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Expert Ratings
Best convertibles
The definitive ranking of the best and worst open-top cars on sale in the UK
This is the definitive ranking of the best and worst open-top cars on sale in the UK.
How can we make such a bold claim? Because this list isn’t just based on our opinion. We’ve pulled together tens of millions of key data points on every new car (as well as a growing number of near-new used cars), including more than 15,000 new car reviews from 35 of the UK’s top motoring websites. We also factor in complete safety data from Euro NCAP, reliability data and five-year running cost information.
All this adds up to the most comprehensive analysis of expert opinion and real-world data found anywhere in the motoring world.
When the sun’s out, there’s nothing better than dropping the top and opening your car up to the sky. Convertibles may be two-seat sports cars or four-seat models (but still with only two doors).
Some of the cars on this list will share their Expert Ratings with coupé siblings (like McLarens and Lamborghinis), while others will be dedicated convertibles (like the Mazda MX-5 or Porsche Boxster). Most are perfectly snug all-year-round with the roof up, although for others the roof is very much a temporary device (like a Caterham Seven).
Current models
Previous models
The UK is clearly a country of optimists, because it traditionally has the highest rate of new convertible cars sold anywhere in the world.
When the sun’s out, there’s nothing better than dropping the top and opening your car up to the sky. Convertibles may be two-seat sports cars or four-seat models (but still with only two doors).
Some convertibles have traditional soft-top roofs, while others have cleverly folding hard tops. Some only open a section of roof directly above the driver (known as a targa top), while others open the roof right back to let as much sunshine in as possible.
Some of the cars on this list will share their Expert Ratings with coupé siblings (like McLarens and Lamborghinis), while others will be dedicated convertibles (like the Mazda MX-5 or Porsche Boxster). Most are perfectly snug all-year-round with the roof up, although for others the roof is very much a temporary device (like a Caterham Seven)
Regardless of the style of opening roof, convertibles tend to be less performance-oriented than an equivalent coupé, due to the extra weight from additional bracing required to compensate for not having a roof. They’re also usually less practical, thanks to the motors required to raise and close the roof, as well as the need to store the roof somewhere when it’s down – which usually means less boot space.
Best car rankings
The Car Expert has the ultimate rankings of the best and worst new cars on sale, based on tens of millions of key data points.