Renault Wind Gordini review

What is it? The Gordini sits at the top of the Wind roadster range and brings a host of cosmetic upgrades.

White door mirrors, a pair of white bonnet stripes and Gordini badges on the pillars complement the Malta Blue paint scheme (exclusive to the Gordini) of our test car. The look is completed by a set of 17-inch alloys.

The Gordini is also offered with black or white metallic paint (at no extra cost), with the white version adding chrome details to the bodywork.

Whats it like to drive? While the Gordini trims looks sporty, the enhancements it brings are purely cosmetic: performance is unchanged.

Gordini trim comes with the same engine options as other Winds: a 131bhp 1.6 and the turbocharged 99bhp 1.2 that we drove. While this is nippy enough at low speeds, it gets wheezy when worked hard.

The ride is firm, too, and while body control is pretty good, the steering provides little feedback. Wind- and road noise are also a problem as speeds increase.

Whats it like inside? The visual embellishments added by this top-level trim continue into the cabin, with a stitched Gordini logo on the headrests of both seats, a numbered plaque on the bulkhead, and a satin blue gearknob cap.

A pair of white stripes on the top of the steering wheel completes the interior makeover.

Bluetooth, climate control, a USB connection and a Thatcham alarm are all added to the equipment list.

Should I buy one? The most notable thing the Gordini trim achieves is to remove the Winds biggest selling point its affordability.

While it adds plenty of kit, it pushes the purchase price dangerously close to those of the far superior Mazda MX-5 and Mini Convertible.

Rivals
Mazda MX-5
Mini One Convertible

What Car? says

Tom.Webster@whatcar.com