Top 10 convertibles
The Leaving and Junior certificate exams have just kicked off which means it is officially summertime in Ireland – or what passes for summer at least. At some point the sun is likely to overcome the rain: sun worshippers will move en masse to the nearest beach, every meal will be cooked on a barbecue and for two weeks convertible cars will emerge from hibernation for some wind-in-the-hair driving. But which drop top to choose? Have a look at our top ten to help you decide.
Audi A3 Cabriolet
Recently launched onto the market the new A3 Cabriolet is based on the saloon rather than hatchback body style and looks better for it. With space enough for four it offers more than enough space for loading up with the picnic basket and heading for the coast. Pick the 1.4-litre TSI for a comfortable cruiser or the 300hp S3 Cabriolet for something a little mad.
Audi TT roadster
Getting on in years – an all new TT is imminent – but the TT Roadster still has style by the bucket load. It is decent to drive too but that will not concern you when you are rolling through town with the roof down and wind tossing your hair. Go for the 2.0-litre TDI and you have all the looks with decent performance and fuel economy.
BMW 4 Series convertible
The newest car on the list and arguably the best looking. Acting as the replacement for the 3 Series Convertible the new 4er is great to drive, has an interior to die for and has a party piece in its trick tri-folding metal roof. Splash out and get the 428i if just for the noise it makes.
BMW Z4
Somewhat forgotten such is the rise of the 3 / 4 Series but the Z4 is still worthy of consideration. More overtly sporty than its stablemates the Z4 range runs from low powered posing mobile to high powered sports car that battles against the Porsche 911 and like the 4 Series it has a fancy tri-folding metal roof. Try the 18i sDrive to see how it fits.
Citroen DS3 Cabrio
Not truly a convertible in the strictest sense – more of an extended sunroof – the DS3 Cabrio is Citroen’s DS sub -brand at its best. Small and quirky the DS3 offers endless personalisation options so you can tailor it to you desire. Go for the 120hp 1.6-litre VTi to give the car the zip to match the looks.
Fiat 500C
Like the DS3 the 500C features an extended cloth covered sunroof and like the Citroen there are a multitude of ways in which you can customise it. Better to drive than the Citroen but perhaps beginning to show its age. Go mad and get the Abarth version; it is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Mazda MX-5
The reason this entire list exists – the MX-5 rekindled a love for roof down motoring and is still the yardstick others are judged against. Has (unfairly) developed a reputation as a hairdresser’s car but is brilliant to drive, looks the part and sounds it too. Let down by aging interior though. Only one model offered – the 2.0-litre Roadster Coupé.
MINI Convertible
If the Mazda is the reason for the popularity of convertibles the MINI is the reason for the existence of the DS3 and 500c. Featuring the same level of personalisation as the hatchback no two MINI Convertibles are going to be the same. Due to be replaced soon but current car still looks the part. Range runs from the 98hp MINI one Convertible to the 211hp John Cooper Works version. Opt for either the Cooper or Cooper D and you will not be disappointed.
Porsche Boxster
Nothing says you’ve made it quite like a Porsche and while the related Cayman is attracting a lot of plaudits as a better driver’s car the Boxster is still the one to be seen in. Having stepped out of the shadows of its more famous big brother the Boxster is no longer viewed as the poor-man’s 911. Whether you choose regular Boxster, Boxster S or new Boxster GTS you are guaranteed to get admiring glances.
Vauxhall Cascada
A left field choice as Opel does not offer the Cascada in Ireland but this is a four-seat drop top that counts the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series as its main rivals. Get a version powered by Opel’s new 1.6-litre SIDI diesel engine for decent performance and good fuel economy.