Best convertibles to suit your budget

Convertibles are not what they used to be. You no longer have to sacrifice a great driving experience to get the wind in your hair. Massive improvements have been made over the years, but which makes and models are the top of the pile? Whatever your budget, there's a convertible out there to suit you...

Budget: Prices starting under £20,000
MINI Convertible

If you’re looking for all the fun of the classic MINI but with the added freedom of the fresh air, look no further. Of course, as is to be expected, it’s a little on the small side when it comes to rear passenger and boot space, but nobody buys a MINI for the space. It’s fun to drive and fuel efficient – what more could you want?

Good for… road trips
Providing you travel light, the MINI convertible is the perfect car for escaping the hustle and bustle of home life and disappearing down the winding country roads.

Not so good for… storage
Lots of luggage or too many passengers are guaranteed to cramp your style in this pocket-sized motor.

Budget: Prices starting under £25,000
Mazda MX-5

If you have a slightly larger budget, you might want to think about setting your sights on the Mazda MX-5. It’s an undeniably fun car to drive with its lightweight design and build. In fact, it weighs in at less than a tonne, making it a very decent car in terms of ease of driving and running costs.

Good for… comfort
Due to its lightweight design, it’s a very comfortable car to drive. Even on the motorway, the car is fairly quiet, which is no mean feat when it comes to convertibles.

Not so good for… your only car
The Mazda MX-5 is the perfect second car. It’s fun to drive, but you wouldn’t necessarily want it to be your only option for longer journeys.

Budget: Prices starting under £30,000
Audi A3 Cabriolet Convertible

The highly customisable A3 Cabriolet convertible really allows you to show off your own personal style. It’s just as slick inside as it is outside, meaning you’ll be proud to show it off in all weathers with the roof up or down. You can also operate the roof at a respectable speed of 31mph.

Good for… an all year round convertible
This car loses nothing in terms of style when the roof is up, making it a great car for those colder days.

Not so good for… boot space when the roof is down
At 320 litres, the boot space is not bad at all, however you do lose 45 of those when the roof is lowered, so don’t fill it up on warm days.

Budget: Prices starting under £35,000
Audi TT Roadster

Unlike some of its competition, the Audi TT Roadster handles the motorway smoothly, while maintaining its sense of excitement. Added luxury comes in the form of a stylish interior and modern technology options.

Good for… comfortable motorway cruising
Driving experience is not compromised when the TT Roadster is taken on the motorway.

Not so good for… playing taxi
With only 2 seats and a fabric roof, it’s not the most spacious of rides.

Budget: Prices starting under £40,000
Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

If you’re looking for a convertible that delivers on everything including comfort, space, driving experience and luxury, the Mercedes C-Class could be the one for you. It doesn’t come cheap, but it may just be an investment worth making.

Good for… a comfortable ride for everyone
This four-seater provides a comfortable and quiet ride for everyone, whether riding up front or in the back.

Not so good for… cheap and cheerful
The cost is significant, but it’s not hard to see what you’re paying for.

Sources:
carbuyer.co.uk/reviews/recommended/best-convertibles
whatcar.com/awards/best-convertible

Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to Google+Share to EmailShare to Print