Renault has launched its new two-seater coupe-cabriolet, the Wind, at the Geneva motor show.
The Wind shares its platform and much of its front-end styling with the Twingo. Renault is keen to differentiate the two models, however, and will offer the Wind with its own unique interior featuring components borrowed from models higher up the Renault range.
Unlike most retractable hard-top roofs, which use a hinge system, the Wind’s set-up uses a central pivot, a technique inspired by the Ferrari 575 Superamerica. This ensures that the Wind’s boot space remains at 270 litres regardless of whether the roof is up or down. That figure is 40 litres more than the standard Twingo hatchback’s.
At the Wind’s launch, the car will be offered with two of the Twingo’s petrol engines: the 133bhp 1.6-litre unit from the Renaultsport model and the Twingo GT’s 100bhp 1.2-litre engine. The latter will be the entry-level unit.
Despite having the Twingo’s most powerful engine, Renault is pitching the Wind as a sports model and not a sports car. No Renaultsport or Gordini Wind variants are planned, but they could follow in the future. Renaultsport has been heavily involved in the car's development, however, so expect the Wind to ride and handle more like the Reanultsport Twingo than the standard Twingo range.
The Wind is a little larger than the Twingo, too; its 3830mm overall length makes it 230mm longer. It will be priced to compete head on with the Peugeot 207CC, from around £17,000.
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