Renault Wind Roadster 1.6 133 Dynamique S
by Tim Barnes-Clay, the man behind the wheel.
Date: 07 November 2010
PRICED FROM £15,500, the Wind Coupe-Roadster is certainly one of the most affordable open-top cars if you’re planning to buy new.
With its quick folding roof, Renault's new model is capable of tackling the British climate all-year round.
In just 12 seconds, the single-piece lid can be rotated through 180 degrees to let in the sun’s rays, or protect against the drizzle.
Two petrol engines are available, the aggressive and adaptable 133hp 16-valve 1.6, shared with Twingo Renaultsport, or the even tempered and receptive 1.2 TCe 100. My test car was the 1.6-litre Dynamique S, and it drove nearly as good as it looked.
The Drive
The little Renault rides with composure on main roads, but on older rural B-roads it is a bit hit and miss. That said, the car steers true to form and any under steer is handled by Renault's CSV control system. And, ok, the engine can sound a little tense when pushed, and the gearstick has a slight weakness about it, but the car is capable of 0-62 mph in 9.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 125mph. Not bad – and it feels even faster with the roof down.
Outside and In
Looks-wise, the Coupé-Roadster is a quirky car - initially it gives the impression of having a rear engine, but the two-seater Wind actually has its engine at the front.
This makes room for a sizeable 270-litre boot area which is generous enough to take several shopping bags or enough holiday luggage for two.
Inside, the Wind isn’t quite as charitable, as there’s no room for anything at all behind the seats. The door pockets are, well, pocket-sized and the glovebox and seats are pretty pint-sized. I also had trouble with fitting my size 11’s on to the pedals because they are very tightly spaced.
Priced at £17,300 my test car had lots of equipment over the already well-equipped basic version. The Dynamique S offers 17 inch alloy wheels, auto headlamps and wipers, climate control, cruise control, 'see me home' headlamp activation, a single CD/Mp3 audio system (with USB and mini jack input) and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as a Thatcham category 1 alarm.
On the economy front, things are equally big-hearted. Renault’s 1.6-litre Dynamique S will do an average of 40.3 mpg and it pumps out only 165 g/km of CO2.
The Wind Roadster will certainly open the eyes of those who have never thought of buying a Renault before.
Believe me; if you’re in the market for a fun and compact coupe-cabriolet, then you could do a lot worse than going for this little package.
PROS ‘N’ CONS
PROS
- Quirky
- Sprightly
- Fun
- Big boot
CONS
- Limited interior space
FAST FACTS
- Engine: 1,598 cc 16v petrol
- Transmission: Five speed manual
- Power: 133 bhp at 6,750 rpm
- Torque: 160 Nm at 4,400 rpm
- Max speed: 125 mph
- 0-62 mph: 9.2 seconds
- Combined mpg: 40.3 mpg
- CO2: 165 g/km
- Price: £17,300 OTR
