2004 Renault's Wind Roadster Concept

When Three Isn't a Crowd

I can't remember Renault ever building anything like the Wind before. Although the design may seem common, with its engine up

Sporty and fun to drive, Renault designed the Wind concept to be a breath of fresh air in the roadster segment. (Photo: Renault)

front in the traditional layout and accompanying long hood, it's the fact that it is conventional that makes it odd to have come from the French automaker that is known for its daring designs.

The goal of the Wind Concept, which made its debut in Geneva, Switzerland earlier this year, is to give the roadster segment a breath of fresh air while inciting Renault's many fans with a car that's sporty and fun to drive. From a practical standpoint, the new car provides one more seat than a traditional roadster, making it a 2+1. Now that's useful.

When I think modern-day Renault, the words brave and bold come to mind but not necessarily beautiful. The turning point in design seems to have been since the introduction of the Avantime concept, where the vertical rear

While compared to most Renault cars the Wind's design is toned down, it's hardly boring to look at. (Photo: Renault)

windscreen and jutting rear end was introduced into the automaker's production car range. Truly, there hasn't been a bland looking Renault since. But rather than discussing the controversies surrounding Renault's decision to follow this new design direction, more interesting is how the Wind is shaped.

Compared to most new Renaults it looks toned down, but this hardly means that the Wind is boring to look at. On the contrary, it uses simplicity to its advantage. Without excessive lines and crease marks, the Wind roadster is a flowing, graceful looking vehicle. In order to create a seamless appearance, Renault has reduced the number of separate panels that make up the bodywork. The bumpers are attached to the fenders which stretch the entire length of the hood, while the rear fenders meet up with the lower door sills.