You don't often find luxury and supermini in the same sentence so I'll repeat it. The new supermini Renault Modus Initiale brings a touch of luxury to the market - and I like it. It's a clever move by the French and follows on from their successful formula implemented in the Renault 5 Monaco and Bacarra and then the Clio Initiale.The end result is that buyers will actually get more standard equipment in this car than in a three-litre Jaguar XJ6 costing more than £39,000. Out of a list of 26 possible pieces of equipment, only three are not standard on the Modus Initiale, compared to eight on the Jaguar. It's a bit like comparing apples and pears, but you get the point, and Renault is only too happy to rub it in.The first thing you notice about the Initiale is the beige leather upholstery and door panel inserts which give it a luxurious look and feel not normally associated with a kind of car that is usually occupied by sticky kids.Climate control is fitted as standard along with cruise control, a speed limiter, cornering lights, front fog lamps, a trip computer, electrically folding door mirrors, carpet mats and xenon double-distance headlamps with wash as just a sample of the huge list of features. The upmarket look continues with metallic paint, 16" alloys, door sill kickplates and special badging on the rubbing strips.Of course, there are also the Modus features of adaptable rear seating - which allows you to switch from three to two seats or vice versa - and the split-opening tailgate. This incorporates the innovative boot chute, which is reminiscent of the original Mini by hinging at the bottom to let you drop things into the boot, even if space is cramped. Both are standard on the Initiale and of course like the rest of the range this car comes with a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests - the first supermini to achieve that.I was really impressed with the new 1.5-litre diesel engine with its six-speed manual gearbox which was developed jointly by Renault and Nissan. On a wide variety of roads in the by-ways of Sussex, it was lively and agile or relaxed and smooth, revelling in whatever was asked of it. It features all the latest technological innovations, such as piezo-electric injectors, multi injection, special piston geometry and a twin-mass damping flywheel. What all that means in practice is a superbly flexible and useful power unit which is adaptable to any use. The changed gearing has brought about fantastic economy and reduced emissions.There are specific Initiale colours including Cloud, Pearl Black, Espresso, Khaki and Blackcurrant, and they do make this car stand out as something just a touch different.Launched only in September 2004, the Modus has already sold more than 92,000 in Western Europe and more than 8000 in the UK, and while sales of the Initiale won't be huge, it will appeal to many buyers who'll spot the excellent value for money. It may not be especially sensible for many family buyers but for so many extras at this price, many will simply say "why not?" Engine 1461cc, 4 cylinders Power 106bhp Transmission 6-speed manual Fuel/CO2 60.1mpg / 124g/km Acceleration 0-62mph: 11.2 seconds Top speed 116mph Price £15,150 Details correct at publication date
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