Best Convertibles

Convertibles are about looking good and feeling good, and the Audi TT delivers on both fronts. Its iconic design and agile handling are everything you’d want from a convertible. The third generation launched in 2014, with an update in 2018 kitting it out with all the tech you’ll find in other Audi models. The TT comes with a choice of lively petrol engines, with pre-2019 models also offering a diesel option. It’s available as a two-seat roadster or a four-seat coupe, thought don’t expect to fit adults comfortably on the tiny back seats.

If there’s one car that has more style than a Mini, it’s a Mini with the top down. It’s not all about the looks though – the Mini Convertible offers a nicely balanced ride and an impressive range of punchy and economical engines. As with all Minis, it’s not the most spacious for rear passengers, nor does it offer much room in the boot. But that’s not why you buy a Mini Convertible, is it?

Launched nearly 20 years ago, the Z4 continued BMW’s proud tradition of making roadsters. In 2009, the second generation brought improvements to the driving experience in a bid to keep pace with rivals such as the Audi TT and the Mercedes SLK. The Drive Performance Control System offers more control over the throttle and steering, while the optional adaptive M Sport suspension makes it a more versatile vehicle. The Z4’s range of engines is as impressive as you’d expect from BMW, and the same goes for its looks, with its swept-back lines and unmistakable double kidney grille making it one of the best-looking convertibles out there.

If you’re in the market for pure driving fun, there aren’t many convertibles out there that can match the Porsche Boxster. Introduced in 2016, the Boxster is essentially a Porsche 718 with the roof taken off – so one of the best sports cars you can buy, just with added pizazz. Older iterations can offer a similar wow factor for less money, with the 2004 redesign revamping 80 per cent of the car without messing too much with its classic looks. With a good reputation for reliability too, this isn’t a case of style over substance – the Boxster oozes both.

With the top down and the three-pronged badge on the grille, its safe to say you’ll be turning heads when out in the Mercedes SLC. It’s basically a refresh of the German giant’s SLK roadster. There are four engines to choose from, with the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 in the SLC 43 model delivering performance worthy of a proper sports car. It’s more practical than you might expect too, offering decent boot space when the roof is up. Some of its rivals are arguably more fun to drive, but the SLC truly feels like a Merc, with a smart interior and quality build.

The Mazda MX-5 is one of the most popular sports cars on the road, and it’s not difficult to see why. It competes with icons such as the Porsche 911 for the attentions of thrill-seeking drivers, yet does so for a fraction of the price. For a similar outlay to a Mini Convertible, you could be rolling top-down in a genuine sports car. It’s the cheapest two-seater of its kind you can buy, with the 1.5-litre models the most attractively priced. Rather than paying for a more premium badge, you’ll be buying a car with the substance to back up its looks, with delightful handling and a good reputation for reliability.

Perhaps, in reality, you’re not actually going to be tearing around country roads or cruising down the boulevard basking in the envious looks of passers-by. Maybe what you really need is a nippy, modern car to get you around town, with an open top that will let you make the most of summer in the city. If so, go for the tiny Smart EQ Fortwo Cabrio – the only pure electric cabriolet on the market. Its design is fun and cheeky both inside and out, and its diminutive size makes it easy to park and turn in tight spaces. It’s not the cheapest to buy, but over time that should be cancelled out by the savings you’d make over a petrol-driven city car.

Choosing a convertible is often about balancing the needs of practicality with the fun and excitement of motoring. If you’re looking to max out the latter and sensible considerations be damned, the Elise is a great, cost-effective way to go. Superb handling is matched by the performance delivered through a combination of punchy engines and a lightweight body. You won’t find every kind of safety feature you might in a more sensible car, nor much space for luggage – and you might find it a faff to climb in and out of. Practicalities such as this aside, the Lotus Elise has plenty to recommend it to those who prioritise the romance of the road.

The Fiat 500 is a classic city car, and the 500C is its convertible version. A retro vibe puts it in the same bracket as the Mini Convertible and the VW Beetle. It’s design is faithful to the principles of the 1960s original, and the Fiat 500C offers a cost-effective way to tap into that old-school feel. The small engines mean it’s cheap to run as well as to buy. It’s not a true convertible, however – the fabric roof retracts but leaves the roof pillars and side windows in place.

Most convertibles out there are essentially made for two, even if they do have a toddler-sized back seat. If you’re looking for a drop-top you can use to move a family around, the A3 Convertible is basically a roofless version of the A3 saloon. It’s smaller than Audi’s A5 convertible, but cheaper too, and it should hold its value well. Stylish and fun to drive, with a quality feel and comfortable ride, the Audi A3 Convertible will remind you why you wanted a drop-top in the first place.

From exhilarating performance to quirky everyday practicality, convertibles are surprisingly versatile these days. That said, these models all have that much-needed fun factor. Ready to put the top down and ride? Visit our convertible cars hub for detailed information on the some of the best convertibles in the UK.