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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).

Fiat 500 Electric

The new Fiat 500 Electric has been praised for its driving dynamics and interior quality, both of which are much better than the old model.

BMW 4 Series Convertible

Refined, practical, well-equipped with impressive performance - the BMW 4 Series is considered a soft-top class-leader, despite its polarising looks.

Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 has been universally acclaimed by the UK motoring media, with many outstanding review scores and award wins every year since it was launched.

BMW M4

The new 2021 BMW M4 is incredibly powerful but equally flexible, but the front-end styling is dividing opinion among reviewers.

BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 isn't as sporty as its look suggest, but it has shown to be highly reliable and has an excellent safety rating.

MG Cyberster

The all-electric MG Cyberster is seriously fast and surprisingly practical, but it is not the driver's car reviewers were hoping it would be.

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet replaces two models in the family, the C-Class Cabriolet and the E-Class Cabriolet, and does so very successfully.

Ferrari SF90 Stradale

The Ferrari SF90 Stradale is astoundingly powerful and seriously good-looking, but reviewers conclude that it lacks the finesse of its mid-engined siblings.

Morgan Plus Six

The Morgan Plus Six coupé and roadster has sharp driving dynamics and exterior looks with an exciting soundtrack to match, but is not all that comfortable.

McLaren 765LT

The seriously potent McLaren 765LT is described by many as the best supercar in McLaren's modern catalogue, with sharp driving dynamics and blistering pace.

Porsche 718 Boxster

The Porsche 718 Boxster has received very good media reviews, with praise for its driving dynamics but criticism for its new four-cylinder engines.

Porsche 911

The new Porsche 911 has received consistently outstanding scores from the UK media, and is considered a big step forward from the last model.

Ferrari 12Cilindri

The latest (and last?) V12 Ferrari GT raises the bar over its already-exceptional predecessors, with even more performance, style and comfort.

Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet

The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet is an unusal convertible SUV, though it lacks most of the usual drop-top driving thrills.

Lexus LC

The Lexus LC earns wide praise as a coupe bordering supercar territory, though for the full effect the hybrid cannot compete with the V8.

Lamborghini Huracán

The Lamborghini Huracán range has received very good media reviews, although not to the same level as its rivals from Ferrari and McLaren.

BMW 8 Series

The BMW 8 Series is a luxurious and very powerful large two-door coupe or convertible – but its price is equally as large.

Ford Mustang

The new Ford Mustang is considered a big improvement on the previous generation, with reviewers particularly praising the Mustang Dark Horse performance model.

Mercedes-AMG SL

The Mercedes-AMG SL is both a relaxing grand tourer than adrenaline-packed sports car, but unfortunately it does not conquer either class.

Bentley Continental GT Convertible

The Bentley Continental GTC is a luxury convertible praised for its performance, but there's not much space in the back seats or boot.

Maserati GranCabrio

The Maserati GranCabrio is a stylish luxury 2+2 cabriolet, but its driving dynamics are not as good as other exotic drop-top supercars.

Mini Convertible (2016 to 2024)

The Mini Convertible received positive media reviews and several awards, with praise for its driving dynamics and build quality.

Abarth 124 Spider (2016 to 2019)

The Abarth 124 Spider was a performance version of the Fiat 124 that received mixed UK reviews, ranging from average to outstanding.

Smart Fortwo (2014 to 2018)

Cheap to run and easy to drive, the Smart Fortwo received a mixed bag of review scores in the UK, hindered by its pricing and performance.

Lotus Elise (2010 to 2021)

The Lotus Elise has been universally praised for its driving dynamics. However, the compromises required to achieve this have resulted in mixed media reviews.

Audi A3 Cabriolet (2014 to 2020)

The Audi A3 Cabriolet (2014 - 2020) was praised for its performance and cabin quality, although the clunky automatic gearbox was a letdown.

Alfa Romeo 4C (2013 to 2020)

The Alfa Romeo 4C turned heads with its alluring looks, but reviewers agreed that the sports car was underwhelming in many areas.

McLaren 600LT (2018 to 2020)

The McLaren 600LT and 600LT Spider received unanimously positive media reviews, with considerable praise for their dynamics and performance.

BMW 4 Series Convertible (2014 to 2020)

The first-generation BMW 4 Series Convertible was a comfortable and quick top-down cruiser, but the rear seating was rather cramped.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet

Strong performance and alluring looks made the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet a stand-out drop-top choice, but rivals offered more fun.

Volkswagen Beetle (2012 to 2018)

The Volkswagen Beetle was instantly recognisable thanks to its nostalgia-inducing looks, but alternatives were more practical.

Audi TT (2014 to 2023)

The Audi TT has long been a style icon, but the third-generation version has much improved driving dynamics to match it looks.

Aston Martin DB11 (2016 to 2023)

The Aston Martin DB11 has received unanimously positive scores from the UK motoring media, with particular praise for its blend of performance and comfort.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet is well regarded for its lavish cabin and leisurely ride comfort, but its not exactly exciting to drive.

McLaren 720S (2017 to 2022)

The McLaren 720S received unanimously positive media reviews, with praise for both its incredible performance and everyday usability.

Ferrari F8 (2019 to 2023)

The Ferrari F8 Tributo and F8 Spider are the latest in a long line of mid-engined V8 Ferrari sports cars, and possibly the best of the lot.

Audi A5 Cabriolet (2017 to 2022)

The Audi A5 Cabriolet is a comfortable, desirable drop-top with a classy interior, but the driving experience is no match for the BMW 4 Series.

Aston Martin DBS (2018 to 2023)

The Aston Martin DBS is a supremely powerful flagship GT with a price to match – but is it actually too fast?

Ferrari 812 Superfast (2017 to 2023)

The Ferrari 812 Superfast has received mostly outstanding media reviews, with praise for its performance and comfort.

Lamborghini Aventador (2011 to 2023)

Available in coupé and targa-top form, the Lamborghini Aventador was a mid-engined supercar notable for its "outrageous" looks and pace.

Mercedes-Benz SLC (2011 to 2020)

The Mercedes-Benz SLC was a capable everyday roadster, but it could not match the performance, fun or interior tech of its rivals.

Jaguar F-Type (2013 to 2024)

The Jaguar F-Type has an Expert Rating that falls well behind the Porsche 911 and Cayman, but it's still a favourite of motoring journalists.

Rolls-Royce Dawn (2016 to 2023)

The Rolls-Royce Dawn was the most luxurious four-seater soft-top money could buy, though some details didn’t match the price tag.

Aston Martin Vantage (2018 to 2024)

The Aston Martin Vantage has received positive media reviews and much praise, although not quite to the same rapturous degree as the latest Porsche 911.

Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster

With muscular looks and an alluring V8 soundtrack, the GT Roadster is a pacy drop-top with plenty of charisma, but its coupé sibling has better handling.

Audi TT RS (2016 to 2023)

The Audi TT RS is sports car with blistering pace and an alluring soundtrack, but its rivals are more engaging on the road.

Ford Mustang (2015 to 2023)

The Ford Mustang has received polarising reviews, ranging from average to outstanding. It scores better on enthusiast sites than consumer ones.

Ferrari Portofino (2018 to 2023)

The Ferrari Portofino has received positive reviews from UK media sources, although the scores have not been as high as one might expect for a Ferrari.

Audi R8

The Audi R8 tops desirability lists for many performance fans, but is it actually too sensible to be a proper supercar?

Abarth 595 (2015 to 2024)

The Abarth 595 is a car you buy with heart rather than head, with practical shortcomings and a high price, but it's great fun to drive.

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.