You can choose from three petrol engines - a 74bhp 1.2, a turbocharged 99bhp 1.2 or a 110bhp 1.6 with an automatic gearbox. The turbocharged 1.2 is the pick, thanks to its impressive mid-range pull. Diesel buyers can choose between two 1.5-litre units giving either 85bhp or 105bhp. Both provide strong, smooth performance.

The Grand Modus behaves much like the standard car on the road, and that means it focuses on comfort. The soft suspension soaks up all but the worst of urban lumps and bumps, and it stays smooth and settled on the motorway, too. Don't expect a great deal of fun, though - there's lots of body roll through bends and the steering is lifeless.

By and large, the Grand Modus is a very refined car. Wind and road noise are both very well contained, and only the smallest petrol engine makes itself heard more than it should. The diesels offer the most hushed journeys, but all models suffer from a notchy, imprecise gearshift.

Although the Modus is priced to compete against the likes of the Vauxhall Meriva and Nissan Note, all three look expensive next to budget superminis offering similar levels of equipment. However, the Modus provides frugal running costs, low insurance rates and cheap servicing with 18,000-mile intervals.

The build quality feels impressively solid, but Expression models miss out on the Dynamique's soft-touch cabin trim, so they don't feel as classy inside. Renault's record for reliability has been less than illustrious in recent years, though - the manufacturer has consistently finished near the bottom in our annual Reliability Surveys.

The Modus has already achieved a five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, and there's no reason to suspect that the Grand Modus will fare any worse. All come with at least four airbags and sophisticated brake safety systems, but stability control costs extra. On the security front, all versions have deadlocks and an engine immobiliser.

Thanks to its wide-opening doors and lofty styling, access to the cabin is excellent. The steering wheel adjusts for height, but there's no movement for reach. The high driving position and large glass area give excellent visibility, but bulky windscreen pillars can obstruct your view.

The Grand Modus is 24cm longer than the standard car, so there's much more interior space. The rear seats slide backward and forwards, too, and this lets you decide whether you use the extra space for passengers or for cargo. Depending on your needs, you can have either a big boot or limousine-like rear legroom.

The Grand Modus comes in either Expression or Dynamique trim. The entry-level models have basics such as air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows and a single CD player. Posher Dynamique cars also have alloy wheels, electric rear windows and mirrors, curtain airbags, a leather steering wheel and soft-touch cabin trim.