SMILE please! Renault's new supermini, the Modus, described as the small car with a big heart, arrives in the autumn with body language that "smiles at you" and aggressiveness is out!

Its style is designed to express "all the warmth and friendliness" of Renault's small cars.

But the Modus is not just the work of Renault's designers. The French manufacturer called on its customers for their ideas for a smart, roomy and versatile small car, and the Modus, is seen as an alternative to classic hatches in the small car market like Clio.

Renault is one of the main players in the small-car segment, which accounts for one-third of the European automobile market and last year became the largest segment in the UK for the first time. With the Clio and Twingo (still the best-selling city car in continental Europe, but not available here), Renault's share of the segment in 2003 was 11.5 per cent. It will be introducing new models of both cars in coming years and the addition of the Modus is seen as a further bolster to its already powerful presence.

As Clio majors on being a sporty design, Renault did not want to compromise the next new Clio in 2006 by making it taller, hence Clio and the five-door only Modus will sit side-by-side complimenting each other and both targeting supermini buyers.

The versatile Kangoo continues to offer a low cost multi-purpose vehicle alternative, while Modus offers the style of the Twingo to United Kingdom buyers only on a larger scale. This big-hearted little car is both exceptionally spacious and airy inside.

Its bright and airy interior is down to the sunroof, panoramic and electrically-operated and inspired by the Mgane II roofing. Modus also comes in a version that offers an original, manual control for opening and closing the two sunroofs. Modus offers some of the space efficiency of an MPV, but on a smaller scale. Its sliding two or three-way split-folding rear bench, unique "boot chute" rear tailgate and specially designed bike rack make it an ingeniously-designed, user-friendly vehicle.

The Modus comes with many comfort features, some of which are borrowed from higher-segment models.

The driving position combines the advantages of a hatch with those of an high-seated multi-purpose vehicle. Everyone in the car can see the centrally positioned dashboard.

Modus also draws its ride and drive inspiration from that of the Mgane II. Petrol engines comprise three 16-valve units: 75hp 1.2-litre 16V, 98hp 1.4-litre 16V, and 113hp 1.6-litre 16V.

At launch the Modus diesel engine range will include the 65hp and 80hp 1.5-litre dCi units, recognised for their efficiency and low noise levels.

Further Euro IV compliant engines will round off the diesel range later. The range of five-speed manual gearboxes is also taken from the Mgane II, with gear ratios adapted to the Modus, while the 1.6-litre 16V engine also drives through an automatic gearbox.

The Modus sits on a new platform, the first to be produced from the alliance between Renault and Nissan.

Modus is kitted out with anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, new electronic steering control and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

It is also available with many active and passive safety features, which include additional cornering lights - a world first in the small car segment - double-distance xenon headlamps, together with an automatic range adjustment system.

Passive safety is impressive and includes numerous strengthened crumple zones, designed to work with the seatbelt and airbag system. There are six airbags - including two adaptive front airbags.

The Modus lightens the load for its users with longer service intervals of up to 18,000 or every two years, together with reduced running costs.

Leading the way

Renault's Modus forms the advance guard for a new generation of small cars from the brand.

Emphasising space and versatility the five-door Modus goes on sale this autumn priced at "a few hundred pounds above Clio," according to company sources.

Renault UK's managing director, Philippe Talou-Derible, said this week that while the Modus established another new niche for the company it would help sustain sale volume before a new Clio range is launched in the final quarter of next year.

The French brand's small car portfolio will be strengthened by the long-awaited arrival of the next generation Twingo, previously unavailable in right hand drive form.

Aimed at rivals like Fiat's Panda, smart's forfour and the MINI, the Twingo will be "stylish and chic" according to Renault's UK managing director.

Talou-Derible admitted: "There will be some substitution between five-door Clio and Modus, but Clio has essentially been a three-door car. That is a legacy of not being able to import Twingo."

UK customers will have access to the Twingo because it will share a common platform with the next Clio and its Nissan Micra corporate cousin, therefore generating economies of scale.

Updated: 09:07 Friday, June 04, 2004