21-12-2010, 01:44 PM
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Renault Modus 1.5 dCi,Twingo!!!
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It's been a long time coming, but the new Twingo is finally here! For the first time in 14 years, Renault's city model will be sold in Britain. Has it been worth the wait? In this exclusive photoshoot, Auto Express looks at the first right-hand-drive car to hit the UK.
And there's no doubt initial impressions are good. Renault is aiming its new baby upmarket - at the likes of the Fiat 500 and MINI. As a result, there's a depth of quality that shines through the compact dimensions.
Although the faired-in nose and large headlamps still give the Twingo a friendly face, the look is surprisingly grown-up - particularly when compared to the previous model. Chunky, angular bodywork is more reminiscent of the Renault Modus than the innova-tive original, but that's not to say the car has sacrificed its individuality. The latest Twingo has lots of character.
At launch, there will be a choice of only two models: the GT and Dynamique. Go for this GT and you get neat touches such as racing checks on the doors and silver finish for the mirrors, spoiler and front foglight surround.
Inside, there's an extremely spacious cabin with easily enough room for four adults. Extra boot space can be freed up by sliding the two individual back seats. With the independent rear chairs pushed fully forwards and the bench folded flat, the 3.6-metre-long Twingo offers 951 litres of storeage space - a hugely impressive figure for such a small car
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Renault Modus
Renault Modus 1.5 dCi 86 Initiale
Thanks to its economical 1.5-litre dieseLengine and low-rate Band B road tax ranking, Renault's Modus is pretty cheap to run day-to-day. However, that doesn't mean it's exempt from London's Congestion Charge - and being based in Auto Express's HQ in the West End of the capital, that means a steep £8 payout every day.
So, as the charge is intended to make city drivers think about using other, less environmentally challenging modes of transport, several members of staff have come up with alternatives. Some live close enough to cycle, others have hopped on cheap public transport, a few from further afield have been car sharing, while the popularity of the sole charge-free model on our fleet, Lexus' GS450h hybrid has soared.
The only other sensible option left to some - including me - is to use a scooter or motorcycle, weather permitting. With its ancient mechanicals, temperamental character and absence of indicators and mirrors - completely legal on a bike of this age - my 1958 Triumph Thunderbird is probably not the most obvious choice. However, it's nimble enough to do battle with fearsome city traffic and, more importantly, is Congestion Charge-free.
Renault Modus and Grand Modus
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