Our guide to buying the perfect convertible

Convertible cars are the epitome of timeless cool – they come and go, but they’re never out of fashion. People’s preference for a hard top, soft top, or retractable roofs aside, the market is steady for convertible lovers. They’re never going to see the burst of popularity that hatchbacks and saloons have, but every generation seems to love them. The crowning glory of many manufacturer’s line-ups, the convertible, in all its forms, looks like it’s here to stay. Here are just a few examples of the best buy convertibles for this year.


2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

This car is quintessential butch elegance, with practicality and comfort very obviously at the forefront of its design. The exposed hinges are a subtle reminder of the Jeep’s history, while the rest of it exudes modern charm. With a choice of soft or hard top available, and a windshield that flips down for an unobstructed off-road view, this car is as flexible as you can get.

2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

If there was ever a luxury car made with car enthusiasts in mind, this is it. There are subtle differences between the Japanese and US models. With 155 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, the US-spec Miata really packs a punch. At around 130 pounds heavier, it has it all – comfort, class, and it’s a beauty to behold. The electric power-assisted set up of this beauty makes the car feel truly progressive, as though the car rotates around you. It’s basically a classic Miata, with a new lease of life.

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

This car is everything a sports car could ever want to be. A result of cooperative engineering, the Fiat 124 and the MX-5 Miata are intimately connected. The perfection of the Miata left little work to be done on the chassis for the Fiat 124, mostly focussed on some fine-tuning to the suspension. The turbocharged engine and sound deadening contribute to the Fiat 124’s weight compared to the Miata, but most of it is down to the style. Externally, the two cars couldn’t look more different, but both classy and beautiful in their own right.