Renault Wind 1.6 16 V (98 kW) Sport Chic
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We were looking forward to Renault Wind as it is produced exclusively in Slovenia. Summer is really slow to say goodbye, but on the sunny side of the Alps, together with the British, we were the first in Europe to experience it more thoroughly. The rest will not arrive until September. Based on the Clia II RS design.
The wind on paper offers two things: the possibilities of a city decomposer and the windshield of a pretty roadster. Therefore, regardless of the environment, be it urban anthills or the meandering of a highway, not a day goes by without passers-by turning their heads. Yes, and men, although we didn't put pretty girls behind the wheel. But in this two-seater car, her company would fit perfectly.
Let's start first from the place where the wind is most vulnerable: from the highway. Thanks to technology borrowed from the Renault Sport Technologies department, it also has some already noticed shortcomings (Twingo RS), which are most pronounced at higher speeds. Just a five-speed gearbox and short ratios mean you'll have to tighten up the radio a lot more at highway speeds as the 98-kilowatt (or even domestically produced 133-horsepower) four-cylinder starts to roar, even though you'd like to go. perfectly normal, say, to the sea.
When the roof is closed, you can still communicate with your passenger, but not when it is clean. If you want a hurricane to hit your head, you insert the side windows into the door, and with the side windows the wind is just a model. The rear of the passenger compartment is quite successful in preventing air swirling, so bills to the hairdresser will not be astronomical. Well, a three-quarter haircut subscription should still have at least those of you who like to be neat, or those who still have neat hairstyles, as some (men) don't have these problems anymore.
Thanks to the wide tires, the test rider had as many as 17-inch wide 205/40 rollers. Wind is also more sensitive to the wheels that trucks are so successful building on our highways. No one dares to say out loud that they are badly made, but the fact that they recover after a year of use is not normal.
I'm just wondering how many people will buy Windows that they have to do general on after the warranty expires? !! ? No one! And this is not necessary, because despite the Wind's average warranty, it is excellently made, especially the part around the sliding roof. Obviously, at least some of them are working in Slovenia as they should, but this may require French leaders.
Because of all of the above, we chose to drive on the good old highway, where the roadster lifestyle and the technology they signed up to at Renault Sport became more explicit. Unfortunately, the roof cannot be controlled while driving, as the mechanism requires the use of the hand brake, but a coupe can turn into a roadster and vice versa in a record 12 seconds. The driver only needs to manually attach (or remove) the safety pin, which means turning the large knob on the front of the inner roof, and the rest is done electrically.
Since the roof start switch is at the bottom of the center console, this is the most likely reason that the electric movement of the side windows has also been moved close to it. It's not the most ergonomic though. Since there are windshield shift switches on the center console of the Dacia house, the windows can also playfully be called Renault from Dacia. You know, the Romanian brand calls Dacia by Renault. Joking aside, the mechanism cleans the roof quickly (but could be opened very slowly for others to see and admire for a long time), the insulation is excellent (both water and sound), the workmanship (including rubber parts) is excellent. the level of the prestigious CC -v.
By this, however, we do not mean only Peugeot, which owns this derivative. Frankly, without taking my eyes off and without digging in my pocket, I dare say that the roof is the best part of the windows, besides, the weight of the roof, together with the mechanism, is only 21 kilograms. The tailgate storage system is also great, as both the coupe and convertible have the same boot size: 8 liters! The boot size is huge for such cars (much larger 270 CC and Megane Coupe-Cabriolet at 308 liters or 45 liters less like a convertible!), but above all, it is always the same and does not require installation by the driver. safety roller, as in others.
The only downside to this solution is the bulk of the tailgate, which requires some power, but the anemic models will still do the trick. With the roof down, you will enjoy speeds of up to 100 km / h, and only the most stubborn will be able to overcome this limit. ... I mean stubborn. The ESP system does not switch, so the stabilization electronics only allow you to look for the perfect lines, which requires a gentle and precise driver. The electronically controlled steering is impressive, and the torsional strength of the body drew less applause.
Sensitive drivers will feel that when driving over potholes (remember, 17-inch wheels and low-profile tires) and in more dynamic corners, the body flexes significantly, and some of this vibration is also transmitted to the steering wheel. It is obvious that even additional lateral reinforcements do not help enough, since the competitors are better in this regard. It is on major roads that "short" gears in a five-speed transmission come to the fore. The wind with the more powerful 1-liter engine just loves to spin, as on the large tachometer it prefers to roar from the black number 6 to the red number 4.000.
When the throttle valve is released, it sometimes flies out of the exhaust system and only amplifies the otherwise pleasant sound of full throttle opening, which you want more and more. ... The gearbox could be, in truth, better as it isn't the most precise or sporty, but we all know that the Clio RS boasts one of the best drivetrains they have to offer among these urban warriors. This is why Renault Sport has proven that they know whether they want it or allow it. We can't really blame the position as they follow the zeeeelo's precise steering wheel for a long time without hesitation, and then, overdoing it, still roll up the ESP sleeves. And if you think you would be faster without him, I recommend the season, say, at the Seicent Cup, which I happily lived through a few years ago and have experienced over and over again since bringing home the runner-up Cup.
You are the fastest when you listen to the car and turn it gently around corners. Since we had already chased the Twingo RS in Raceland (23rd) and since the Wind also lacks the switchable ESP that often takes the lead on a rather twisty track, we avoided a repeat visit. The wind would probably have reached a very similar time.
In the end, we drove to where Wind feels at home. Thanks to the air conditioning (summer) or heated front seats (spring and autumn), a slow ride without a roof is pleasant even in non-ideal weather conditions, such as scorching heat or cold. The driving position is sporty, with its unique architecture giving the impression that the car is really built around the driver, although we lacked a lower position or a longer seat. The seats are hugging, as if Wind at the first ball wanted to show that he loves slim.
As in the Twingo, there are clearly not enough drawers for storing small items, and we did not find a place to store a refreshing drink anywhere. A leather strap instead of a classic door handle is a good design handle that doesn't interfere with ease of use, but Renault definitely forgot about the lock for the closed drawer in front of the passenger. Therefore, you should take the documents from the cabriolet with you.
While we can attest that they made the (below) average Twingo the best Wind, we can't miss the continuation of the story, the title of which will be a rival among the little ones without a roof over their heads. The Mazda MX-5 (RC) offers rear-wheel drive and much more original fun, a Fiat 500C with prettier looks and a full backpack of history, a top-notch Mini Cabrio and a sportier look. Wind is a solid product, but the question is whether it will be able to attract a large enough number of people who will open their wallets in a crowded company of excellent niche competitors.
Special rating for convertibles
Roof mechanism - quality (15/15)
Beautifully crafted and exquisitely crafted.
Roof Mechanism - Speed (10/10)
12 seconds to go from coupe to convertible.
Seal (15/15)
Washing, rain, wind ... Nothing comes to him alive.
Roofless exterior (4/5)
Some people like it more than a roadster ...
Roof Exterior (4/5)
… Except for the coupe.
Image (8/10)
The Mazda MX-5 or Fiat 500C are difficult to follow as they are already legendary.
Overall Convertible Rating (56/60)
Reviews only confirm what we already knew: the Wind is a great coupe and an even funnier roadster.
Automotive magazine rating: 5/5
Test car accessories
Metallic paint - 390 euros.
Heated front seats - 150 euros
Alyosha Mrak, photo: Aleш Pavleti.
Renault Wind 1.6 16 V (98 kW) Sport Chic
Basic data
| Sales: | Renault Nissan Slovenia Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 19.490 € |
| Test model cost: | 20.030 € |
| Power: | 98kW (133 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 10,0 with |
| Maximum speed: | 201 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 10,6l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | 2 years general and mobile warranty, 3 years varnish warranty, 12 years rust warranty. |
| Oil change every | 30.000 km |
| Systematic review | 30.000 km |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 661 € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 12.890 € |
| Tires (1) | 1.436 € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 2.625 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 2.830 ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | € 27.693 0,28 (km cost: XNUMX €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - gasoline - transversely mounted in front - bore and stroke 79,5 × 80,5 mm - displacement 1.598 cm? – compression 11,1:1 – maximum power 98 kW (133 hp) at 6.750 rpm – average piston speed at maximum power 18,1 m/s – specific power 61,3 kW/l (83,4 hp / l) - maximum torque 160 Nm at 4.400 rpm. min - 2 camshafts in the head (timing belt) - 4 valves per cylinder. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine-driven front wheels - 5-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,09; II. 1,86 hours; III. 1,32 hours; IV. 1,03; V. 0,82; - Differential 4,36 - Wheels 7,5 J × 17 - Tires 205/40 R 17, rolling circumference 1,80 m. |
| Capacity: | 201 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 9,2 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 9,1/5,7/7,0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 165 g/km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | coupe convertible - 2 doors, 2 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke transverse rails, stabilizer - rear axle shaft, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, handbrake mechanical on the rear wheels (lever between the seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, power steering, 2,75 turns between extreme points. |
| Mass: | Empty vehicle 1.173 kg - Permissible gross vehicle weight 1.383 kg - Permissible trailer weight with brake: not available, without brake: not available - Permissible roof load: n/a. |
| External dimensions: | vehicle width 1.689 mm - front track 1.451 mm - rear track 1.430 mm - ground clearance 10,9 m |
| Inner dimensions: | front width 1.360 mm - front seat length 450 mm - steering wheel diameter 380 mm - fuel tank 40 l. |
| Box: | Trunk volume measured with AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 L): 2 pieces: 1 suitcase (68,5 L), 1 backpack (20 L). |
Our measurements
| T = 27 ° C / p = 1.201 mbar / rel. vl. = 25% / Tires: Continental ContiSportContact 3 205/40 / R 17 V / Mileage condition: 509 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 10,0s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 17,3 years ( 131 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 11,0s |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 14,6s |
| Maximum speed: | 201km / h (V.) |
| Minimum consumption: | 9,1l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 12,4l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 10,6 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 68,1m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 40,8m |
| AM table: | 41m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 59dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 58dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear | 66dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear | 64dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 63dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear | 70dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 69dB |
| Idling noise: | 39dB |
| Test errors: | unmistakable |
Overall rating (282/420)
At the end of the day, it turns out that the roof and trunk are Wind's greatest assets, and slightly less than the things it inherited from the Twingo (RS).
Exterior (12/15)
Consistent, recognizable and fresh, with 17-inch wheels appealing too. But not everyone likes it.
Interior (71/140)
A spatially modest interior, a few notes on ventilation and materials, a huge trunk for such a car.
Engine, transmission (45
/ 40)A person who loves to drive would get used to the engine if a better (six-speed) gearbox helped him with his work.
Driving performance (55
/ 95)Wide tires are visible when braking, not when driving on wheels.
Performance (30/35)
If we were only evaluating acceleration and top speed, we would be delighted.
Security (39/45)
The Wind has four airbags as standard and an (non-switchable) ESP system.
Economy
Relatively gluttonous engine, average price and warranty.
We praise and reproach
roofing mechanism
barrel size
sporty driving position
workmanship
sporty but transparent sensors
made in Slovenia
heavy tailgate
the roof does not open / close while driving
the box in front of the front passenger is not locked
torsional strength
too few drawers for small items
sixth gear missing
non-switchable ESP
the reflection of the dashboard on the windshield
flight range of only about 400 kilometers
the engine meets only the environmental standard Euro 4
