Renault's latest foray into the open-top motoring market, the Wind, looks set to make its global premiere at the Geneva motor show. The French company is pitching the coupé-cabriolet as a car that, whilst compact, offers good levels of usability and a novel convertible roof.

From the initial images released by Renault, we can tell that the Wind promises to be a good-looking car. The rear end is typically Renault and contemporary, with clean lines running from the lights to the front wheels. Speaking of wheels, the car looks to be set off by a set of stylish five-spoke alloys, finished in black and silver.

The Wind is small in proportions (only 3.83 metres long) and has an electric top that 'pivots' open in 12 seconds. However, Renault stresses that the mixture of a small frame and convertible roof does not forfeit space for the occupants; the Wind has 270 litres of luggage space whether the roof is up or down - which is actually 40 litres more than the Twingo musters.

In terms of engines, Renault is not giving too much away. However, based on the Wind's proportions, we can speculate that it will be similar under the bonnet to the Twingo, with a selection of 1.2- and 1.6-litre petrol engines and possibly a diesel option as well in time. There is no word at this stage on the possibility of a Renaultsport model.

The Wind will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2, alongside a new Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet.

Kieran Fitzpatrick - 2 Feb 2010