For the first time ever, a new Renault production car will make its world debut at the British Motor Show at Birmingham NEC in May 2004 before going on sale in September.

The launch of the Modus super-spacious supermini is an additional model in the extensive Renault range, sitting between Clio and Mégane – two models that have helped push Renault to record sales and a place in the UK top three last year for the first time.

The smart design of Modus epitomises the company’s emphasis on style and driving pleasure, which given its compact dimensions and large car refinement, should ensure that the model is equally at home both on long journeys and jaunts around town.

Modus is ‘the small car with a big heart’ and has been specifically designed as a five-door only hatchback. Although compact on the outside, the feeling of space inside its light and airy interior truly belie its diminuitive dimensions. At 1589mm tall, 3792mm long and 1709mm wide, Modus is 172mm taller and 70mm wider than a Clio. Particular attention has been paid to materials and textiles on the new car to enhance the feeling of comfort and softness, such as the leather-covered instrument panel and soft-touch paint finish on the central façade.

Modus will also set a new benchmark for a small 5-door hatchback with its advanced technology features, including "cornering" front headlights and a "Triptic" rear seat bench offering an extremely versatile seating layout. Other notable innovations include a split-opening tailgate which can be opened as a complete door as normal, or alternatively just the lower half – reminiscent of the original Mini - which is hinged at the bottom to rest loads on if necessary and also allows easy boot opening in confined spaces. There is also the option of "Velofix" – a cycle rack system whose attachment system is built into the rear bumper and chassis.

Set to be launched in September, there will be four models on show at Birmingham, in a range of engine sizes and colours – all Dynamique trim level, 2 petrol: 1.4 litre 100 hp 16V Flame Red, 1.6 16V 115 hp Mint Blue, plus two 1.5 litre dCi 80 hp diesel versions in Citrus Green and Platinum. Two other engines will also be available when the car goes on sale – 1.2 16V 75 hp and 1.5 dCi 65 hp.

Joining Modus will be three other new Renault models making their UK debuts – Clio Renaultsport 182, Mégane Renaultsport 225 and the new seven-seater Grand Scénic.

The new Clio Renaultsport 182 upholds Renault’s hot hatch tradition, begun with the Renault 5 Turbo. With its 2-litre engine and an extra 10hp over its predecessor - the 172, it has a top speed of 139 mph and 0-62mph acceleration in only 7.1 seconds. The Clio Renaultsport 182 is available from just £14,700 on the road.

Its larger stablemate, the new Mégane Renaultsport 225 has received considerable critical acclaim in recent months, and deliveries will start on 1st May. Available as either a three-door Sport Hatch for £19,500, or five-door Hatch for £20,000 on-the-road, the Mégane slots between its two race-bred stablemates, the new Clio Renaultsport 182 and Clio Renaultsport V6 255. With a new 2-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine developing 225hp at 5,500rpm and 300Nm of torque providing horizon-shrinking power at only 3,000rpm, the Mégane 225 has a top speed of 147mph and 0-62mph is dispatched in just 6.5 seconds.

Last but not least, a brand new addition to the phenomenally successful New Scénic range - Grand Scénic, provides space for up to seven passengers thanks to its third row of two extra individual seats that fold flat into the floor. The Grand Scenic is just 23mm longer than its smaller, five-seater Scenic sibling, but provides the largest luggage space in its class with a volume of 200 litres, rising to 605 litres in five-seat configuration, or 1920 litres if the second-row seats are removed. The new model has only been available since 2 April but has also received very positive media coverage from motoring experts and general media since its launch and is sure to be a great crowd-puller throughout the show.

Aside from the three new models on display, there will be a total of 28 other cars in the line-up, consisting of all the remaining Renault models; Clio, Kangoo, the seven model Mégane range – Hatch, Sport Hatch, Sport Saloon, Sport Tourer, Coupé-Cabriolet, Scénic and Grand Scénic, Espace/Grand Espace and Vel Satis.

The Renault stand itself will be split into 4 distinct zones: Product, Premier, Safety and Sport, making it even easier for visitors to see their preferred car, and for visitors looking to get their adrenaline pumping even more, the Renault FI R24 race car will also be on show, albeit not for use in the show’s new Live Action Arena – Motropolis!