Renault Modus 2004–2012: How to Remove the Bumpers

The Renault Modus is a compact minivan produced by the French automaker from 2004 to 2012. Designed as a practical urban car with MPV elements, it stood out with its unconventional design and functionality for its class. Despite its modest dimensions, the Modus featured a well-thought-out interior and several innovative solutions.

Production Years and Facelift

First Generation (2004–2009)

The Modus debuted in 2004, based on the Nissan B platform shared with the Clio III and Nissan Micra. In 2006, an extended version, the Grand Modus, was introduced, offering more passenger space.

Facelift (2009–2012)

In 2009, the model was updated with a redesigned front end (new grille, bumpers, headlights), improved interior materials, and additional options. However, sales remained low, and production ended in 2012 without a direct successor.

 

Model Overview

Design and Dimensions

The Renault Modus featured an unconventional shape for a compact MPV: a tall body, short overhangs, and a vertical rear end, ensuring good visibility and easy access. The standard version was about 3.8 meters long, while the Grand Modus was 17 cm longer.

Interior and Comfort

The Modus’ interior stood out with unique features:

• Adjustable trunk floor (Triptic system).
• Sliding rear seats (up to 24 cm).
• Numerous storage compartments.

Despite its compact size, the interior was efficiently designed, comfortably accommodating four adults.

Technical Specifications

The car was available with petrol and diesel engines:

• Petrol: 1.2 (75 HP), 1.4 (98 HP), 1.6 (113 HP).
• Diesel: 1.5 dCi (68–106 HP).

Transmissions included a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic.

 

Bumper Plastic Marking >P/E+EPDM-TD10< 

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How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Upper Side
   • Open the hood.
   • Locate and remove the four clips securing the top part of the front bumper.
2. Lower Side
   • Unscrew the six bolts securing the lower part and the bumper shield.
3. Side Sections
   • Remove one screw in each wheel arch securing the fender liners to the bumper.
   • Push the liners aside and unscrew one bolt on each side securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
   • Release the clips in the fenders by pulling the corners outward with moderate force.
4. Final Steps
   • With an assistant, pull the bumper forward.
   • Disconnect the fog light wiring harnesses.

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Remove two plastic nuts inside the trunk, release the clips in the fenders, and remove the taillights.
3. Unscrew two bolts in the trunk opening.
4. Underneath the car, remove five bolts securing the lower part of the rear bumper.
5. Free the fender liners from the bumper and remove one screw on each side securing the bumper corners.
6. With an assistant, release the clips in the fenders and near the taillights, then pull the bumper backward.

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Suspension

The setup (McPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, typical for Renault at the time) provided a comfortable ride but not sporty handling.

 

Interesting Facts

• Safety: In 2005, the Modus earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, rare for a car of its size.
• Design Experiments: The 2004 concept featured a sliding door and panoramic roof, but these were not carried over to production.
• Sport Version: The 2006 Modus Renaultsport had a 2.0L engine (136 HP) but was not widely popular.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Spacious and adjustable interior.
• Fuel efficiency (especially diesel models, ~4.5 L/100 km).
• Excellent visibility due to the high seating position.

Cons:

• Weak acceleration (0–100 km/h in 11 seconds even with the 1.6L engine).
• Noisy at highway speeds due to the tall body.
• Cheap-looking interior plastics prone to scratches.

 

Conclusion

The Renault Modus was a typical European compact MPV of the 2000s—practical but with flaws. Its strengths were space and efficiency, while its weaknesses included performance and noise insulation. Though it had no direct successor, the Modus left its mark as one of the first urban minivans to offer an unconventional take on compact car design.