Renault Modus

The Renault Modus is a joint project with Nissan, whose mechanically identical car is the Note. It’s based on the old, but well-proven, Clio but is cleverly repackaged to provide masses of interior space in a relatively small footprint.

• Comfort

  To compensate for the car's unnatural height, Renault has been forced to stiffen up the suspension over what was normal for the old Clio, which doesn't do anything for the ride.

  

• Performance

  As with all Renaults, but even more so with a car that's likely to get loaded to the gunnels, go for the largest diesel you can afford. The 1.5-litre option here is excellent and more than a match for the diminutive Modus.

  

• Cool

   The Modus is a boldly styled thing that just about works. But it's also a bit mumsy and slightly outshone by the slicker-looking Nissan Note. You'll not be the laughing stock in one of these, but it's hardly going to get you laid is it?

  

• Quality

  The old Clio was mechanically very sound, so you should have no worries there. It's also fairly sturdy inside and built with the same expensive-looking plastics that appear in the Espace.

  

• Handling

  The Modus is no driver's car, with lots of body roll and a tendency to understeer. It's one of those cars that is perversely enjoyable to thrash however. The perfect holiday rental if you will.

  

• Practicality

  Surprisingly spacious inside, with rear room that'll comfortably accommodate six-footers, there's also the option of converting a tight five-seat layout into a more spacious four, something that seems so logical you can't figure out why everyone doesn't do it.

  

• Running costs

   Typically frugal diesel engines and low insurance mean the Modus is cheap to run, but its relative obscurity as a model might mean people don't fancy it much when you try to sell it on.