Introduction
The Renault Wind has the genes of an RS and the physique of Quasimodo. What should you pay attention to when purchasing such a car?
Compact convertibles and commercial success are words that don't often appear in the same sentence. You don't have to look further than the Daihatsu Copen and the Smart Roadster: nice cars, but certainly not blockbusters. The curiously named Renault Wind, introduced in 2010, also does not bring its maker the desired sales numbers. The 3.83 meter long coupe-cabriolet with the ingenious revolving roof is positioned between the Twingo and the Clio. He only shares his technology with these models, because the design is different and above all idiosyncratic.
Convertible feeling
The Wind has a front bumper with large air scoops, a flat and elongated windshield and a sloping back. An electrically operated plastic roof that is hinged at the rear provides the convertible feeling. The Webasto hood construction weighs 22 kilos and opens or closes in 12 seconds. Efficient use of space – when open, the roof disappears into the tailgate like a slice of Gruyère between two pieces of toast – means that the luggage compartment is always 270 liters. A downside of the construction is the high structure, which makes the model look rather 'heavy' above the waistline. Unlike most CC-like cars, the Wind is a pure two-seater. A daring choice for which Renault deserves appreciation, because the lack of a pro forma rear seat with questionable functionality means that the driver and co-driver have extra legroom at their disposal. The dashboard was specially designed for the Wind and has a 'racy' instrument cluster with three aluminum-colored viewing tubes and a high-gloss canopy; the three-spoke steering wheel is only height adjustable.
Renault Sport
Speaking of 'racy', Renault Sport has played a major role in the development of the two-seater. Despite the missing RS lettering, the hand of the sports division is clearly noticeable. The firm-sporty suspension tuning lacks the hard edges of a 'real' RS, but has enough sharpness to speak of challenging driving characteristics. With ESP switched off, even oversteer is possible. The electrically assisted steering falls a bit short of the sporty promise, but does not disrupt the party. Invisible and of great influence on the driving behavior are the numerous subcutaneous reinforcement profiles that increase the torsional stiffness of the body; the integrated roll bar behind the front seats protects occupants in the event of a rollover. The engine range consists of two four-cylinder petrol engines, the smooth and smooth 1.2 TCe turbo engine with 100 hp/152 Nm and the rougher naturally aspirated 1.6 16V with 133 hp/160 Nm of the Twingo RS. The large four-cylinder is a classic touring machine: the maximum torque peaks at 4400 rpm, the power just under 7000 rpm.
Sporty engine sound
The engine sound is also decidedly sporty, so it is recommended for those who enjoy hard work and a lot of shifting. Both engines are connected to a five-speed manual gearbox. The Dutch delivery program starts in 2010 at 19,900 euros for the 1.2 TCe Dynamique with 16-inch wheels, fog lights, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, and a radio/CD player. The Exception has 17-inch wheels, leather/fabric upholstery, climate control, a rain/light sensor, Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB connection.
The Collection was supplied in a limited edition in the colors white and black with a high-gloss white or black roof, striping and an interior with leather and heated seats. Top model Gordini, debuted in 2011, has black or blue painted 17-inch wheels, special striping, black-blue leather and a blue leather steering wheel.
Sales figures
Attractive driving characteristics and a favorable entry price do little for the European sales figures of the Renault Wind. Barely 300 units have been sold in the Netherlands since 2010, so it is no big surprise that it disappeared from the Dutch price lists at the beginning of this year. That's a shame, because the Wind is without a doubt the nicest driving convertible in its class. Apart from the design that needs getting used to, the criticisms are limited to the confusing rear and the call for more power, which is a disguised compliment for the competent chassis.
In addition to the driving characteristics, the spacious interior, the smart roof construction and the sporty-comfortable character are plus points of this cool carriage. The used car range is competitively priced and there are no complaints about the build quality and reliability. Regardless of what you think of the model, it remains a striking appearance and the status of a future classic seems guaranteed in advance.
Engine
The 1.2 TCe turbo engine has a good track record and the naturally aspirated 1.6 16V RS engine also has no notable points of interest. Both engines have a timing belt with a replacement interval of 120,000 km/6 years.
Transmission/chassis
Accelerated wear of ball joints/lower wishbones sometimes occurs with the 1.6 16V. Transmission and clutch are up to their task; Because the 1.6 16V can invite a sportier driving style, the risk of wear and tear is somewhat greater, but just like with the Twingo RS, the technology is in principle well suited to this.
Interior/exterior
The semi-automatic roof construction does not give rise to any concerns. Any rattling or creaking noises can be remedied by adjusting and/or greasing the front locking points. Worn window seals (top of side window/roof) can let water in. The 17-inch clear-lacquered aluminum wheels are prone to peeling clear coat and white corrosion spots. Furthermore, the optional parking sensors at the rear (and preferably also at the front) are a must to avoid bumper damage.
Conclusion
Timeline
2010 introduction Renault Wind
2011 introduction Gordini
2013 end of delivery in the Netherlands
Part prices
Front brake discs, per set € 162.14
Front brake pads, per set €76.84
Distribution set complete, from € 133.71
Clutch set incl. release bearing from € 398.59
Michelin Pilot Sport 3, 205/40 R17 from € 126.90
Prices exclude VAT and installation and apply to a Wind 1.2 TCe from 2011.
Maintenance costs
Minor maintenance from €195
Major maintenance from €295
The maintenance interval is 30,000 kilometers or two years
TO BUY
+ plenty of driving pleasure
+ striking design
+ spacious interior
+ smart roof construction
Do not buy
– confusing carriage
– earns more power
