Convertible, roadster, cabriolet - whatever you want to call it, cars with a retractable roof can offer the most liberating of driving experiences. There isn’t a much better feeling than dropping the top and letting the wind blow through your hair as you drive off into the sunset.
In years past, convertibles have been thought of as summer vehicles, but modern convertibles are a feasible choice for daily use too. Many new models can transform in just a matter of seconds, which is perfect for when those New Zealand rain clouds roll in.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a short list of some new convertibles that might pique your interest in time for summer.
MINI Convertible from $58,270 (+ORC)
The MINI has always been a fun car and the new MINI convertible manages to make it even cooler.
Our pick of the different MINI variants would be the manual model for a bit of added excitement. Its 2.0-litre engine provides a pokey 141kW of power, which is plenty for the hatch’s compact frame. It also boasts a combined fuel consumption of just 6.5L/100 km (and the seven-speed DCT variants is even more frugal, but only by about 0.8L).
There are also some standout colours to give the car even more jazz, such as Caribbean Blue, Solaris Orange and classic British Racing Green.
Mazda MX-5 from $49,595 (+ORC)
Lighter and more streamlined than ever, the open-top MX-5 brings car and driver together in the true spirit of “Jinba Ittai” - the philosophy of ‘horse and rider as one’.
The entry level soft-top is powered by a SKYACTIV-G 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces a reasonable 96kW @7000rpm. This small four cylinder engine is coupled to a traditional six-speed transmission, and with a fuel economy of just 6.2L/100km it’s easy to see why this attractive roadster continues to generate so much attention.
BMW 220i Convertible from $74,750 (+ORC)
If you’re looking for a little class, the BMW 220i might just be the answer, offering a seductive combination of a dynamic design and a powerful engine.
The 220i features standout 18” double spoked alloy wheels and a much loved 2.0-litre TwinPower four-cylinder engine that produces a lively 135kW of power. Efficiency-wise, the BMW 220i consumes 6.1L/100km, which is close to the Mazda MX-5 despite a larger engine capacity.
An eight-speed steptronic automatic transmission drives the wheels and, interestingly, the roof can even be opened or closed at speeds of up to 50km/h if the weather catches you out.
Of course, in typical BMW fashion there are a vast amount of add-ons to add some added panache. The M Sports package, for example, adds sports suspension and various other embellishments to the exterior for a more provocative look for an additional $5,000. There’s also the ‘Comfort Package’ that adds ambient light features and a HiFi Sound system.
Like the MINI, there are a few vibrant colours available like Sunset Orange and Melbourne Red to spice things up a bit.
Why not?
If you’ve previously thought of buying a convertible but had some misgivings, it could be time for a rethink. With so much on offer and summer in full swing, if you get in quick you may be able to get your hands on one of these fantastic models for your next roadie.
Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:
- AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
- AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
- AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
- AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts
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