Renault Wind Roadster road tests and consumer car reviews

Renault Wind Roadster 1.6 2010

The look is unique. There are lips and strakes and vents and slots and a real sense of surprise about the on-road presence of Renault’s new diminutive coupe roadster that is so funky and appealing that it is bound to become a cult car. Big smiles are what it’s all about. Whether you’re driving it or passing by, you can’t fail to notice it. Drop the hardtop at the flick of a switch - and in just twelve seconds the smiles widen, because of the potential enjoyment ahead. This Renault was made for fun. But while it’s as modern as tomorrow it is totally functional and capable of meeting the demands of today’s motorist with the highest expectations. Wind is Renault at it’s best. There’s a certain funkiness of stance and although it’s not butch it is far from effete. Defiantly non-dull: different for the sake of it? What’s wrong with that? So why is it so good? Because it’s a giant leap away from the mundane; from boring clone cars-as-appliances. It’s an indulgence to be enjoyed. From the first moment you sit in the Wind then the word ’humdrum’ ceases to exist. Temptation to drive is written all over the sleek body - so you just have to do it. Once you’ve settled into the most comfortable sports seat with integrated headrest, you start to take in your surroundings. It’s a nifty yet purposeful cockpit - clearly the work of an enthusiastic designer - fitted with welcome features such as power windows, airbags, and a jolly acceptable stereo: and if you’re off on your travels you can take plenty of luggage because the boot space is not compromised when the metal hardtop is down. The wheel fits snugly into your hands and the gear lever is just a tiny reach away so you feel completely relaxed and in control. Back seat drivers are fortunately eliminated because the Wind has only two seats - and who needs passengers anyway when you’re having fun breezing along. You get a choice of either a 1.2 100bhp turbocharged petrol or a 1.6 133bhp naturally aspirated engine and prices range from £15,000 to £18,200. The 1.6 version tested here is probably the best option if you are interested in exploring the cars dynamics to the full. But as with most sporty cars these days, the physical limits are a long way from the mental limits of a sane driver. Responsive steering and an astute set of brakes combine with a chassis with a bias towards tautness at the expense of a gentle ride, which is easily capable of handling the extra power - making the Wind all the more enjoyable with this better balanced combination. Whilst it does encourage you to enjoy yourself, it will only step out of line if you do. A sixth gear would make it more long legged because the car feels rather ’busy’ at high speeds and you know that the engine is ’working’ at anything over 90mph.(Top speed is 125mph). But having said that, fuel consumption is good, with more than 40mpg overall being achievable if you drive gently. Whilst deserving a comment of ’satisfactory’ it has to be said that the ease of gearchanging is not what we have come to expect from Renault. The gearchanges in last weeks Clio Gordini were super slick in the extreme and the contrast was noticeable. Out on the open road things really begin to buzz. Despite freezing temperatures your correspondent felt duty bound to don flying jacket and Peoples Liberation Army hat, lower the top and head westwards into Wales where - with twists of tarmac looming - the Wind really came alive - and so did I as it bewitched me and took me under its spell. Gripping the road with gusto the brisk Wind invited fun, not fuss and it allowed me to indulge in some vigorous driving. The roofless rascal from Renault is a fluid and rewarding drivers delight that is endlessly fulfilling.

Responses to this review

Sounds like a faulty starter motor, pulling too much current - Martin Jones from Essex