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Here’s our list of the best convertible cars that you can buy in 2023.
Out of all the different types of cars you can get, the convertible always turns heads and excites. Convertibles are the perfect blend of style and fun, as the roofless appearance of these cars gives them a luxurious look, while their performance and openness make them exhilarating vehicles to drive.
Designed to put smiles on the faces of those who drive these cars, everything is focused on the experience. This does mean that convertibles may not be the most practical cars, but that’s never been their intention.
With many brands having given convertible cars a crack, it does mean that there are plenty of options to choose from, and not all of them will be good options.
To ensure that you drive home with an awesome convertible, we at Car Adviser have put together a guide to some of the best convertibles you can get in the UK.
These are the top 10 best convertibles and cabriolets you can buy in 2023:
Although all convertibles will come with the iconic look that makes them fairly similar in terms of aesthetics, these types of cars are not created equal to each other, with some drastically outperforming each other in multiple aspects.
Many manufacturers know that convertibles are sought-after and well-admired cars; however, if you’re getting one for yourself, it may be best to stick with the premium brands that are best known for their convertible options. You should look for many things in a convertible to ensure you’re getting one of the best options you can get.
One aspect you need to look for when getting a convertible is the quality of the car, especially with the chassis and suspension. This is because when the roof has been rolled down, poor-quality convertibles can lose a lot of their structural integrity, making the drive a bit bumpier and less stable.
Getting a convertible with a good chassis and suspension will ensure that the vehicle is a dream to drive no matter what configuration you have the car in, ensuring that it’s one of the best convertible cars for you.
Another thing worth considering is the driving performance of the convertible. Most people choose to get these types of cars because they want to enjoy being on the open road. It would be best if you favoured convertibles with good acceleration, handling, and top speed to get the most out of your commutes and road trips.
It would help if you also thought about the driving position of your convertible. If you want an exhilarating ride every time you get behind the wheel, it will be best to get a car that seats the driver closer to the ground. This can enhance the feeling of speed, helping you to have fun. Most convertibles will have a low driving position but test them to compare and find the best convertible car for you.
It’s also worth checking out the safety features included in the convertible, as a better convertible will offer warnings and protection to help keep you safe on the road. As convertibles don’t have a fixed roof, you will naturally be more exposed if you crash.
For your peace of mind, it’s a good idea to look for convertibles that offer additional airbags, lane departure assist, blind-spot collision detection, and other features that can make driving safer. This is especially true as most convertible drivers will want to push the limits of what the car can do.
Finally, convertibles are not cars known for their storage capacity or passenger room. This is because a lot of boot space is comprised as this area is used to store the roof. However, some convertibles still offer a reasonable amount of storage to make them relatively practical and useful when needing to haul some items.
You can also get stylish four-seater convertibles which are great for a family or group of friends who want to cruise together.
With all of these factors in mind, here’s a detailed look at what we consider some of the best convertible cars here at Car Adviser.
All these cars excel in the field and stand out dramatically from the rest, and they should all be options you consider if you’re in the market for a convertible.
Although there can be a bit of snobbery surrounding the 718 Boxer, with a few enthusiasts declaring it as ‘not a proper Porsche’, those accusations are unfounded in our opinion. Listening to them can prevent you from getting one of the best convertible cars ever made.
The Porsche 718 Boxer is an incredible convertible because it drives so well. The engine sits behind the driver, aiding in supreme handling while also giving you a feeling of additional thrust. This car excels on twisty roads, making it brilliant for rural drives in country areas.
The reason the Boxer is so controversial was because this model dropped the typical six-cylinder engine that Porsche was known for in favour of turbocharged four-cylinder options. This does make the car more economical, but it does mean that it lacks that signature Porsche sound. Still, the car is fast, with it able to achieve 300bhp.
It’s only a two-seater, which is common within the convertible range and doesn’t offer much storage capacity. It can also be pricey, with new options starting at £47,000, although you could pick a second-hand one up for under £35,000.
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The MX-5 is an interesting convertible as it doesn’t have the same elegant look that many other brands go for with their convertibles. It’s not an ugly car, but it has an aggressive look to suit the more daring and adventurous.
The Mazda MX-5 is a fantastic option as it remains one of the most lightweight on the market. This allows it to handle well and be nimble in various driving situations, making it fun and reliable.
Driving pleasure is the main goal with this model, and although it’s stripped back in other features, you won’t care that much when you’re revving the engine that loves to put on a show.
The car is also a cheap convertible option, as it can easily be picked up for under £15,000. Granted, you’ll only be able to get the 1.5-litre petrol model at this price, but it’s still punchy enough to have fun in.
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There are not many more luxurious scenes than cruising with the roof down in an S-Class Cabriolet. This option by Mercedes is the epitome of class, with its looks and performance making it one of the big hitters in the convertible category of cars.
No matter what engine type you go with, the S-Class is mighty, as you’ll get a turbocharged 4-litre V8 engine in even their entry-level option, which will jet you off nicely on motorway roads.
Despite its grandeur, the S-Class may not be for everyone’s taste. It’s much larger than most convertibles, being over five meters long and weighing more than two tonnes. This can mean that it lacks sharpness in the turns and can feel sluggish despite its huge engine.
It’s not designed to be whipped on windy roads but is a comfortable cruiser to travel in style in. Its weight does mean that it handles bumps and road irregularities well, and its increased size makes it more practical, as it can hold more passengers and also has luggage space.
They’re expensive, starting at £70,000, and are also costly to run, but if you justify that spending, it’s a great convertible that oozes class, style, and comfort.
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The Mustang is a world-famous power car by Ford. Although it wasn’t originally a convertible, this model keeps many elements that made it a brash and intimidating vehicle to come across.
Much like the Mercedez S-Class, it’s a larger convertible with room for two rear passengers and a boot. This makes it stable on bouncy roads; however not great at turning and handling. On the straights, the vehicle comes alive as it accelerates quickly, with engines purring as you move up the gears.
Its 5-litre V8 engine is a must-get, although you can get a small eco-boosted option that pails in comparison. Being in the driver seat of this convertible gives you a sense of great power and is special to drive, even though a luxury manufacturer does not make it.
The Mustang Convertible comes at a mid-range price point, with it being possible to get one for £30,000.
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