Best convertible cars and cabriolets in the UK
High-quality convertibles from rated and reviewed dealers
Last updated August 19, 2025 by
Mario Christou
Best convertibles and cabriolets in the UK of 2025
It’s getting harder to pick the best convertible cars, because the unfortunate truth is they’re a dying breed. Where there were once numerous convertible versions of sensible coupes and saloons, these days you’re mostly limited to out-and-out sports cars like the Mazda MX-5, Porsche 718 Boxster or posh convertible cruisers, such as the BMW 4 Series Convertible and Mercedes CLE Cabriolet.
There’s something special about a sporty, two-seat convertible though; feeling the wind in your hair and crisp exhaust note burbling away behind you - especially when you’re carving through corners on a smooth, twisty road with the sun shining brightly.
Not all convertibles are designed for enthusiastic driving. Some are out-and-out cruisers, for wafting along over great distances; from your house to the south of France, or into the Italian countryside, for example, in style and comfort.
And yet some of the best looking, chicest convertibles are neither particularly comfortable nor are they sporty, but small hatchback-based drop-tops are still uber desirable for the fashion-conscious of you who live in a tight, urban environment.
Our expert reviews team has thoroughly tested every convertible car on sale in the UK, and put together this list of the ten best convertibles you can buy. If you want swoopy looks but enjoy a solid roof over your head, have a look at the best coupe cars on sale instead, or the best sports cars if high-performance is a priority for you.
1. Porsche 718 Boxster
Porsche 718 Boxster review
Best for: drop-top performance perfection
The Porsche 718 Boxster is a curious car, because while it’s a strict two-seater, with its engine in the middle, rear-wheel drive and mini supercar looks, it’s also one of the easiest convertibles to drive and live with thanks to its well-sized boots - yes, plural.
It looks fantastic, taking the iconic Porsche curves; squishing and stretching them into a slinky, sporty and purposeful looking body shape - without needing overly aggressive headlights and a grimacing grille like so many sports cars these days. We’re looking at you, BMW.
The interior is fantastic too, feeling high-quality everywhere you touch thanks to soft plastics and an abundance of leather trimming. You get a choice of seats (sporty or sportier), both of which are highly adjustable and an easy to use infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen set into the dashboard.
Being a two-seater sports car the 718 Boxster isn’t the last word in practicality, but you get a pair of cupholders which pop out of the dash, a well-sized glove box, storage cubby in between the seats and adequate door bins. The Boxster’s party piece is its dual boots, with a deep one at the front for a couple of small suitcases and a shallow but wide storage space at the back.
It doesn’t take long behind the wheel to understand that the baby Porsche is one of the most well-rounded sports cars on sale. You get jiggled around a little in town because of the sporty suspension, but the 718 Boxster never feels uncomfortable, and it’s easy to place in traffic and squeeze into tight spaces thanks to its low nose and standard-fit rear-view camera.
Motorways are fairly comfortable, but you get noticeable road noise from the Boxster’s wide tyres at speed. Country lanes are where the small Porsche really comes alive, because it’s a little monster on a twisty road.
The entry-level 2.0- and 2.5-litre engines are a little dull, but the epic 4.0-litre unit positively sings when accelerating. Enjoy the 718’s immense grip and poise; it’s a cracking little convertible.
The Porsche 718 Boxster is a curious car, because while it’s a strict two-seater, with its engine in the middle, rear-wheel drive and mini supercar looks, it’s also one of the easiest convertibles to drive and live with thanks to its well-sized boots - yes, plural.
It looks fantastic, taking the iconic Porsche curves; squishing and stretching them into a slinky, sporty and purposeful looking body shape - without needing overly aggressive headlights and a grimacing grille like so many sports cars these days. We’re looking at you, BMW.
The interior is fantastic too, feeling high-quality everywhere you touch thanks to soft plastics and an abundance of leather trimming. You get a choice of seats (sporty or sportier), both of which are highly adjustable and an easy to use infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen set into the dashboard.
Being a two-seater sports car the 718 Boxster isn’t the last word in practicality, but you get a pair of cupholders which pop out of the dash, a well-sized glove box, storage cubby in between the seats and adequate door bins. The Boxster’s party piece is its dual boots, with a deep one at the front for a couple of small suitcases and a shallow but wide storage space at the back.
It doesn’t take long behind the wheel to understand that the baby Porsche is one of the most well-rounded sports cars on sale. You get jiggled around a little in town because of the sporty suspension, but the 718 Boxster never feels uncomfortable, and it’s easy to place in traffic and squeeze into tight spaces thanks to its low nose and standard-fit rear-view camera.
Motorways are fairly comfortable, but you get noticeable road noise from the Boxster’s wide tyres at speed. Country lanes are where the small Porsche really comes alive, because it’s a little monster on a twisty road.
The entry-level 2.0- and 2.5-litre engines are a little dull, but the epic 4.0-litre unit positively sings when accelerating. Enjoy the 718’s immense grip and poise; it’s a cracking little convertible.
2. Mazda MX-5
Mazda MX-5 review
Best for: budget convertible thrills
A lightweight two-seater with a manual roof, peppy engine and rear-wheel drive, the Mazda MX-5 is about as driver-focused as a sports car can get. It’s great fun to drive and cheap to run, but the little Mazda is far from practical - and not all that fast.
Unlike the rounded, soft curves of previous generations, the current MX-5 is a very sharp, sporty looking car. Small, pointy headlights, an angular grille and big haunches give the tiny two-seater a fair amount of road presence.
The interior is also far nicer than any MX-5 that’s come before, and while it’s not quite the last word in luxury, the responsive 8.8-inch touchscreen, (mostly) high quality plastics and comfortable seats mean the cabin holds its own against the German hot hatchbacks you might be considering, too.
There’s very little in the way of storage though, with only a small cubby in between the front seats and a pair of removable cup holders. You don’t even get a glovebox in the MX-5, nor are there any door bins. The boot is also rather small, and while it’s plenty big enough for a weekly shop for two, you’ll struggle to get any more than a pair of small suitcases in there.
It’s behind the wheel where the little Mazda really excels, as it’s a car you buy because you value driving experience above all else. It’s much easier to drive around town than its sporty looks might suggest, with a light clutch in manual models, quick steering and plenty of pep meaning it feels darty on tight roads.
Motorways aren’t quite as comfortable, because whether in a soft-top or hard-top targa ‘RF’ version, there’s plenty of wind noise from the roof and a tyre roar, too.
Pull off the motorway, onto your favourite country lane and the MX-5 practically comes alive. The 1.5-litre engine isn’t as powerful as the 2.0-litre unit, and it doesn’t have the same suspension tweaks that the faster version has either, but every model will have you beaming from ear-to-ear on the right road. It’s just so much fun to chuck around corners, even when compared to the best hot hatchbacks.
A lightweight two-seater with a manual roof, peppy engine and rear-wheel drive, the Mazda MX-5 is about as driver-focused as a sports car can get. It’s great fun to drive and cheap to run, but the little Mazda is far from practical - and not all that fast.
Unlike the rounded, soft curves of previous generations, the current MX-5 is a very sharp, sporty looking car. Small, pointy headlights, an angular grille and big haunches give the tiny two-seater a fair amount of road presence.
The interior is also far nicer than any MX-5 that’s come before, and while it’s not quite the last word in luxury, the responsive 8.8-inch touchscreen, (mostly) high quality plastics and comfortable seats mean the cabin holds its own against the German hot hatchbacks you might be considering, too.
There’s very little in the way of storage though, with only a small cubby in between the front seats and a pair of removable cup holders. You don’t even get a glovebox in the MX-5, nor are there any door bins. The boot is also rather small, and while it’s plenty big enough for a weekly shop for two, you’ll struggle to get any more than a pair of small suitcases in there.
It’s behind the wheel where the little Mazda really excels, as it’s a car you buy because you value driving experience above all else. It’s much easier to drive around town than its sporty looks might suggest, with a light clutch in manual models, quick steering and plenty of pep meaning it feels darty on tight roads.
Motorways aren’t quite as comfortable, because whether in a soft-top or hard-top targa ‘RF’ version, there’s plenty of wind noise from the roof and a tyre roar, too.
Pull off the motorway, onto your favourite country lane and the MX-5 practically comes alive. The 1.5-litre engine isn’t as powerful as the 2.0-litre unit, and it doesn’t have the same suspension tweaks that the faster version has either, but every model will have you beaming from ear-to-ear on the right road. It’s just so much fun to chuck around corners, even when compared to the best hot hatchbacks.
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3. BMW M4 Convertible
BMW M4 Convertible review
Best for: four-seater sportiness
The BMW M4 Convertible is the darling car of folks who need a four-seater with a usable boot, enough performance to nip at the heels of out-and-out sports cars and the option to feel the wind in your locks on a summer’s day. It’s not quite as precise to drive or as practical as the coupe version, but it’s still a blast to drive.
While the M4 still has a snout that only a mother could love, time has been kind to it, and the fast BMW is no longer as jarring as it once was. You still get a pair of enormous grilles at the front, but they’re now tolerable in a restrained colour, and the Convertible actually has a nicer side profile than the chunky-looking coupe, especially with the roof down.
The interior is nowhere near as divisive; one of the best you’ll find in any BMW for sale at the moment. The dashboard curves down towards the passengers, with a neat row of vents across the middle and BMW’s curved, dual-screen setup resting on top.
Front passengers get a pair of sporty seats as standard, with an optional pair of super body-hugging bucket seats you can choose if you’re feeling racy. There’s lots of room for odds and ends, but the rear seats are compromised in the name of roof storage; very upright and only for short trips.
The boot capacity is only 300 litres - about on par with a small hatchback. That’s not bad in isolation, but the M4 Convertible is a big, luxurious car, so you’d want more room for luggage if you’re planning a top-down road trip.
Around town the M4 Convertible is fairly comfortable, though there’s no escaping the fact that it’s equipped with sports suspension and jiggles you around on bumpy roads. With a large turning circle and enormous wheel arches you might struggle to fit down narrow streets, too - so the semi-skimmed 4 Series M440i convertible might be a better choice.
Motorways are very comfortable though, even with a bit of background wind and road noise, but you’ll have fun listening to the rorty exhaust note on a country road with the roof stowed away - just don’t go expecting the same hard-edged precision you get in an M4 Coupe.
The BMW M4 Convertible is the darling car of folks who need a four-seater with a usable boot, enough performance to nip at the heels of out-and-out sports cars and the option to feel the wind in your locks on a summer’s day. It’s not quite as precise to drive or as practical as the coupe version, but it’s still a blast to drive.
While the M4 still has a snout that only a mother could love, time has been kind to it, and the fast BMW is no longer as jarring as it once was. You still get a pair of enormous grilles at the front, but they’re now tolerable in a restrained colour, and the Convertible actually has a nicer side profile than the chunky-looking coupe, especially with the roof down.
The interior is nowhere near as divisive; one of the best you’ll find in any BMW for sale at the moment. The dashboard curves down towards the passengers, with a neat row of vents across the middle and BMW’s curved, dual-screen setup resting on top.
Front passengers get a pair of sporty seats as standard, with an optional pair of super body-hugging bucket seats you can choose if you’re feeling racy. There’s lots of room for odds and ends, but the rear seats are compromised in the name of roof storage; very upright and only for short trips.
The boot capacity is only 300 litres - about on par with a small hatchback. That’s not bad in isolation, but the M4 Convertible is a big, luxurious car, so you’d want more room for luggage if you’re planning a top-down road trip.
Around town the M4 Convertible is fairly comfortable, though there’s no escaping the fact that it’s equipped with sports suspension and jiggles you around on bumpy roads. With a large turning circle and enormous wheel arches you might struggle to fit down narrow streets, too - so the semi-skimmed 4 Series M440i convertible might be a better choice.
Motorways are very comfortable though, even with a bit of background wind and road noise, but you’ll have fun listening to the rorty exhaust note on a country road with the roof stowed away - just don’t go expecting the same hard-edged precision you get in an M4 Coupe.
4. Mercedes SL
Mercedes-Benz SL review
Best for: posh, sporty fun
Where Mercedes SLs of late have been big, wafty grand tourers - often associated with retirees - the latest model is sharper. It looks tremendous and is fun to drive, but has taken a practicality hit in the process.
Still, just look at it. The long bonnet, pretty headlights, soft grille and short boot all give the SL some proper 1960’s glitz and glamour. The soft-top roof isn’t to everyone’s taste, but it does look neater than a big, bulky folding hard-top in this case.
The interior is dominated by an enormous portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, floating up from the centre console on to the dash. The dashboard itself is rather handsome and the chunky steering wheel looks suitably sporty,
You don’t get much in the way of space though, with no room for large water bottles, and the SL’s back seats are really very tiny. The boot is particularly small as well, at 240 litres.
Get out on the road and the SL impresses, especially in V8 SL55 or SL63 versions with their trick adaptive suspension. The entry-level SL43 is still comfortable enough, but doesn’t take the edge off of bad roads as well as in the other two.
On the motorway you get a little bit of wind noise around the front pillars, but the SL’s cabin is particularly well insulated for a soft-top convertible. There’s more than enough performance to get up to speed in all versions of the SL, too, and though it’s a very heavy car, the SL is quite good fun on a twisty road.
Where Mercedes SLs of late have been big, wafty grand tourers - often associated with retirees - the latest model is sharper. It looks tremendous and is fun to drive, but has taken a practicality hit in the process.
Still, just look at it. The long bonnet, pretty headlights, soft grille and short boot all give the SL some proper 1960’s glitz and glamour. The soft-top roof isn’t to everyone’s taste, but it does look neater than a big, bulky folding hard-top in this case.
The interior is dominated by an enormous portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, floating up from the centre console on to the dash. The dashboard itself is rather handsome and the chunky steering wheel looks suitably sporty,
You don’t get much in the way of space though, with no room for large water bottles, and the SL’s back seats are really very tiny. The boot is particularly small as well, at 240 litres.
Get out on the road and the SL impresses, especially in V8 SL55 or SL63 versions with their trick adaptive suspension. The entry-level SL43 is still comfortable enough, but doesn’t take the edge off of bad roads as well as in the other two.
On the motorway you get a little bit of wind noise around the front pillars, but the SL’s cabin is particularly well insulated for a soft-top convertible. There’s more than enough performance to get up to speed in all versions of the SL, too, and though it’s a very heavy car, the SL is quite good fun on a twisty road.
5. BMW 8 Series Convertible
BMW 8 Series Convertible review
Best for: top-down wafting
The 8 Series is BMW’s range-topping convertible, and it’s a big, sporty way to get around in comfort. It’s not quite as practical as its size suggests, though, both in the rear seats and the boot.
It’s not quite as handsome or as striking as you’d hope from a flagship grand tourer though, lacking the charm and flair that so many of its alternatives have. It may not be as pretty, but a BMW M4 certainly has more drama about the way it looks.
The interior feels a little old-hat too, with a pair of displays that are neither as responsive to use nor easy on the eye as the latest BMW widescreen system. The interior is much like the exterior, in that it looks smart with a swoopy dashboard and chunky centre console, but again lacks the luxurious feel of its alternatives.
You don’t get that much space in the back seats, either, losing serious room compared to the coupe in order to stow the convertible top away. The boot is a usable 350 litres, though this is reduced with the top down.
The 8 Series is remarkably composed on a bumpy road around town, avoiding the shudders and thuds that often accompany a big convertible, while retaining its fun-factor on a twisty road - feeling almost as agile as the coupe version. Close the roof and it’s a remarkably capable long-distance cruiser, too.
The 8 Series is BMW’s range-topping convertible, and it’s a big, sporty way to get around in comfort. It’s not quite as practical as its size suggests, though, both in the rear seats and the boot.
It’s not quite as handsome or as striking as you’d hope from a flagship grand tourer though, lacking the charm and flair that so many of its alternatives have. It may not be as pretty, but a BMW M4 certainly has more drama about the way it looks.
The interior feels a little old-hat too, with a pair of displays that are neither as responsive to use nor easy on the eye as the latest BMW widescreen system. The interior is much like the exterior, in that it looks smart with a swoopy dashboard and chunky centre console, but again lacks the luxurious feel of its alternatives.
You don’t get that much space in the back seats, either, losing serious room compared to the coupe in order to stow the convertible top away. The boot is a usable 350 litres, though this is reduced with the top down.
The 8 Series is remarkably composed on a bumpy road around town, avoiding the shudders and thuds that often accompany a big convertible, while retaining its fun-factor on a twisty road - feeling almost as agile as the coupe version. Close the roof and it’s a remarkably capable long-distance cruiser, too.
6. BMW Z4
BMW Z4 review
Best for: a two-seat cruiser
The BMW Z4 is a rare car these days, because while all Roadsters are convertibles, not every convertible is a burly little two-seat Roadster. The Z4 combines stylish looks with a comfortable drive, though it’s not as fun as a Porsche 718 Boxster.
But where the Boxster looks dainty, the Z4 looks muscular with its long, flat and wide bonnet, short tail and big exhaust tips at either end of the angular rear bumper. It’s very handsome, and a welcome change from some of the more questionable looking BMWs on sale.
The interior isn’t quite as well-designed, and it’s a bit dull to look at. As with the 8 Series, you don’t get the latest curved driver’s display and infotainment screen, and the dashboard is similar to a sensible 3 Series saloon.
Don’t expect any real practicality in the Z4 either, because it’s a strict two-seater. That being said, there are plenty of small cubbies up front to keep odds and ends from rolling around, though the cupholders hidden in the arm rest are annoying. You can fit a pair of small suitcases in the Z4’s boot, with 281 litres of space.
It’s not as agile as a Boxster on a country lane, because the Z4 feels more like a muscle car than a sports car - especially in top M40i trim. Plenty powerful, but more at home at a quick cruise than an out-and-out blast.
Around town the Z4 is far more comfortable and feels more relaxing to drive than the Porsche. Motorways are a similar story, with its well-insulated roof and minimal tyre roar. Pot for the M40i model if you’re looking for thrills, as the 2.0-litre version is most at home pottering around in town.
The BMW Z4 is a rare car these days, because while all Roadsters are convertibles, not every convertible is a burly little two-seat Roadster. The Z4 combines stylish looks with a comfortable drive, though it’s not as fun as a Porsche 718 Boxster.
But where the Boxster looks dainty, the Z4 looks muscular with its long, flat and wide bonnet, short tail and big exhaust tips at either end of the angular rear bumper. It’s very handsome, and a welcome change from some of the more questionable looking BMWs on sale.
The interior isn’t quite as well-designed, and it’s a bit dull to look at. As with the 8 Series, you don’t get the latest curved driver’s display and infotainment screen, and the dashboard is similar to a sensible 3 Series saloon.
Don’t expect any real practicality in the Z4 either, because it’s a strict two-seater. That being said, there are plenty of small cubbies up front to keep odds and ends from rolling around, though the cupholders hidden in the arm rest are annoying. You can fit a pair of small suitcases in the Z4’s boot, with 281 litres of space.
It’s not as agile as a Boxster on a country lane, because the Z4 feels more like a muscle car than a sports car - especially in top M40i trim. Plenty powerful, but more at home at a quick cruise than an out-and-out blast.
Around town the Z4 is far more comfortable and feels more relaxing to drive than the Porsche. Motorways are a similar story, with its well-insulated roof and minimal tyre roar. Pot for the M40i model if you’re looking for thrills, as the 2.0-litre version is most at home pottering around in town.
7. Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet
Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet review
Best for: an open-top SUV
If a two-seater roadster is rare, a convertible-SUV is all but non-existent. In fact, the Volkswagen T-Roc is the only example you can buy new, so it’s lucky that it’s actually quite good - even if it’s lost almost all of its SUV practicality.
While the concept of an open-top-SUV may sound awkward, the T-Roc Cabriolet looks rather good. It’s not fussy, the roof doesn’t look messy up-or-down and the T-Roc’s clean lines and smooth flanks have taken the switch to two doors well.
The interior is almost identical to the SUV, minus the loss of a seat in the back. You get the same well-laid out dashboard and soft-touch materials, but you’re limited to four occupants. You’ll be able to squeeze two adults in the back, though they’ll struggle if they’re tall.
The 284-litre boot is on par with most small convertibles, and you get a nice, wide opening with the tailgate up.
On the road the T-Roc Cabrio is comfortable to drive, though it’s susceptible to shaking through the steering wheel when you hit a bump or pothole - the usual fare on a car that’s been turned into a convertible, as opposed to one designed to be a drop-top in the first place.
You do lose refinement versus the SUV on the motorway, as the soft-top lets in more wind noise than a solid roof, but otherwise the T-Roc Cabriolet is as uneventful to drive as the SUV - which is a good thing.
If a two-seater roadster is rare, a convertible-SUV is all but non-existent. In fact, the Volkswagen T-Roc is the only example you can buy new, so it’s lucky that it’s actually quite good - even if it’s lost almost all of its SUV practicality.
While the concept of an open-top-SUV may sound awkward, the T-Roc Cabriolet looks rather good. It’s not fussy, the roof doesn’t look messy up-or-down and the T-Roc’s clean lines and smooth flanks have taken the switch to two doors well.
The interior is almost identical to the SUV, minus the loss of a seat in the back. You get the same well-laid out dashboard and soft-touch materials, but you’re limited to four occupants. You’ll be able to squeeze two adults in the back, though they’ll struggle if they’re tall.
The 284-litre boot is on par with most small convertibles, and you get a nice, wide opening with the tailgate up.
On the road the T-Roc Cabrio is comfortable to drive, though it’s susceptible to shaking through the steering wheel when you hit a bump or pothole - the usual fare on a car that’s been turned into a convertible, as opposed to one designed to be a drop-top in the first place.
You do lose refinement versus the SUV on the motorway, as the soft-top lets in more wind noise than a solid roof, but otherwise the T-Roc Cabriolet is as uneventful to drive as the SUV - which is a good thing.
8. Mercedes CLE Cabriolet
Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet review
Best for: a four-seater with a posh badge
The CLE may be the entry-level convertible in Mercedes’ range, but that’s not to say it looks cheap, because the four-seater convertible is handsome and has plenty of road presence.
The wide headlights, big grille, smooth flanks and rear light bar all give the CLE Cabrio a posh vibe, as does the rather lovely trim that wraps around the shoulder line and windscreen hoop.
The interior looks equally as luxurious, with a centre console that swoops up into the infotainment display, while the five air vents on top of the dashboard all look properly intricate. Material quality is generally high, but some of the plastics are a bit too flimsy for such an expensive car.
You’ve got plenty of room up front with adequate storage, but the rear seats are best reserved for children or adults on very short journeys. The boot is a practical 385 litres when the roof is up, but loses 110 litres when the top is stowed away.
Mercedes has prioritised comfort with the CLE, and it does a good job of absorbing blows around town, gliding along in comfort on the motorway and feeling surefooted on a twisty road. Opt for a BMW 4 Series if you want to carve through corners, though.
The CLE may be the entry-level convertible in Mercedes’ range, but that’s not to say it looks cheap, because the four-seater convertible is handsome and has plenty of road presence.
The wide headlights, big grille, smooth flanks and rear light bar all give the CLE Cabrio a posh vibe, as does the rather lovely trim that wraps around the shoulder line and windscreen hoop.
The interior looks equally as luxurious, with a centre console that swoops up into the infotainment display, while the five air vents on top of the dashboard all look properly intricate. Material quality is generally high, but some of the plastics are a bit too flimsy for such an expensive car.
You’ve got plenty of room up front with adequate storage, but the rear seats are best reserved for children or adults on very short journeys. The boot is a practical 385 litres when the roof is up, but loses 110 litres when the top is stowed away.
Mercedes has prioritised comfort with the CLE, and it does a good job of absorbing blows around town, gliding along in comfort on the motorway and feeling surefooted on a twisty road. Opt for a BMW 4 Series if you want to carve through corners, though.
9. Mini Cooper Convertible
MINI Convertible review
Best for: urban commuting
The Mini Cooper Convertible is one of the most stylish cars you can buy right now, with its iconic looks arguably improved by the removal of its roof. It’s great to drive, too, but the Mini is far from practical.
Its iconic, round headlights remain - though now in LED form - and the non-S models are a great exercise in minimalism, with a curvy, smooth body. Models equipped with the JCW package are far fussier, but do look rather racy.
The interior is a masterclass too, with an achingly cool circular display in the middle of a sleek fabric-trimmed dashboard. There are more quirky details such as the air vents and chunky toggle switches, too.
Tall drivers will find it easy to get comfortable in the Mini, but those in the back have little to no legroom at all. It’s also very dark back there with the roof up, and the boot is a minuscule 160 litres.
Though it’s not like you’d want to take the Mini on a cross-country trip with a big suitcase anyway, because the Cooper Convertible is a bit noisy at high speeds. It feels agile in town though, and it’s best on a country lane, where the little convertible has loads of grip and will put a smile on your face.
The Mini Cooper Convertible is one of the most stylish cars you can buy right now, with its iconic looks arguably improved by the removal of its roof. It’s great to drive, too, but the Mini is far from practical.
Its iconic, round headlights remain - though now in LED form - and the non-S models are a great exercise in minimalism, with a curvy, smooth body. Models equipped with the JCW package are far fussier, but do look rather racy.
The interior is a masterclass too, with an achingly cool circular display in the middle of a sleek fabric-trimmed dashboard. There are more quirky details such as the air vents and chunky toggle switches, too.
Tall drivers will find it easy to get comfortable in the Mini, but those in the back have little to no legroom at all. It’s also very dark back there with the roof up, and the boot is a minuscule 160 litres.
Though it’s not like you’d want to take the Mini on a cross-country trip with a big suitcase anyway, because the Cooper Convertible is a bit noisy at high speeds. It feels agile in town though, and it’s best on a country lane, where the little convertible has loads of grip and will put a smile on your face.
10. MG Cyberster
MG Cyberster review
Battery range up to 316 miles
Best for: a sporty EV convertible
The MG Cyberster is an oddity as far as convertibles go, because not only is it a Chinese sports car, but it’s an electric one, too. It looks fantastic and the top-spec model is rapid, but it’s not as fun to drive as appearances suggest.
It’s one of the most dramatically styled cars on sale at the moment, from its aggressive intakes and long bonnet to the big haunches over its rear wheels and funky, arrow-shaped taillights. The motorised, upwards-opening doors are pretty out there, too, but they’re annoyingly slow to open.
You sit quite high up in the Cyberster, and the dashboard is fussy with a whopping four screens in front of you. The infotainment display in the middle is fiddly to use, too, but at least there’s a decent amount of space for a two-seater sports car. The 249-litre boot is smaller than in a BMW Z4, though.
The entry-level model can go up to 316 miles on a charge, but this figure drops to 276 miles in the top-spec GT model - and the Cyberster is slow to charge compared to the latest crop of EVs, taking almost 40 minutes to go from 10-80% on a fast charger.
Around town you’ll find the MG relaxing to drive thanks to its smooth, silent electric motors and suspension which isn’t too firm over bumps. It's not as well insulated from noise on motorways as its German alternatives, and the Cyberster is a bit too heavy and comfort-oriented to be proper fun to drive on a twisty road.
The MG Cyberster is an oddity as far as convertibles go, because not only is it a Chinese sports car, but it’s an electric one, too. It looks fantastic and the top-spec model is rapid, but it’s not as fun to drive as appearances suggest.
It’s one of the most dramatically styled cars on sale at the moment, from its aggressive intakes and long bonnet to the big haunches over its rear wheels and funky, arrow-shaped taillights. The motorised, upwards-opening doors are pretty out there, too, but they’re annoyingly slow to open.
You sit quite high up in the Cyberster, and the dashboard is fussy with a whopping four screens in front of you. The infotainment display in the middle is fiddly to use, too, but at least there’s a decent amount of space for a two-seater sports car. The 249-litre boot is smaller than in a BMW Z4, though.
The entry-level model can go up to 316 miles on a charge, but this figure drops to 276 miles in the top-spec GT model - and the Cyberster is slow to charge compared to the latest crop of EVs, taking almost 40 minutes to go from 10-80% on a fast charger.
Around town you’ll find the MG relaxing to drive thanks to its smooth, silent electric motors and suspension which isn’t too firm over bumps. It's not as well insulated from noise on motorways as its German alternatives, and the Cyberster is a bit too heavy and comfort-oriented to be proper fun to drive on a twisty road.
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Factors to consider:
Although there aren’t all that many convertible cars on sale to choose from, there are enough out there to cover a wide range of lifestyles. If it’s your only car and you could do with the practicality of four seats, the BMW 4 Series or Mercedes CLE are the best cars to pick - without totally breaking the bank.
For pure top-down thrills, the Mazda MX-5 will have you beaming almost all the time, with the Porsche 718 Boxster needing a faster road to really reach its potential. Meanwhile if you exclusively commute in town, the Fiat 500e or Mini Cooper Convertible will be easiest to live with day-to-day.
The MG has the advantage of being the only electric car on this list, too, so if you’ve got easy access to a charger at home or at work, it’ll be the cheapest option to run - even if it’s not the most practical.
