While convertibles often offer some sacrifices, it seems that these pale in comparison to the sheer joys of owning and driving a convertible, with many manufacturers sticking by the convertible recipe to please buyers.
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Request a quoteWith that in mind, let’s take a look at 10 of the best convertible cars you’ll find on the market here in Australia.
MINI Cooper S
The fun-loving nature of the MINI Cooper means that the manufacturer is offering no less than nine convertible variants within the Cooper lineup.
This includes everything from an affordable Cooper Classic variant all the way to the fire-breathing John Cooper Works performance edition that offers open-top thrills in a compact package.
The MINI Cooper platform proves a strong performer on both daily drives around town and while pushed on the open road, speaking to the versatility and eager nature of the Cooper that is very much complimented by a convertible design for the driver.
Mazda MX-5
One of the most famous names in the world of affordable convertibles is the Mazda MX-5, which is now better than ever in its fourth generation.
The good news for buyers is that rather than ask that you pay a premium for the convertible or roadster variant, Mazda’s MX-5 is actually cheapest in convertible form, and uses the same engine across the range from the base model to the range-topper.
The MX-5’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder produces 135kW of power and 205Nm which is available with both an automatic and manual transmission for driving purists, with the lightweight construction and agile handling proving to be one of the most engaging convertibles on the road.
BMW Z4
BMW has given its Z4 a series of styling tweaks for its two-seater convertible, which comes available here in Australia with a choice of two engines.
The first, a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder produces 145kW of power and 320Nm of torque in the sDrive20i, while the range-topping M40i produces a massive 285kW of power and 500Nm of torque from its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six.
While performance is spirited in the base model, the M40i takes speed to a whole new level thanks to its added performance hardware like upgraded brakes, and an adaptive suspension system that makes for a seriously entertaining roadster at speed.
Ford Mustang
Before the arrival of a brand new Mustang in 2023, Ford is hoping to win over buyers looking for an American convertible with its Mustang lineup.
The current Mustang lineup features a convertible option across both its turbocharged four-cylinder and monstrous V8 variants, which cleverly offers buyers the option of a convertible Mustang across two different price points.
Considering its price, the convertible Mustang range is well-equipped and receives a generous handful of premium features that make it one of the best convertible offerings currently in Australia.
Porsche 718 Boxster
When it comes to agile, lightweight sports cars, there’s few manufacturers that can match Porsche in this one area, who has now created four generations of the Boxster.
The recipe for the Boxster is relatively simple but outstanding in its execution. This recipe calls for a lightweight construction, a powerful engine in the middle of the chassis, and capable suspension hardware that results in one of the most agile and dynamic convertibles on the road.
The 718 Boxster’s nature as a performance vehicle is made even more impressive when you tone everything down and return to normal town driving, where it becomes smooth and sophisticated, speaking to the versatility of Porsche’s design.
Audi A5
For those in the market for a convertible that can double down as a usable family car for buyers with small children, the Audi A5 is a wonderful addition to the premium convertible segment.
The A5 lineup has been updated with a range of fuel-efficient mild hybrid engines that cut down on fuel use without making any sacrifices to power and torque. The driving nature of the A5 is smooth, sophisticated and stable thanks to Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system.
Inside, Audi’s expertise with interior designs is clearly on show with the A5 boasting a sleek cabin that is impressively spacious for a convertible design and filled with practical touches.
Jaguar F Type
Jaguar has given its F Type lineup a bit of a tweak for the latest model year, throwing out the turbo four-cylinder and supercharged V6 options in favour of a single-engine lineup showcasing the company’s fire-breathing V8 engine.
Slimming down the lineup means that there are three F Types on offer here in Australia, with the R-Dynamic P450 Convertible becoming the only F Type convertible available.
The good news for buyers is that the F Type powered by a V8 engine is a treat for the senses thanks to its iconic soundtrack and biblical power outputs, and remains one of the most dynamic convertibles on the road here in Australia.
Mercedes C-Class
For buyers looking for something a little more refined and practical, the Mercedes C-Class convertible offers a healthy mix of luxury, space and practicality in an open-top package.
The C-Class cabriolet comes powered by a range of Mercedes’ engines, including a modest 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder as the base model, stretching all the way out to a twin-turbo V8 that gives buyers a heap of variety.
Inside, the cabin is sleek and filled with technology, making for one of the most futuristic cockpits with the added bonus of an open-top design for buyers looking to let their hair down.
BMW 4 Series
A direct competitor to the C-Class, BMW’s 4 Series is being offered with a number of convertible variants across different segments of the lineup, including a modest base model and an outlandish range-topping M4 performance variant.
The good news for driving enthusiasts is that in the process of making the 4 Series a convertible, BMW has not watered-down its performance credentials whatsoever, with the convertible retaining all the important hallmarks of a fast and agile BMW.
Porsche 911
We’ll wrap up our list with arguably the world’s most famous sports car, the Porsche 911, which has had an open-top variant for four decades.
Porsche has a convertible 911 option across nearly every variant, with the exception of the GT3, which means you can get your hands on a Carrera, Carrera S, Carrera GTS and even the almighty 911 Turbo and Turbo S variants in convertible form.
Power comes supplied by a rear-mounted flat-six powertrain, with the Turbo stepping up to a 3.8-litre turbocharged flat-six that produces 428kW of power and a massive 750Nm of torque, making for one of the most powerful convertible packages you’ll find on the market here in Australia.
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