Generally at this time of year, when the children go back to school, the weather always seems to improve for a few days. It’s possibly the last chance for a good while that you’ll be able to retract the roof in your convertible and enjoy wind in your hair motoring. With the typical Irish climate motorist’s experience, when you do get odd occasion to take the roof off and enjoy some sunshine, you want a car that simplifies the roof-removable process. This is where Renault’s endearing Wind excels, its electrically operated roof opens in just 12 seconds. Once open, the roof is stored in a compartment above the boot thus having no effect on the two-seater’s generous luggage space on offer, 270 litres to be precise.
The Wind I test drove was the sporty Gordini model, finished in an intense blue with racy white stripes running over the bonnet and tailgate. The blue is extended to the wheels also, which might not suit everyone’s taste. This €26,990 Wind Gordini will cost you an additional €2,000 over the standard Wind. It still represents value, when you consider what your extra spend affords you. You’ll receive a generous level of equipment as standard, which includes sculpted heated leather sports seats, climate control, 17” alloys, ESP and cruise control.
Whilst some may feel the 100hp derived from the Wind’s 1.2 litre petrol engine may be a tad tame, what it lacks in power it gains in control, the Wind’s chassis is excellent and provides the car with exceptional road holding characteristics. The appealing factor the Wind offers is the quirkiness it emits by being that bit different to everything else on offer, it provides a relatively inexpensive fun factor than many manufacturers set out to achieve with certain models, but never quite master it.
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