Thursday 16th November 2017

Renault Wind: Spotted

Could you be blown away by this open-top Renault?

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If you think I'm going to sink to wind based humour to get a cheap laugh, then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. Now relax and settle down whilst I let rip with this Spotted...

Alright, wind it in with the jokes now. Oh, hang on...

Loosely inspired by Renault's 2004 Paris motor show concept car, the Wind is a two seater convertible to rival the Peugeot 207 CC and the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe; both of which had folding metal roofs. To outdo them, the designers looked to Ferrari and the Superamerica.

Confused? Well, similar to the Ferrari, the Wind's roof pivots back through 180 degrees rather than fold like metal origami into the boot. Unlike the Ferrari, the Renault's roof is at least covered up whilst it's down to save it from collecting rainwater. Just make sure that you have the handbrake on before you try to raise or lower the roof, because safety conscious Renault doesn't want you erecting what amounts to a sail whilst driving. Mind you, that pivoting roof does look like a toupee coming unstuck in a gale.

Underneath the Wind is the chassis from the Twingo, with this one using the same 1.6-litre 133hp engine as the Renaultsport Twingo. Engineers from Renaultsport even provided final suspension fettling for the Wind. That doesn't make it a sun-worshiping Twingo R.S. But, it's still quite eager in the bends and body roll is kept in check nicely too.

Will the performance be gutsy, or gusty?

Equipment levels are quite generous: with air-con, alloys, cruise control, stability control and an aux connection all standard across the range. Higher spec Dynamique Winds gets you climate control, automatic lights and wipers, and Bluetooth - good luck connecting an iPhone X to that, though.

The car listed might be a tad strong on price, but the weather has given you a great bargaining chip. Open top cars are always less popular in the winter months, so haggle hard, if you're interested. And doing so will save you some money for when something inevitably lets go. Then you can turn to the person at the service department, car keys dangling in your outstretched arm and tell them, "Sorry, I broke Wind."

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SPECIFICATION: RENAULT WIND

Engine: 1,598cc, 4-cyl
Transmission: 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 133@6,750rpm
Torque (lb ft): 118@4,400rpm
MPG: 40.9
CO2: 160g/km
First registered: 2011
Recorded mileage: 25,000
Price new: 17,300
Yours for: £4,992

See the original advert here.

Max Adams

[MikeGoodwin]

Its a tragic car it really is I still remember sitting in it in the showroom before buying a Clio GT years back. Only thing going for it is that slightly juicy K4M which isnt all that. I actually saw one yesterday on the road and I dont think ive seen many about since its release.