There’s nothing like driving in the summer sun with the roof down, but which 10 convertible cruisers make our top picks?
It’s often said that British weather makes ours an odd market to be so consistently strong for the sales of convertibles and cabriolets, but perhaps it’s the changeable nature of that climate – and our readiness to grab an hour or two in the sunshine when we can – that makes it us so receptive to them.
Whatever the cause, we do seem to love to get the roof down and let the outside world in with our cars whenever we can. And while it has been a tough few years for convertible sales globally, the market for them is still pretty rich and interesting.
Our idea of soft-top perfection in this list isn’t all about sporting handling, outright performance and speed – although one or two of these cars do find a berth in other top tens that are more specific to those qualities. The following ten cars are our picks of the best convertibles and cabriolets for open-air cruising.
1. Porsche 718 Boxster
Say what you will about Porsche’s decision to replace swap the Boxster’s evocative naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine with a turbocharged flat four, you still can’t deny just how brilliant the 718 is at fulfilling the open-top sporting two-seater brief.
It may not sound quite as sweet as it used to, but as a driver’s car, it’s unequalled in this class. Communicative steering, a supremely balanced chassis and strong, flexible performance combine to make this the default choice for anyone looking to really enjoy every sunny drive. The car’s mid-engined layout means it’s a surprisingly practical two-seater, too: there’s really usable storage space available in both the front and rear of the car.
For super relaxing open-top cruising, there are better options, but none will make you quite as grateful for every balmy moment and open stretch of road as the 718 Boxster. It’s an outstanding sports car that’s also a great and really usable convertible.
2. BMW Z4
BMW’s sixth-generation convertible Z car, the new Z4, combines usability, convenience, strong performance, good cruising manners and an engaging drive well without it really threatening to unseat our class favourite.
The Z4 range comprises the 194bhp sDrive20i and the 255bhp sDrive30i, which are both powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol motors, and the 335bhp turbocharged six-cylinder M40i. We’ve tried version of the car at either end of the derivative spectrum and have been impressed by the dynamic roundedness, polish and refinement of both.
However, the Z4’s impression of a small, lightweight open-top sports car like the Lotus Elise is a bit unconvincing. Its handling is precise and fairly compelling, but it trades a little bit of agility for ride comfort and big-car cruising feel.
But as a two-seater convertible to use year round and still really enjoy driving in keener moments, there’s a lot to like about the Z4’s engines, rear-driven chassis and distinctive character.
3. Audi TT Roadster
From a modest 2.0-litre 194bhp petrol engine all the way up to a bahnstorming 395bhp 2.5-litre unit and offering both front and four-wheel drive, the Audi TT Roadster can be as powerful or as sensible as your budget will allow. It’s not quite as engaging or agile-handling as the 718 Boxster, because its steering can feel remote at times and its handling balance is a little straight-laced, but it’s still a capable, spirited steer – and it looks the part, too.
The TT’s wider engine range isn’t what it used to be. You could once have it with a diesel engine or a more economical 1.8-litre petrol if you wanted to combine open-top motoring with more reasonable fuel bills, but neither is a feature of the model range any longer.
A word of caution, though: by opting for the roadster over the coupé, you’ll do away with the TT’s small but still useful occasional rear seats. You wouldn’t think you’d miss them, but you might be surprised.
4. Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet
Next to the Porsche and the Audi, the four-seat Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet is definitely more of a practical cruising machine than something to thread down your favourite stretch of British B-road. But when it comes to cruising, it excels. Air suspension (standard on AMG Line cars) provides a supple and comfortable ride and the quality of materials inside is truly excellent.
A selection of four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines provide amicable pace, but the choice of multi-cylinder units on offer has now expanded to include a six-pot in the E5450, a torquey six-cylinder diesel in the E400d and a performance-oriented E53 4Matic+ mild hybrid with a dusting of AMG driver appeal. Few open-top options offer as much variety of choice.
5. Mini Convertible
While we’re yet to drive the facelifted Mini Convertible in the UK, the original model impressed us through its ability to provide a genuine open-top driving thrills without compromising ride, handling or on-road manners.
For the most part, it holds its own against its hard-top rangemate as far as dynamism is concerned, which is no mean feat in the convertible supermini class. That it exudes charm and is decently sprightly in Cooper S guise are further feathers to Mini’s cap. The Convertible is a touch pricey, mind, especially once you start delving into the options list.
6. BMW 4 Series Convertible
While the convertible version of the BMW 4 Series loses out on some of the coupé’s sleek visual appeal, it remains an impressive driving machine. As is common in this class, a range of petrol and diesel four-cylinder powerplants represent the bulk of this model’s engine line-up, but there are in-line six-cylinders offerings, too. The 332bhp turbocharged 3.0-litre six-pot you find in the 440i is the peachiest offering for keener drivers, although if you’re still willing to contemplate such a thing, the diesel-powered 435d xDrive has no shortage of performance or driver appeal.
Both headline engines provide the drop-top 4 Series with real pace and accessible torque, and the 440i sounds great, too. That the car also comes with proper rear seats will make a difference on daily usability, while many buyers will also be attracted to the increased sense of security that comes with a folding metal roof.
7. Audi A5 Cabriolet
This handsome and refined convertible isn’t the sort of car with handling that’s going to keep tae Porsche 718 Boxster buyer up at night, but it counters with scores of its own that should make it worth considering for plenty of drop-top regulars.
Where the 718 Boxster champions handling engagement and dynamism, the Audi A5 Cabriolet is a much more laid-back option that places long-legged refinement and ease of use over any outright driver focus. But that’s okay, because people buy different convertibles for different reasons.
It’s not quite as rewarding to drive as the BMW 4 Series Convertible in the handling department, but, being an Audi, it comes with plenty of first-class onboard technology, plenty of restrained design appeal, a top-notch interior and the option of four-wheel drive and a powerful turbocharged petrol V6.
8. Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet
Following the demise of the CLK, this is the first Mercedes cabriolet to wear a C-Class badge on its tail. Quite a handsome-looking thing, isn’t it? That it’s also one of the most luxuriously appointed and materially rich convertibles in its immediate class only further adds to its appeal.
Power is provided by everything from a humble four-cylinder diesel in the C220d all the way up to the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 in the AMG C63 S. We’ve tested both, and while they certainly are entirely different beasts, both were looked on favourably; the diesel for its rare combination of comfort, efficiency and class, the V8 for its raw power and unexpectedly hardcore, bristling performance temperament.
9. Audi A3 Cabriolet
The A3 Cabriolet has come a long way since it was introduced back in 2008. Where that original model was based on the contemporary A3’s hatchback shape, today it’s the saloon variant that has had its roof chopped off, and it’s a change that has worked wonders for the car’s kerbside appeal.
Here’s a compact drop-top that looks great and packs commendable performance and composed – if not particularly engaging – handling. A facelift in 2016 helped keep it competitive, introducing new a headlight and taillight design, Audi’s excellent Virtual Cockpit digital instrument display and a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine to the range of existing petrol and diesel powerplants.
10. Mercedes SLC
Despite its compact two-seat layout, the SLC isn’t quite the driver’s car its proportions might lead you to take it for. Its popular forebear, the SLK, had the same two-seater boulevardier character. Does that make it any less desirable as a two-seat cruiser, though? Not at all.
Although it’s now long in the tooth, the SLC still looks great, and the AMG-fettled SLC 43 version offers respectable, if not particularly astounding, performance and an appealing, waspish V6 soundtrack. The AMG’s handling has also come a long way since early go-faster examples of the SLK set such an ordinary dynamic standard.
Source: Autocar
