Grand design to boost fresh-faced Modus

Small cars are big business at Renault – and the Modus has been revised on a Grand scale! Take a look at the first official pictures of the all-new long-wheelbase version, which is set to join a refreshed line-up in February.

Measuring 242mm longer than the standard supermini-MPV, the Grand Modus is designed to offer more boot and cabin space. This will widen its appeal and boost struggling sales.

Only 93mm of the extra length has been added between the wheels; the rest can be measured in the overhangs. Buyers benefit from 410 litres of boot space – up from 274 litres in the standard car – as well as a new three-seat 60-40-split sliding rear bench that offers greater flexibility.

Other neat touches include underfloor lockers and a stowage bin built into the front passenger seat cushion.

However, the Modus is no longer available with one of its trademark launch features – the unique ‘boot chute’. This was a hatch in the style of the original Mini’s, and was des­igned to make it easier to load small items into the luggage area. The set-up was a £225 optional extra, but has turned out to be unpopular with buyers, so will no longer be offered.

Across the entire Modus range, there will be subtle styling revisions inside and out. Most notable changes come at the rear, where new light clusters and a flatter, more conservative tailgate are added. Trim quality is improved inside, although the little Renault’s trademark centrally mounted instrument dials are unaltered.

There will be no engine chan­ges, so the same comprehensive choice of petrol units and economical common-rail diesels will remain.

Prices have yet to be announced, but company bosses have confirmed that the Grand Modus will carry a premium of no more than £1,000. As a result, entry-level versions of the larger car are likely to cost around £10,000.

Meanwhile, Renault also has plans to boost the other end of its model line-up. It has been reported that the Alpine brand will return as a badge for high-performance cars.

A radical new sporting coupé is expected to spearhead the relaunch of the marque in 2010 – and it will be a true successor to the Sixties classic.

However, the founder of Alpine, Jean Rédélé, will be unable to witness the comeback, as he died at the age of 85 in August this year.