Renault's new Modus mini-MPV is the cleverest package since the first Scenic. It's an odd mix of MPV, supermini and lifestyle holdall which bridges the gap between the Megane and the existing five-door Clio until a new version of that top-seller appears late in 2005. It's a ground-breaking new small family car which will make sense for many motorists, but my first impressions of the 1.4-litre Dynamique were mixed.There's no denying its practicality, innovative design, low insurance ratings and safety attributes, but from a driving point of view it's flawed. The electric steering is lifeless and the surprisingly heavy body knocks the stuffing out of its performance.Having said that, the Modus is a clever arrival. The 98bhp engine struggles to propel this well-built five-door with any verve, but it is easy to pilot and very frugal. Fuel consumption is excellent at a combined 42mpg and although performance is only adequate, it leaves the 1.4 as a relaxed and pleasant paradox. As a family holdall it is undemanding and unexciting - but there's a spark of genius in its design and construction which leads me to forgive its dull nature.It's full of clever features, but you have to choose carefully if you are on a budget because some of the most desirable features are included in optional "packs" and can push up the cost of your purchase. A combined 6-CD multichanger radio system and black-and-white screened satellite navigation pack costs £1100; traction control with electronic suspension programme and tyre pressure monitor £750; clever clip-on integrated bike rack with swan-neck towbar and wiring £458; climate control and sunblind £800; and electric panoramic glass sunroof £950.There's plenty of evidence of careful design. The full-size spare wheel's mounting is a perfect example; Renault could have saved a few quid by dispensing with a spare wheel and supplying cars with a can of expanding foam repair goo, but the car gets a steel spare suspended below the boot floor where it doubles as a rear-end collision cushion.And there's more! You release the spare by turning a large plastic collar inside the car which allows the spare to "fall" onto the ground on its own tray attached to the car by a strong cable. Once you've changed the wheel the dirty punctured tyre is clipped onto the tray and with one pull on the cable it is lifted off the ground and clips into place ready to be locked simply by turning the collar. It's clever, it's simple, it's safe and it will keep your hands clean.Modus is full of ideas like that. The rear seat slides easily to increase boot space or maximise passenger room and the seats flip and fold individually to allow bigger loads to be carried. Interior space and comfort are excellent and, apart from a junction blind spot caused by the thick A pillars, so is visibility. Access to the front and back is easy because of the car's tall stance, low floors and wide doors. It's all sensible stuff - a car designed for living.The more you examine the Modus the more clever it becomes. The front wings are deformable plastic while the tailgate has a similar composite construction. For £250 you can get your Modus with a bottom-hinged "boot chute" tailgate hatch which is built into the large rear access and flips down independently to allow you to load shopping in a restricted car park, without having to open the entire tailgate. The standard boot capacity is not vast because Renault has traded cargo space for passenger comfort - but the luggage area is useful enough and the rear-seat flexibility makes up for the boot's lack of litres.I was impressed by many features of this important new Renault. But there is one particular area where it excels - on-road refinement. I have never driven a car in this class which was so quiet in terms of mechanical, road and wind noise. The Modus suspension is remarkable and manages to insulate the interior brilliantly. That in turn made driving the car a relaxed and stress-free pleasure.The 1.4 Dynamique is a well-appointed, refined and roomy five-door family mini-MPV with some innovating features and excellent build quality. Economy is good, but don't expect its dull performance to keep you on the edge of your seat. This is a vehicle for the more mature driver - the kind of person who recognises value, good construction, sound design, undemanding dynamics and easy access. In all those areas the Modus is a winner.Renault's UK product manager Tom Coles expects the 1.4 petrol Dynamique to sell best in Britain. I agree, but the 1.5 dCi turbo diesel in 80bhp guise at £11,300 will run it a close second. The oil burner would be my choice simply because the power plant is so well suited to this sit-up-and-beg five-door - but unless you do more than 20,000 miles a year the petrol makes better economic sense. Engine 1390cc, 4 cylinders Power 98bhp Fuel/CO2 42.2mpg / 161g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 12.3 seconds Top speed 109mph Price £10,500 Details correct at publication date
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