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Renault Wind Hatchback engines, drive and performance

2010 - 2012 (change model)
Performance rating: 3 out of 53.0

Written by Parkers Published: 6 June 2019 Updated: 6 June 2019

There’s two engines to choose from in the Renault Wind range: either a 99bhp turbocharged 1.2-litre, or a bigger sportier 131bhp 1.6-litre. The small 1.2T is badged TCe100 and offers brisk performance, sprinting to the 62mph benchmark in 10.5 seconds and onto 118mph. The more muscular 1.6-litre, meanwhile, completes the 0-62mph dash in 9.2 seconds topping out at 125mph.

On the road you might expect the bigger, more powerful, engine to be our pick of the range. Not so. It’s the puny 1.2 turbo that best suits the Wind’s character. Despite being a hefty 32bhp down on the 1.6-litre, the turbocharged TCe 100 has its power delivered lower down in the rev range and that makes the smaller engine feel much more relaxed. The 1.6-litre, meanwhile, thrives on revs and sounds intoxicating towards its 7,000rpm red line – convenient, since you need to rev it very hard all the time.

Great for enthusiasts but not so great for those wanting a quiet life.

Renaultsport has made some of the best-driving hot hatches of all time. The Wind then (wholly developed by the Renault performance division) should be very good to drive and, indeed, it is. The steering is precise, grip levels high (with the biggest 17-inch alloys,) with plenty of agility, balance and adjustability through a bend. Hardcore Renaultsport fans might not like the absence of stiffness and added softness compared to the Twingo RS, or even the performance levels, but the Wind is among the best in class to drive and, better yet, it’s fun on your favourite country road.