Essai Renault Wind Gordini : La voiture qui avait PRESQUE tout BON ! (2011)

Summary

In this video, the reviewer explores the Renault Wind Gordini, a rare French roadster with a unique design. Despite a less-than-stellar reception at launch, the Wind offers surprising charm with its quirky features and engaging driving experience. With a 1.2L engine and 200 horsepower, the car delivers a fun yet accessible ride, thanks to a well-tuned chassis. The car’s dual personality—calm in city driving and more spirited when pushed—delights the reviewer, who appreciates its comfort, practicality, and occasional turbo boost. Though imperfect, the Renault Wind proves to be an unexpectedly enjoyable car that deserves more recognition.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Renault Wind is a rare and unique roadster, with only 5000 units sold in France between 2010 and 2013.
• 😀 Despite its initial poor reception, the Renault Wind has grown in appreciation over time, similar to other once-criticized cars like the Vel Satis.
• 😀 The Wind features a unique design, especially with its sloping C-pillar and distinctive front headlights, giving it a charming and somewhat quirky character.
• 😀 The car's rear features a high-mounted, compact trunk with a folding hardtop, which doesn’t affect the trunk's volume—about 280L.
• 😀 The car's handling is described as fun, especially with the turbocharged engine that comes to life when pushed, though it feels sluggish under 3000 rpm.
• 😀 The Wind is seen as having a dual personality: it can be driven calmly like a city car or pushed harder for a more sporty experience, especially once the turbo kicks in.
• 😀 The car’s interior borrows many elements from the Renault Twingo, but the overall layout is different and feels surprisingly spacious and comfortable.
• 😀 The Gordini version of the Wind has unique details, such as a blue interior theme and sporty design elements like the aluminum pedal set and specific gear knob.
• 😀 Despite its Twingo-based chassis, the Renault Wind is fun to drive and offers a rewarding experience with its sharp handling and surprisingly responsive turbo engine.
• 😀 The Wind’s main flaw is its lack of power in lower RPMs, but it compensates by providing a thrilling experience once the turbo kicks in, making it a car with character and potential.

Q & A

What is the Renault Wind, and what makes it unique?

The Renault Wind is a compact, two-seater roadster produced by Renault from 2010 to 2013. It's unique due to its retractable hardtop design, which folds away in a 360-degree motion, allowing it to transform from a coupe to a roadster in seconds. Its design is also distinctive, drawing comparisons to other Renault models like the Twingo and Mégane.

Why was the Renault Wind considered a 'flop' despite its unique design?

The Renault Wind was considered a flop because it had limited appeal in the market. Despite its unique design, it was a two-seater, which limited its target audience. Additionally, the car lacked a more powerful engine or a diesel option, which could have made it more competitive. It also suffered from poor brand perception, especially around the Gordini badge, which did not live up to expectations.

What engine does the Renault Wind feature, and what is its performance like?

The Renault Wind is equipped with a 1.2-liter, 200 horsepower engine that delivers 152 Nm of torque. While the engine isn't incredibly powerful, it offers decent performance. The car is responsive, with a turbocharger that adds some punch, but it's described as somewhat sluggish below 3000 RPM, requiring the driver to downshift for better acceleration.

How does the design of the Renault Wind stand out?

The Renault Wind features bold, round headlights that give it a unique, 'frog-like' appearance. The car's front end is characterized by a large air intake, while the rear has prominent taillights and a subtle diffuser. Its body is compact with a high-mounted C-pillar and a distinctive hardtop that opens in a unique 360-degree motion.

What are some design influences seen in the Renault Wind?

The Renault Wind's design shows influences from both the Twingo and Mégane, with elements like the rearview mirrors and certain body contours resembling those models. The front headlights are also similar to those of other Renault models, and the car's proportions remind the reviewer of the iconic Alpine models.

What challenges did Renault face in the development of the Renault Wind?

Renault faced several challenges in the Wind's development. It was initially meant to be an Alpine model, but the 2008 financial crisis led to cost-cutting measures. As a result, the Wind's production was shifted from a specialized Renault Sport facility to a more cost-effective site in Slovenia, affecting its overall design and quality.

What is the driving experience like in the Renault Wind?

Driving the Renault Wind is a mixed experience. In city driving, it feels like a compact city car with easy maneuverability. However, when pushed, the Wind transforms, with its turbocharged engine coming alive above 3000 RPM, offering a more engaging driving experience. Despite being built on the Twingo platform, it provides surprisingly good handling, though it feels a bit heavier when the roof is down.

How does the Renault Wind handle different driving conditions?

The Renault Wind handles well in both city and rural driving. The steering is precise, and the car is comfortable on smooth roads. However, on rougher roads, the car's rear becomes more unsettled, particularly with the roof down due to its additional weight. The car's handling improves with the roof closed, offering better stability.

What is the interior quality and comfort like in the Renault Wind?

The interior of the Renault Wind is comfortable and surprisingly well-built for its price range. It shares many components with the Twingo, but there are unique touches, such as Gordini badges and specific materials like the black piano trim. The cabin feels compact but cozy, with good visibility and a sporty yet refined atmosphere.

What could have made the Renault Wind more successful?

To make the Renault Wind more successful, it could have benefited from a more powerful engine option, possibly a diesel, to appeal to a wider audience. Additionally, a more refined design, including a better-quality interior and more attention to brand consistency, could have improved its image. A broader marketing strategy might also have helped the Wind gain more recognition in a crowded market.