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Renault Wind (2010-2013)

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.

Renault Wind Details

Production Dates2010-2013
Luggage Capacity 270 litres / 9.53 cu ft
Fuel Tank Capacity 60 litres / 15.9 US gal
Warranty 3 years or 60,000 miles
Service Intervals 12,500 miles

Renault Wind 1.2 TCe 100

The turbocharged 1.2 litre Renault wind is more comfortable to drive than the larger engined model. The power delivery comes low down in the rev range making it feel responsive without the need to spin the engine at high speeds. It grips well with the 17-inch wheels and has a nice level of precision in the steering.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1598 cc
Power 100@5500 bhp
Torque 112@3500 lb.ft
Transmission type 5-spd manual
UK Retail Price from £12,995
UK Insurance Group 16

Performance

Max speed (manual) 118 mph / 190 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 10.5 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 44.8 mpg / 6.3 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 145 g/km

Renault Wind 1.6 VVT 133

The 1.6 VVT Renault Wind being the most powerful in the range would seem the best option for driver enjoyment but it can become tiring to drive as the engine needs to be revved hard to get the available power. There is plenty of fun to be had, but you have to work the little car hard to find it. For everyday driving, we go for the smaller turbocharged engine.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1598 cc
Power 133@6750 bhp
Torque 118@4400 lb.ft
Transmission type 5-Speed Manual
UK Retail Price from £13,895
UK Insurance Group 20

Performance

Max speed (manual) 125 mph / 201 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 9.2 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 40.9 mpg / 6.9 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 165 g/km

Information last updated

10 Owner Reviews

Do you drive a Renault Wind? Would you recommend it to others? Join the conversation and let us know what you think of the car. This Renault currently has 10 owner reviews.

  1. Avatar for Janet McPherson Janet McPherson says:

    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!

  2. Avatar for leila leila says:

    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

  3. Avatar for Nicole McGinnity Nicole McGinnity says:

    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.

  4. Avatar for Jim Jim says:

    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.

  5. Avatar for Gerry shivers Gerry shivers says:

    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.

  6. Avatar for lee lee says:

    agree with Gerry shivers our 1.6 is a good bit of fun the better half loves it

  7. Avatar for Joanna Bentley Joanna Bentley says:

    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!

  8. Avatar for Jim Green Jim Green says:

    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.

  9. Avatar for David Bird David Bird says:

    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.

  10. Avatar for Anestis Karavariotis Anestis Karavariotis says:

    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.

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