going for it.

Passenger space is much more abundant than in a conventional hatchback and the Modus is far happier in cramped urban conditions than a small MPV.

Renault's almost austere, architectural design credo works well on the Espace and Megane but has been softened on the Modus in order to make it less challenging. Notice the "smiling" front grille and the eyelash-like positioning of the front indicators, as well as the unusual rear light clusters.

Because it has five doors and a very people carrier-ish rump, it looks rather like a Renault Scenic that has shrunk in the wash, then been left on a radiator overnight and started to melt. You'll be hard-pushed to find a straight line anywhere on the exterior.

Once inside, the Modus starts to impress. Headroom is incredible, even in the back seats, and the impression of space is amplified by a very flat floor. Either four or five occupants can be carried in comfort thanks to a rear seat that slides forward and backward but can also be altered in a sideways direction. For carrying passengers in a confined space without letting them catch on that they're in a confined space, the Modus is comfortably best in class.

A few pieces of slightly misaligned plastic and consequent vibration rattles aside, the interior feels classy and is well laid-out with enough storage areas and bottle holders to satisfy even the most overweight, rotten-toothed fizzy drink gargler. The high ratio of glass to steel used in the Modus' shell allows plenty of light into the cabin, further enhancing the feeling of space.

The centrally-mounted instrument displays won't suit all tastes, though. Renault is keen to point out that this allows all occupants to view the readouts, though why this encouragement to back-seat driving should be considered an advantage remains a mystery.

The inevitable price to be paid for such excellent passenger comfort is the sacrifice of bootspace. With the rear seats giving maximum legroom to passengers, just 198 litres is available in a narrow stack. Go to the other extreme and fold the rear seats and maximum carrying capacity is 621 litres.

The boot can be lifted in the manner of a conventional estate car, but also features a special hinged "boot chute" that allows the bottom section to open independently. It is a £200 optional extra on all models.

Another clever optional extra is a rear cycle rack (£250) that is one of those ideas that seems so simple it is surprising no one has thought of it before. Bars can be extended rearwards from beneath the floor, creating a sort of platform onto which a couple of cycles can easily be placed.

Less scrupulous users might like to extend it when they find a parking space in order to guarantee enough reversing room when they leave.

The Modus is happiest in town, where its light steering, quiet ride and good all-round visibility come into their own. It is exceptionally easy to park in a tight spot and adept at switching lanes at short notice without loss of control.

On twisting country lanes it's less engaging than a Clio but avoids "wobbling" around corners and is superior to its stablemate on the motorway.

Five different engines are available - three petrol and two diesel. The petrol line-up comprises a 1.2 (75bhp), 1.4 (98bhp) and 1.6 (113bhp). Diesels are both of 1.5 litres but can be specified with either 65bhp or 80bhp.

All engines feature a manual five-speed gearbox with a four-speed "flick shift" automatic available on 1.6-litre petrol Dynamique and Privilege models.

The familiar trim levels kick off with Authentique, then progress through Expression and Dynamique to top-of-the-range Privilege.

The heartening news, given that the Modus can't really be classed as a bargain buy on purchase price alone (though running costs are miserly), is that even the entry-level 1.2 Authentique has a good specification level, doesn't lack power and has earned an invaluable five stars for safety in crash tests.

For more information, call Herds Renault in Basingstoke on 01256 474477.