Renault Wind

Laguna Coupe aside, the new Renault Wind is arguably the French brand's best-designed production car for many years.

The perky two-seater coupe/roadster based on the Clio platform is only 3.83 meters long and features a clever retractable roof system that pivots at its B-pillar by almost 180 degrees to fold into the boot when the metal rear hatch is raised in readiness. The whole process only takes 12 seconds and remarkably top up or top down, the boot space remains constant at 270 liters.

The front end is Clio-esque but the side profile is unique, partly due to how the unusual roof mechanism affects its stepped roofline silhouette and partly because of the very pronounced triangular B-pillar that leads all the way back to the rear lights. Elsewhere its soft rising feature line, concave rocker line and recessed door handle keep the side clean and simple while its double-bubble metal rear hatch section adds drama and recalls endless sophisticated racing cars and more specifically and recently, the Porsche Spyder. The large B-pillar and wheels pushed out towards the edge of the vehicle all create a chunky feel for such a small car.

The wide and bold B-pillar also helps make the interior feel more cocoon-like. This coziness is supported by a trio of driver dials clustered around the driver with a black lacquer cowling that contrasts nicely with the grey IP. More sporty design cues come from the way the side air vents project outward as if on cylindrical stalks and the contrast stitching is exposed on the seating.

The aim for the Wind is to take on the likes of the Vauxhall/Opel Tigra and also the Fiat 500C and Mini Cabriolet from late summer 2010 and target more women.