- Car brand: Renault
- Convertible roof type: Hardtop
- Renault Wind 1.2 TCe 100
- Renault Wind 1.6 VVT 133
The Renault Wind is a compact two-seater coupe-roadster based on the popular Twingo hatchback. The car’s development was handled by performance and handling experts, Renaultsport and results in a responsive drive. The innovative hardtop roof rotates in one piece through 180 degrees flipping over from its position to slip upside-down underneath the rear panel. This keeps complexity and weight to a minimum while providing a secure and attractive roof that operates in just 12 seconds.
On the down-side rear visibility is poor. Luggage space is better than a Mini or MX-5 but well behind the Vauxhall/Opel Tigra and Peugeot 207CC.
With a release date timed just as a global recession hit, the Wind was destined for low sales figures. The right-hand drive version of the Wind along with several other models were discontinued in 2012 with left-hand drive cars ending production in 2013. Even a sporty Gordini trim package couldn’t keep it from an early grave. The low production numbers of the Wind mean that well-kept cars have the potential to become collectable classics in the future.
We bought a Wind 1.2 GT Line on the 28th April and after 10 days and one 300-mile round trip rejected it, returned it for a full refund and got our 08 Tigra back. It is NOT a convertible for serious driving and is aptly named as the wind turbulence and noise inside the car is so horrendous you can’t hear the radio, Tomtom or each other AND suffer a 50% increase in fuel consumption. Even with the roof up it is noisy and turbulent at speed – a little like turbulence on a plane. Armrest is too low to lean on and storage space nil but you would put up with this if it was a nice drive – it’s not! Parking sensors are a MUST and should be fitted as standard as rear vision is extremely limited. If you want a car with a good stereo and a clever poser’s roof for around town it’s the car for you, but do insist on a proper test drive on the open road first!
i have had my renault wind roadster since jan 2011 and i absolutely adore it, i DONT find it noisy inside at all, the seats remind me of the recaro bucket seats and are so comfortable! Unlike the tigra, peugeot and vw this is a head turner, due to many people stopping me and asking me numerous questions about this ‘great looking car’- its my treasure x
I have had my Renault Wind for about a month now and I absolutely love it. I also dont find it noisy inside and with the roof up or down I can clearly listen to music and have a conversation with anyone with me. The car is a definate head turner and the seats are so comfortable. The only downside is visability to the rear however as I have not had the car long I am getting used to it. The bluetooth/mp3 is simple and easy to use and there is ample boot space which is a bonus:). I would not change my car for anything, I love it and would recommend it to anyone wanting to buy one.
I’ve had this car for 3yrs in March nice wee car but time for change sorry to see it go, getting a vw cabriolet.
Greatly underrated the turbo whistle from the 1.2 sounds great.fab road holding super steering heated seats cruise control great looking car all for about 6k bargain buy one today you will not be disappointed do not take any notice of those would be reviewers trust me Gerry.
agree with Gerry shivers our 1.6 is a good bit of fun the better half loves it
I have owned a Renault Wind 1.6 for a year. It was a divorce present to myself! It’s a great little car. 200 mile round trip to see family costs around £20 but with the top down unfortunately twice as much lol! It’s a real quality build, lots of accessories and really nippy. Great fun to drive in summer around the Lake District where we live. Mine was only £6000 with v low mileage and the insurance was less than a basic kia picanto!
Bought a 2011 GT line for the wife in April. Came with heated seats, cruise control and limiter, 17 inch diamond cut alloys, spare wheel, alarm and all leather with 35K on the clock and lots of invoices and all MOT’s. What’s not to like? It runs on rails and takes off like a bat out of hell. Please don’t listen to folk moaning about it being noisy. It isn’t. And that roof is pure magic. It’s a bit of a bumpy ride at times but put that down to the 17 inch wheels, stiff suspension and our cr*p roads.
Bought my 2011 1.2 GT line Christmas 2016 I am lucky enough to own 2 cars the second a rather pleasant Dacia sandero . I first saw a wind in 2010 its the car of my dreams. Amazing performance from a 1.2 and amazing looks still today. If you are looking for a small fairly cheap great looking great driving convertible then get one of these and ignore all the silly negative remarks about noise. The only downside I can’t take girlfriend and kids for drive together still prob best as this is a me car.
Bought my Renault Wind 1.2 TCE “Day and Night” Edition on March 2018 as a birthday present. It was in awesome condition (2012 model) and it really is the most enjoyable and cheap two seater you can buy. Stunning looks…Everyone asks about it. Came fully equiped with everything. Leather heated seats, usb port, auto lights, clima, etc. Solid and fast for such a small engine. But when you drive it with the roof open it feels amazing, especially by the Greek sea…Just buy one while you still can. 12.500 were made in total, so prices might go up fast.
I’ve only had my 1,2 2011 Blue Wind for a few months and so far I just can’t fault it. I’ve had several SLKs but this WIND is far superior and certainly more economical even with 75k on the clock.
bought my Renault Wind Dynamique S 1.2 last month after spotting one for the first time a few weeks earlier. Found this car with just 14k on the clock. absolutely magnificent handling, almost like its on a rail. loads of room for two and huge boot. Has everything I need , climate, auto locking, electric mirrors, windows, heated seats, auto wipers, auto headlights, smart diamond cut alloys and central locking. Decent stereo with bluetooth too. Paid 5k for it, and its like new. Best 5k spent and would definitely recommend buying one whilst you still can as only not many about now. Best colour black IMO
I have had my blue 1.2 gt line for about 6 weeks and it really is wonderful in every aspect all the extras you need corners just like on rails just the rear view needs getting use to slowly but getting more use to it slowly .paid 4.5k for mine 18000 miles on the clock 13 years old but just like a new car still having the alloys refurb/graphene ceramic coating /roof wrapped/headlights polished at the moment to get back to showroom condition again if you find a good low mileage model get it .