Renault news - Renault reveals 'robotic' gearbox - 2006

Those doomsayers who reckon robots will take over the world will have their paranoia running at full tilt when they hear Renault has stuffed a robot into the gearbox of the Modus.

However, the Quickshift5 robotic gearbox is not going to spear you with a bony metallic finger; it will just help you change gear without the need to bother pressing a clutch pedal.

For £500, the Quickshift5 offers manual or automatic modes and comes attached to the Modus fine 1.5-litre turbodiesel engine to return 62.8mpg.

Prices start at £12,200, and the Quickshift5 'box can be ordered now.