2008 RENAULT Grand Modus 1.5L dCi 5MT FWD (86 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Renault introduced a longer version of its small-sized MPV named Modus in 2008 and added more functionality to the Clio-based minivan. Moreover, it received new, Euro5 engines.

Even though the minivan market started to shrink, Renault was still making good money from that. The carmaker’s dominated the European MPV sales, and it was the uncrowned king of the segment. Adding a longer wheelbase to the same Clio III platform was a daring solution, but it worked well. Moreover, in specific markets, its standard wheelbase sibling was retired for good. Last but not least, the Modus already achieved a five-star rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests.

With the facelifted version, the 2008 Modus tried to look like a larger vehicle. Its headlights were extended on the inner side, toward the center-mounted badge, covering part of the upper grille. Renault added a second grille on the apron to solve the cooling problem. From its sides, behind the rear doors, the designers added a third row of windows, enhancing the interior light for the rear passengers.

Inside, the carmaker kept the same layout with two seats at the front and a bench mounted on rails for three occupants at the back. Thus, the trunk could have been extended either by sliding, folding, or completely removing the rear seats. In addition, the carmaker offered a three-seat layout for the rear occupants.

Under the hood, Renault introduced newly developed engines starting with the 1.2-liter, 99 hp (100 PS) powerplant and going up to a lively 1.6-liter powerplant that could propel the 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) minivan up to 184 kph (114 mph).