The Renault Modus (Phase II) 1.2 16V, produced between 2008 and 2012, is a subcompact hatchback primarily aimed at the European market. Positioned as a practical and versatile vehicle, the Modus offered a unique blend of space efficiency and affordability. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding its specifications provides insight into the European small car segment during this period. The Phase II update brought refinements to the original Modus, enhancing its appeal as a family-oriented vehicle.
Renault Modus (Phase II) 1.2 16V: An Overview
The Modus, particularly the 1.2 16V variant, was designed to cater to urban drivers and small families. Its compact dimensions made it easy to maneuver in city environments, while its interior offered surprising space thanks to a clever seating arrangement and modular design. The Phase II model benefited from styling tweaks and improvements to the interior, focusing on perceived quality and practicality. It competed with vehicles like the Fiat Punto, Peugeot 207, and Volkswagen Polo in the European B-segment.
Engine & Performance
The Renault Modus (Phase II) 1.2 16V is powered by a 1.149-liter (70.12 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated the D4F, produces 75 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 105 Nm (77.44 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4250 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided adequate power for everyday driving. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a naturally aspirated configuration. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 13.5 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 12.8 seconds. The Modus 1.2 16V has a top speed of 163 km/h (101.28 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 140 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Renault Modus (Phase II) is a five-door hatchback with a relatively tall and boxy profile, maximizing interior space. A key feature of the Modus was its modular interior, offering a sliding rear bench and a folding front passenger seat, allowing for versatile cargo configurations. The trunk space ranges from a minimum of 217 liters (7.66 cubic feet) to a maximum of 1302 liters (45.98 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded. The Phase II update included minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, as well as interior trim upgrades. Standard safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1080 kg (2380.99 lbs), and it has a maximum authorized weight of 1610 kg (3549.44 lbs). The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a semi-independent coil spring arrangement at the rear. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Modus |
| Generation | Modus (Phase II) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 16V (75 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 140 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 163 km/h (101.28 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.4 kg/Hp, 69.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 10.3 kg/Nm, 97.2 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 105 Nm @ 4250 rpm (77.44 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D4F |
| Engine displacement | 1149 cm3 (70.12 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 69 mm (2.72 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 76.8 mm (3.02 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1080 kg (2380.99 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1610 kg (3549.44 lbs.) |
| Max load | 530 kg (1168.45 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 217 l (7.66 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1302 l (45.98 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 49 l (12.94 US gal | 10.78 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 80 kg (176.37 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 900 kg (1984.16 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 3874 mm (152.52 in.) |
| Width | 1709 mm (67.28 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1960 mm (77.17 in.) |
| Height | 1589 mm (62.56 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2482 mm (97.72 in.) |
| Front track | 1472 mm (57.95 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Front overhang | 802 mm (31.57 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 590 mm (23.23 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 120 mm (4.72 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.4 m (34.12 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 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 | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 165/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Renault Modus (Phase II) 1.2 16V, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a practical and economical transportation solution for European drivers. Its focus on space efficiency, versatility, and fuel economy made it a popular choice in its segment.
