The Renault Modus 1.5 dCi (86 Hp) is a subcompact hatchback produced by the French manufacturer Renault between 2006 and 2008. Positioned as a versatile and practical vehicle, the Modus aimed to provide a spacious interior and innovative features within a relatively small footprint. While not officially sold in the United States, the Modus was a significant model in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Fiat Punto and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa. It represented Renault’s attempt to cater to the growing demand for small, efficient, and family-friendly cars.
Renault Modus 1.5 dCi: An Overview
The Modus, part of Renault’s “New Urban Concept” range, distinguished itself with its modular interior and distinctive styling. It was designed to offer a blend of functionality, comfort, and affordability. The 1.5 dCi variant, powered by a diesel engine, was particularly popular in Europe due to its fuel efficiency and low running costs. This model offered a practical solution for urban commuting and small family transportation.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Modus 1.5 dCi is equipped with a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine, designated the K9K. This engine produces 86 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 185 Nm (136.45 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2,000 rpm. The engine features a turbocharger with an intercooler and a diesel common rail fuel injection system, contributing to its efficiency and responsiveness. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 58.9 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 13 seconds and a maximum speed of 171 km/h (106.25 mph). The 0-60 mph acceleration is calculated at 12.4 seconds. The Modus 1.5 dCi achieves a combined fuel consumption of 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers (52.3 US mpg or 62.8 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 120 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards. The weight-to-power ratio is 13.8 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 6.4 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Renault Modus is a five-door hatchback with a relatively tall and boxy silhouette, maximizing interior space. Its design prioritized practicality and visibility. A key feature of the Modus was its modular interior, offering a sliding rear bench seat and a folding front passenger seat, allowing for versatile cargo configurations. The trunk space ranges from a minimum of 198 liters (6.99 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1283 liters (45.31 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The vehicle’s dimensions are 3792 mm (149.29 in.) in length, 1695 mm (66.73 in.) in width, and 1589 mm (62.56 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2482 mm (97.72 in.). The front and rear tracks are 1471 mm (57.91 in.) and 1450 mm (57.09 in.) respectively, with a ride height of 120 mm (4.72 in.). The minimum turning circle is 10.9 meters (35.76 ft.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Modus |
| Generation | Modus |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 dCi (86 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4 l/100 km (58.8 US mpg, 70.6 UK mpg, 25 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 120 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 171 km/h (106.25 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 86 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 185 Nm @ 2000 rpm (136.45 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | K9K |
| Engine displacement | 1461 cm3 (89.16 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76 mm (2.99 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1185 kg (2612.48 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1675 kg (3692.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 198 l (6.99 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1283 l (45.31 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 49 l (12.94 US gal | 10.78 UK gal) |
| Length | 3792 mm (149.29 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1589 mm (62.56 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2482 mm (97.72 in.) |
| Front track | 1471 mm (57.91 in.) |
| Rear track | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 185/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
The Renault Modus 1.5 dCi, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, fuel efficiency, and versatility for European drivers. Its modular interior and compact dimensions made it well-suited for urban environments, and its diesel engine provided economical operation. Though not sold in the US market, it remains a notable example of Renault’s commitment to innovative and adaptable vehicle design.
