Look what’s about to blow into European Renault dealers! These are the first official pictures of the French firm’s eagerly awaited Twingo-based drop-top – called the Wind. Living up to its name, the tiny two-seater roadster is expected to breeze into the convertible supermini market.

After making its worldwide debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, the Wind will go on sale in the UK in June – just in time for summer. It will rival established players such as the Peugeot 207 CC, as well as the Nissan Micra C+C and Mitsubishi CZC. Renault is eyeing a lucrative slice of a market sector company bosses believe could grow to 120 000 sales in Europe. With a starting price of around £17 000, the Wind roadster is tipped to be a big hit. And judging by these pictures, its styling alone will be a major draw.

At the front, the Twingo’s nose has been morphed into a sportier shape, with sleeker headlights and a wider, lower air intake. The rakish windscreen then flows into a neat pair of flying buttresses, which in turn meet the pert, high tail. LED lamps front and rear give the Wind some further character.

The highlight of the whole car is its remarkable roof. The neat electrically operated folding metal roof pivots open in only 12 seconds to give owners an alfresco driving experience. Given that the Wind is only 3.83 metres long – that’s slightly bigger than the Twingo on which it’s based, yet smaller than the 207 CC – the mechanism is very compact.

Renault is justifiably bullish about the car. A spokesman said: “The Wind is aimed at drivers wanting a model that’s not only distinctive and compact, but also convertible, yet practical for everyday use.”

As well as being surprisingly spacious, it’s expected to offer peppy but efficient performance. Engine choices will include an entry-level 1,2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol with 73 kW. This promises 0 – 100 km/h sprint of around 11 seconds. A more powerful 1,6-litre from the Clio GT will deliver 94 kW, and complete the sprint in nine seconds. Both models should be capable of returning at least 7 l/100km, and they promise low CO2 emissions, too.

Adapted from AutoExpress

Peugeot has given its 207 CC hardtop convertible a refresh for the 2010 model year. Revised styling outside, as well as some minor interior equipment and design juggling, keeps the model fresh, although powertrain choices remain unchanged for the new year.

A top-selling droptop in Europe, the Peugeot 207 CC is powered by a choice of three 1.6-litre, four-cylinder petrol engines and one similarly-sized diesel. The car is available in either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, just as it has been since its launch in 2007. Peugeot did not announce plans for more modern five-speed automatic or six-speed manual drivetrains, as many have expected.

The French automaker says it has given the droptop a ‘softer’ front fascia, as well as more body-colour detailing, LED tail lamps and unique 16 or 17-inch alloy wheels, depending on trim level.

Inside, the heating, ventialtion and air-conditioning (HVAC) controls have been revised and a shift-up light has been added. The 207 CC gets new trim materials and a few higher-end features such as one-touch closing and opening for the driver’s window and one-touch direction indicator. It also gains Bluetooth as standard, including streaming – meaning users can play music from a Bluetooth-enabled media player without having to use a cable.

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Adapted from Left Lane News