Originally marketed as "a higher-range alternative to the Twingo and Clio", it aimed to provide the practicality and versatility of the larger Renault Scénic in a smaller footprint.

The facelifted Modus was launched in Europe in 2007, featuring colour coded bumpers on all versions, clear Perspex 'glass' indicator bezels, revised side door mouldings and updated interior trim on all specification levels.

The Grand Modus has an extended length of 4,034 mm (158.8 in) and a boot volume of 410 litres (0.41 m3 (0.54 cu yd)) below the parcel shelf.

[3] The Modus was the first small car to receive the full 5 Euro NCAP stars for passenger safety due in part to its six airbag system, front and rear side impact bars and ISOFIX child seat fixing points.

Concealed in the main headlamp unit and operating at speeds less than 38 mph (61.2 km/h), the lights gave the driver a wider field of vision when going round bends.