Summer Rides: The Best Convertibles For Every Budget
Despite our appalling weather, fewer countries in Europe buy more convertibles than us Brits. We love a drop top and with summer fast approaching many people will be on the lookout for a new set of wheels. Here Ape runs through the best options for every budget.
Under £25,000
Mazda MX-5
It may be the cheapest car in this list but the Mazda is one of the best drop-top sports cars you can buy at any price point. The little Japanese roadster has been around for decades and the recipe has largely remained unchanged: lightweight, simplicity and affordability. The angular origami bodywork of the latest model looks brilliant and it doesn’t disappoint behind the wheel either.
The peppy 2.0-litre engine may only have 184bhp but the MX-5 is so light it doesn’t need anymore grunt. A snappy six-speed manual gearbox adds a layer of driver involvement most sports cars lack these days, too – you’ll struggle to find a more entertaining car for less.
Under £40,000
BMW Z4
The Z4 is a rare beast – a car designed specifically to be a roadster. There is no fixed-roof alternative, so this car really has been designed for top down driving.
Like any great sportscar it’s rear wheel drive and can be had with a thumping 340bhp six-cylinder engine – but you will have to spend a little more to get that.
Under £50,000
Audi A5 Cabriolet
The Audi A5 cabriolet is a car that puts sophistication above sportiness. The folding fabric roof can be raised or lowered in as little as 15 seconds – handy for when the British weather takes a turn for the worst. And when it’s up, there’s little telling it apart from the coupe – it’s so well insulated making it a quiet and refined cruiser at all times.
Under £100k
Porsche 911 Targa
The beauty of a 911 is its versatility; part sports car and part grand tourer, it is one of the most recognisable and lauded cars on sale. You can have a coupe, a regular convertible or, what is our pick, the Targa. It uses a complex, but beautiful, folding metal roof that gives it a silhouette like no other car on the road.
Money No Object
Ferrari 812 GTS
For maximum open-top thrills you can’t look beyond the stunning Ferrari 812 GTS. Under that enormous bonnet Ferrari has stuffed a 789bhp 6.5-litre V12 engine – the most powerful V12 ever seen in a Ferrari road car. And as for wind in your hair thrills, how does 211mph sound?
