Some car enthusiasts would suggest that when it comes to types of cars, convertibles are King. They have connotations of being cool, suave and sophisticated. This is partly down to movies such as the James Bond series provoking images of driving with the roof down and a beautiful Bond girl sitting in the passenger seat.
Best enjoyed in warmer climates, there’s nothing quite like having the roof down and the gentle breeze blowing through your hair while behind the wheel.
Convertibles are by no means cheap, however. With a plethora of car manufacturers producing high quality convertibles, how do you pick the right one for you? Each car has its own unique qualities and offers something different from the rest. For inspiration, why not look at the most popular convertibles in the UK?
For example the multi award winning Mazda MX-5. Since the first car in the series was launched back in 1989, Mazda have focused on saving weight where possible using their ‘gram strategy’. This has a dramatic effect on agility and responsiveness. The retractable headlamps from the first generation may have gone, but the compact size still remains today. Don’t be fooled by its small frame, the boot is not as small as you might think; making it perfect for weekend getaways.
Another small convertible is the Fiat 500C. It may not be the most powerful of convertibles, but its fun and quirky style is perfect for those looking to make a fashion statement with their choice of vehicle. This makes it ideal for the city dweller to cruise around in the streets in. Easily customisable, there are lots of options and accessories to choose from to match your own personality.
Convertibles aren’t all about small chassis though. While many convertibles suffer from a small boot, the Renault Wind offers plenty of space. That’s because the roof folds in two places which means it uses less space to store when not in use. The roof is made from metal, meaning ir provides all weather protection. Coupled with its stylish and sleek looks, it’s no wonder it’s so popular.
For something that offers style and substance, look no further than the Jaguar XK. Its powerful engine gives great performance, reaching 60mph quickly. The refined exterior design means it won’t look out of place anywhere it goes. Inside, you can expect the usual quality furnishings and equipment Jaguars are renowned for.
Something to bear in mind is the fact that insurance can be more expensive for these models than simple saloon cars. For example, on premium cars like convertibles, replacing or fixing parts can be expensive. Even replacing auto windscreens can be a little trickier, as convertibles often have quite different windscreens to the ones found in equivalent saloon models. In a convertible, the windscreen frame is often strengthened to help protect the occupants if the car rolls, and as such, they often have to differ from the windscreens found in saloons.
Calien McToldridge writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.