It’s not that quick. It’s not really big enough for someone over 6 feet tall. The styling is controversial, and it’s got a name that provokes giggles and raspberry noises. So why do I like the Renault Wind?
It's not because it comes in a range of amusing paint schemes, although that does help.
The boot is really quite large, even with the roof open. It’s not very easy to load, but if you wanted a car that was practical you would have bought an estate. But boots are not a reason to like a car.
The engines are frugal, fruity and do the job in an understated way. The 1.2 Tce is the same unit that works so well in the Clio, on which the Wind is based. It’s cheap to run, copes admirably with motorways and delivers 35-44 mpg. But, that’s not going to make anyone race to shops and buy one.
The way the roof electronically flips up and folds away – needing metres of clear airspace above to do it – is amusing and that start’s to move closer to why I like this little car.
The seats area comfortable, the controls and switches – again from the Clio – are logical and unremarkably easy-to-use. The steering wheel however doesn’t feel like it’s from a little car. It’s thick, with soft-touch leather grips and it feels like it is directly connected to the 16” alloy wheels. It has purpose without being intimidating.
Even in town, where this car is happiest, nipping through gaps, it feels like it is teasing you into driving with a little more spirit. It unmistakably eggs you on to be a bit more ‘revvy.’ A bit more ‘weavy.’
It is because of this fun spirit, which comes through in every contact with the Wind, that you forgive it its short comings: the blind spots that make motorway slip roads a bit scary and parallel parking nearly impossible.
None of it matters because the Renault Wind is so likeable. Likeable because, while it can do anything you ask of it, it’s primary job is to be fun.
What’s the market like?
I love Renaults. Nearly new Renaults in particular, because they represent such great value.
A new Wind 1.2 TCe is £15,000. But a one year old with 5,000 miles on the clock is just £12,000. A bargain, but a barain that will probably get better if you wait a little bit longer.
When these cars are three years old I expect them to hit bottom, flattening out with depreciation then remaining very flat as they get older.
What else is available for this budget?
If looking at zero to two year old cars, for less than £12,000 then there are lots of cars that overlap, but very few direct competitors. Cars like the Mazda MX-5, for example, which would be my choice, are simply not the same kind of car.
The stand out comparison is the Vauxhall Tigra. Also based on the brand’s small car – the Corsa – the Tigra also has a mechanical roof and shares similar performance, quality and prices. The Tigra’s styling is a little less controversial, and having been out longer, there are more to choose from and they are cheaper. But if you want to stand out from the crowd it will be the Wind that you go with.
Summary
A fun little sports car – little and fun being the operative words.