Renault Wind roadster opens up in 12s
Renault Wind is a small roadster with a highly innovative electric roof that pivots open in just 12 seconds. It has the advantage of a platform that has been engineered by Renault Sport Technologies to provide outstanding steering precision and deliver genuine fun-to-drive sensations. The sporty and muscular profile provides a distinct identity, highlighted by blue-tinted headlamps and, at the rear, boomerang-shaped tail lights.
The Renault Wind is 19 cm shorter than the iconic roadster Mazda Roadster Coupé (MX-5) and can be practical enough for everyday use thanks to its class leading luggage space (270dm3 VDA) regardless of the roof’s position.
Made for two, it offers a low-slung sitting position inside the bucket seats where the driver’s hands are firmly set on sporty upright set steering wheel. The instruments are recessed in metallic tunnels and circled with a touch of chrome. The feeling of comfort and safety is fueled by the built-in head rest and substantial side bolstering, as well as high waistline and shallow windscreen. With its integral rollover hoop, rigid roof panel and high waistline, Renault Wind is reassuring and safe, with a level of protection that’s among the very best in the convertible segment. The brakes features 280mm-diameter discs at the front and 240mm discs at the rear for powerful, fade-free braking performance.
Renault Wind has generously-sized tyres (195/45 R16 or 205/40 R17) fitted to aluminium alloy wheels.A choice of two engines will be offered to customers when it goes on sale during the summer.
Atmospheric 1.6 petrol unit with 4 cylinders and 16 valves has been tuned by Renault Sport Technologies to deliver 98 kW (133hp). The very same engine could be found inside the Twingo R.S. and delivers its maximum power at 6,750rpm and torque of 160Nm at 4,400rpm. Particular attention was focused on the four-into-one exhaust manifold to achieve the optimum trade-off between acoustic quality, emission control and performance. Its telltale, fiery pitch is a result of the special acoustic tuning techniques applied by the engine specialists to the exhaust system. ESC is standard with this engine.
In my opinion far better option for the Wind would be the less powerful, but fairly smooth and responsive TCe 100 engine with 100-horsepower extracted from the 1.2-litre of displacement. Its maximum torque of 152Nm is available at 3.500rpm, and the turbocharger makes it exceptionally economical and flexible. With this powerplant, Renault Wind is just as much in its element in city traffic as it is on a long motorway haul.
Renault Wind has a high level of standard equipment and optional equipment worthy of a premium-class model. Standard equipment includes remote central locking, cruise control with speed limiter, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, one-touch electric windows, manual climate control, foglamps, stereo radio-CD with MP3 playback, steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control and RCA (mini-jack) connectivity, front airbags and head/thorax lateral airbags, height-adjustable sports seats with integrated head rests, height-adjustable leather-trimmed steering wheel, board computer and 16-inch wheels.
It will be offered with a several higher-level options such as automatic climate control, Plug&Music connectivity (USB, mini-jack, audio streaming), dark charcoal or camel leather upholstery with heated seats, automatic headlamp and windscreen wiper activation, 2x35W radio-CD with MP3 playback, incorporating Bluetooth® connectivity (audio and phone), ESC for the TCe engine, 17-inch diamond-effect wheels, high-gloss black roof, parking sensors...