Britain’s favourite convertibles

Convertibles are great, after all it means ‘wind in your hair’ fun in the sun, making any drive just that little bit more pleasurable.

But there’s so many available which can seem intimidating to the first-time cabrio buyer. That’s why we’ve gone through the reviews that you, the owners, have written to find out what you say are the best roofless cars out there.

Audi A3 Cabriolet (2008 – ) – Score: 4.8/5

The Audi A3 rag-top was a bold move by Audi, considering the number of other convertibles it builds, including the A4, the TT and the A5. It’s a move that paid off though, as the topless version of the A3 has come to be your favourite convertible. A3 owner, Chris L of Southampton told us it’s a “great car in the summer and still great fun in the winter with a very fast folding electric roof. It’s reliable too, and averages 40-45 mpg. Folding rear seats add more luggage space when needed. Runs well in all conditions.”

Available with a range of engines, including petrol and diesel engines, two- and four-wheel drive “quattro” models and manual and automatic gearboxes, there is something for every driver. Four useable seats make it practical too. In fact, when the roof is up you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in a hard-top. Built well, and built to last, it’s no wonder the A3 is such a firm favourite.

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smart fortwo convertible (2004 – ) – Score 4.7/5

Quirky, fun and low running costs are just some of the reasons why the smart fortwo is such a popular little machine. Boasting a sub-1-litre engine with good fuel economy and compact dimensions that facilitate parking in the tightest of spots, the fortwo is the perfect car to negotiate the city in roof-off style. Owner, Mark T of Alferton echoes these sentiments with some enthusiasm: “Where do I start? What a fun, practical and economical car. It looks a million dollars and drives the same. There’s zero road tax and 60 plus miles per gallon makes this a must have car. It handles a dream, too. There’s everything you would expect from a car with the manufacturer backing of a world class car maker – exceptional.”

With prices starting as low as £3,000 for an early version there’s very little to stop you from investing in one. Okay, so it’s no B-road bruiser, but while a bigger car might be fun for a Sunday blast, it’ll just be a chore in an urban setting. The Smart won’t though; it’ll keep you smiling no matter where the road takes you.

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Audi TT Roadster (2007 – ) – Score 4.6/5

Two seats, a brilliant range of engines and chassis that offers a rewarding drive are just some of the reason why you love the Audi TT so much. Plus, it’s a real looker and the latest diesel engines have gone some way towards making the TT even more practical – 50mpg in a roadster is not to be sniffed at. One enthusiastic owner is Judith F from Scotland, who said: “I replaced an Mazda MX-5 with the Audi TT to get something a bit bigger so I could enjoy a run in the car with my husband who found the Mazda just a bit on the small size. I thought I would miss my wee Mazda but the Audi has been economical and fun. My only complaint is that I do get a bit more wind in my hair and round my neck [but] that doesn’t stop me getting the roof down whenever I can, be it summer, winter, day time or night time!”

Think of the TT as more sporty option to the A3, but one that doesn’t sacrifice practicality in the name of performance. The TT roadster is a great ‘every day’ sports-car and one that should provide many a happy year’s motoring. Prices start at around £16,000 for a diesel variant, which is the best all-rounder according to your reviews.

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Mercedes CLK convertible (1998 – 2003) – Score 4.6/5

The first generation Mercedes CLK came out fourth in the list of your favourites and it’s not hard to see why. It was Mercedes’ first proper foray into the world of four-seater sports cars for a while. and buyers loved it. It’s the perfect car for some summer fun, as well as being warm and comfortable on winter drives. Add in to the mix a range of great petrol engines (including a potent AMG option) and you’re onto a winner. One person who agrees is Paul B from Perth: “Wind in the hair motoring with a distinctive and innovative brand. There’s nothing quite as good as dropping the roof on a spring day and listening to the engine noise. Great appearance, too. It’s used to get to and from work, adds a pleasurable dimension to commuting.”

Much like the smart, prices start at around £3,500 for a decent example with solid history. Buy one of these and you’ll have the perfect all-year-round sports car which, thanks to Mercedes build quality, should last as long as you need it to.

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Mercedes CLK convertible (2003-2009) – Score 4.5/5

The second generation Mercedes CLK is your fifth favourite convertible, and rightly so. It’s a great looking machine, offering an image which resembles the C-Class – a handsome car it its own right. Cut the roof off though, and you’ve a stunning machine and like its predecessor it boasts four seats, a sturdy folding roof and all the toys you could wish for. There are improvements though, most notably in the stiffer chassis which offers a more hard-top-like ride than the earlier CLK. One person who loves theirs dearly is Martin C from Worcester, he said: “I’ve had a 320 cab for 2.5 years and never had any problems. The car drives like a sports car but can seat four people and looks great with the hood down. I test drove the A4 and 3 Series before the CLK and I felt the others didn’t come close in terms of body flex and quality.”

The perfect mix of speed and luxury, the CLK really is a great machine to both own and drive. Plus, you can still offer a ride to three other people and a boot-full of stuff, too.

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Mazda MX-5 convertible (2005 – ) – Score 4.5/5

Auto Trader owner, Stefano B from Newcastle, said: “Apart from the fact that this is a two-seater and it may not suit everyone’s lifestyle needs, the MX-5 is a fantastic little car. Beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable to drive, frugal, nippy, and extremely reliable. I’ve had all sorts of cars/marques/models in the past; this is definitely the best I’ve owned!”

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Vauxhall Astra TwinTop (2006-2011) – Score 4.5/5

Auto Trader Owner, Rachel B from Hounslow, said: “I am really enjoying the twintop and it is a pleasure to drive. The roof has been fantastic and still working fine being 5 years old. The car does feel a little heavy when pulling off though. My kids love this car and enjoy an open top ride on warm summer days. I have no complaints at all, it’s practical for every day.”

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Mercedes SL Class (1989-2003) – Score 4.5/5

Auto Trader owner, Nathan S from Maidenhead, said: “Quality beyond compare, built to last forever. Surprisingly practical with a large boot for a convertible. Amazing spec levels for age of vehicle. It’s a classic already and good examples getting more valuable. Useable as daily transport and special enough to keep as a ‘summer only’ treat.”

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MINI One convertible (2004-2008) – Score 4.5/5

Auto Trader owner, Mitch F from Manchester, said: “Summer is coming and this is just the right car to get you into that summer feeling. What a fantastic feeling, driving around with the roof down….no more claustrophobia. It’s even liberating having the roof partially down, which is possible with the MINI convertible. The car is nippy and it handles really well. Cornering is a joy – you feel like you are stuck to the road. The inside is superb, too, very stylish.”

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Mini Cooper S convertible (2004-2008) – Score 4.5/5

Auto Trader owner, Geoffrey S from Winkfield, Said: “Great to drive, fun car and incredibly practical too. It is a car which, when you wake up you enjoy stepping into because it is your little bit of fun before you have to get to the office. Then after a long day you hop in, roof down and the wind blows any stress out of your system. A pleasure to have and bloody fast too!”

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By Chris Pollitt, Used Car Writer