14/01/11

• Price£16,800
  
• We like...Quick-opening roof
• We don't...Gruff engine, shudders over bumps

The Wind comes in two strengths. There’s the 1.2 turbo with 100bhp or the 1.6 133bhp motor we’ve brought you here. Maybe Renault should help buyers by calling the two models ‘Breeze’ and ‘Squall’.

So this one’s the quicker of the two, using the same engine as the Renaultsport Twingo. That car’s a fun-packed little ball of energy. So we had high hopes for this Wind because the 1.2 was promising, if short on power. But the 1.6’s a disappointment.

The Wind’s party-piece is a plastic roof that stows itself in a compartment over the boot, once you undo a catch and press a switch. But the top and its mechanism are heavy. The 1.6’s power is blunted: while in the Twingo it revs easily and pulls hard, here it feels strangled. And when you do push it to work hard, it sounds harsh and strained.

If you’re hoping for a sports car, this isn’t it. Nor is it suited to long distances on the motorway, where engine noise, wind noise and tyre roar make it wearing after a few dozens of miles. It’s fine to potter around town in, although it’ll shudder over badly broken surfaces, sending thumps you’ll feel and hear. However, roof in place, you’re nicely insulated from the wind and rain; roof open it’s still cosy because the rear screen remains in place to quell wind buffeting. And switching from open to closed is quick once you’ve popped and twisted the big latch at the top of the windscreen.

The view out back is hobbled by big rear pillars and a slot-like rear screen. Parking sensors are an extra but we think they should be fitted to every Wind.

When too many newcomers play safe with their looks, the Wind is a bold looker. For us it’s too short and tubby ever to be pretty and there’s too much boot. The cabin is small, though, and a tight fit if the two aboard are big and heavy. Nor is there much room left inside for bags, drinks and the other stuff you’ll want on a trip, although the boot is generous.

And where the quality and appeal of cabins in other new Renaults have improved in leaps, here there’s a mix of glossy finishes and dull-looking coarse-grained plastics. Against the Mini Convertible or Fiat 500 open-top that similar money will buy, it just doesn’t look or feel special enough.

Should you buy one? If you want a two-seater that’s different – and you won’t see many of – then it’s worth a look. But don’t go thinking it’s a sporty car – a drop-top Mini will be more fun.

• Engines1.6 petrol
• Power133bhp
• 0-60 mph9.2secs
• Economy40.9mpg
• CO2g/km160
• Insurance groups18E
• EuroNCAP
• Airbags4
• Seats2

Motors.co.uk value verdict: