The Renault Modus Initiale
Published: 26th April 2005
First jointly developed gearbox from Renault and Nissan
The 1.5 dCi 106 engine is available with a new six-speed manual gearbox. It was jointly engineered by Renault and Nissan under the Alliance’s third powertrain co-development project (following on from the 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol engines). The new manual gearbox does not come as a replacement for any existing gearbox. Through Renault-Nissan cooperation on cost control, the new unit offers excellent value with the best in available technology.
Powertrain cooperation is based on established Alliance practice, with Renault leading projects in manual gearbox technologies and Nissan in automatic transmissions. Co-development marks the second major stage in powertrain cooperation across the Alliance partners, following on from the cross-sourcing of engines and gearboxes.
With maximum torque of 240Nm, the new gearbox addresses small and mid-sized petrol and diesel engines. The sixth gear brings further improvements in response and fuel consumption. While closer-spaced ratios for the first five speeds make the most of engine response, the sixth enables the driver to cruise at a lower engine speed, which means lower noise levels and lower fuel consumption. Motorway fuel consumption is about 10% lower than with the five-speed J gearbox on a combined cycle. Triple-cone synchronisation for the first two gears, plus synchronized reverse, lend the new unit excellent driveability.
This new two-shaft gearbox is particularly compact and lightweight (41kg, which is just 10% heavier than the five-speed J gearbox) considering its torque capacity of 240Nm. It is made at the Renault powertrain plant in Seville, Spain. The initial plant capacity of 450,000 units per year breaks down as 80% for Renault and 20% for Nissan, with Renault and Nissan splitting industrial investment on the basis of the volumes used. The new six-speed manual gearbox is teamed with the 1.5 dCi 106 engine on Modus and is soon to be available in Mégane.
Renault leads the European small-car segment
At end-February 2005, Renault had sold more than 92,000 Modus in Western Europe since its launch in September 2004. Modus has rapidly won a place on the European market, with a small-car segment market share of 5.5% in February 2005. Clio and Modus have a combined market share of 12.3%, consolidating Renault's lead in the small car segment in Europe.
On sale
Renault Modus Initiale is on sale now with prices ranging from £13,550 to £15,055.
The new Modus 1.5 dCi 106 engine will be available to order from mid-May priced at £12,850 for Dynamique, £13,450 for the Privilège version and £15,150 in the new Initiale trim.
Renault Modus
Our Renault Modus Guide lists the full specification of the current UK Modus range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £9,650 - £12,550
Body Style:
Fuel:
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Models in the range: 5
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 6th July 2008
