Renault Wind Review

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Renault lifts the veil on its highly anticipated compact convertible. Surprise, it will not be called Twingo cc as mentioned, but Wind, a model that “brings a completely different take on a car for drivers who enjoy wind-in-the-hair motoring.”

To say that the Renault Wind has spilled much ink is an understatement. Announced by speculators, then postponed, canceled, and finally, finally materialized, the project has bounced back and encourage the growing interest of customers, with its promise of affordable sportiness.

So, is the convertible a mix match between the Twingo and Clio? Yes, it seems so. Renault has cut the pear in two, and with 3.83 m long, the Wind is located midway between the two models.

Aesthetically, at any rate, the Renault Wind resembles the latter, at least at the front. With its largest flagship sharp angles, his shield trapezoidal ribs and cover an extension of the logo grille, the Wind boasts the feces of a Twingo in rage.

In profile, there is a windscreen to the acute angle and a reassuring integrated roll cage. Note that, like the Citroën DS3 , Wind also includes a “shark fin” in the design of its doors. This integration is supposed to improve the aerodynamics according to Renault.

At the rear, the lights are like a family resemblance to those (very successful) of the Mégane Estate  while subtly integrated spoiler completes the look. Finally false air diffusers are bringing a touch of dynamism to the model.

About the roof

Its main feature is undoubtedly its retractable roof system. The roof doesn’t fold into several parts, but the roof tilts in a similar fashion as the Ferrari 575 Superamerica. But the system has evolved and now the roof becomes lodged in a body panel to avoid pouring water over the heads of occupants when closing the roof while the rear window is fixed. This system has the advantage of being really quick as it takes only 12 seconds to come out or go in and the trunk space is at a constant 270 liters whatever is the position of the roof.

For the rest, Renault has not revealed all the details. However, and fortunately, it is noted that the interior is not taken from the Twingo since the video shows a conventional instrumentation in front of the driver. In terms of engines, Wind should resume the 1.2-litre 100bhp unit from the Twingo GT and the fizzy 133bhp 1.6 from the Twingo Renaultsport.

Price is estimated to be around £16,000.

Press release

World première: at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2, 2010, Renault will unveil its brand-new coupé-roadster – Renault Wind.

Renault Wind is a two-seater coupé-roadster of 3.83 metres in length which features a highly innovative way of opening up. With its novel electric roof that pivots open in just 12 seconds, Renault Wind brings a completely different take on a car for drivers who enjoy wind-in-the-hair motoring. Renault Wind is aimed at motorists who lust after a car that is not only distinctive and compact, but also convertible yet practical enough for everyday use.

Although Wind’s compact dimensions make it a nimble machine in and about town, it is the only car of its class to provide just as much luggage space (270dm3 VDA) whatever the position of the roof. True to Renault’s brand signature “Drive the Change”, Wind makes passion affordable for everyone.

Renault Wind will be unveiled at a press conference on the Renault stand at the Geneva Motor Show at 4:15pm on March 2.