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The Best Convertibles To Buy In 2018

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Despite the unpredicatable weather so synonymous with British summertime, 2018 has managed to buck this trend with heatwaves we've not seen in a long time. 

With our usual weather in mind you perhaps wouldn't expect the UK to be second only to Germany when it comes to sales of convertible cars in Europe.  The biggest surprise to a lot of people is the huge choice at their disposal.  Convertibles come in all shapes and sizes and span a wide variety of classes and price ranges.  Not to mention the option to buy New or Used. 

So here's our roundup of the best convertibles for 2018 to show you the diversity in the market:

Audi A3 Cabriolet

It has a typically slick Audi interior which is spacious enough for two rear passengers.  And the soft-top roof hastily retracts when the car is travelling at speeds under 31mph, making the A3 Cabriolet an extremely fun drive with surprising practicality. 

The most exhilarating version is the 181bhp 2.0-litre TDI Quattro, which achieves 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds.​

​JAGUAR F-TYPE CONVERTIBLE

The Jaguar F-Type Convertible is as beautiful to drive as it is to look at and listen to.  It comes with a 3-litre V6 engine as standard, a lightweight soft-top roof and an aerodynamic spoiler deployed at 60mph to enhance downforce. 

Designed with the attention to detail you’d expect from any Jaguar model, the F-Type feels effortless even at high speeds.  It is also customisable if you’re looking for a personalised convertible car. 

For the ultimate new F-Type you might fancy the four-wheel drive SVR model, unveiled at Geneva 2016, with a top speed of 200mph from its 576bhp 5-litre supercharged V8 engine.​

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE

It’s not every day you see an open-top SUV cruising down the street.  That’s why the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, the world’s first premium compact convertible SUV, has set a new standard in motoring design and capabilities. 

It has the luxurious level of comfort you’d expect from the marque, coupled with its capability to handle the roughest roads and conditions.  Its retractable roof makes it the ultimate all-rounder. 

So if you’re in the market for a car that has all the lifestyle appeal of a convertible, but with the off-road qualities of an SUV, then you won’t go wrong with the Evoque Convertible. 

​MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS CABRIOLET

For those wanting the perfect convertible saloon, look no further than the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet - the first open-top four-seater Mercedes since 1971. 

Its striking structure is matched by its powerful performance, with the most expensive variant achieving 0-62mph in a remarkable 3.9 seconds. 

Every aspect of the S-Class Cabriolet oozes luxury.  Its roof is one of the most insulated soft-top roofs you’ll find on a convertible car, and its class-leading technology includes automatic climate control so you can keep the top open and always feel comfortable.  ​

MINI CONVERTIBLE

For MINI enthusiasts, the only car more fun than a MINI is a convertible MINI. 

The advantages of its size means that the MINI Convertible is equally at home navigating the big city streets as it is gliding through windy countryside roads, making it great for everyday use. 

The JCW variant is the most powerful, both in its performance and its form.  Its shape is more sporty and muscular than the standard MINI convertible and it offers an impressive 211bhp, achieving 0-62mph in just 6.9 seconds. 

PORSCHE 718 BOXSTER

Porsche has a long history of making luxurious convertible cars, and the 718 Boxster certainly continues this tradition. 

With some subtle changes to the design, the new Porsche 718 Boxster has a more imposing presence on the roads.  And it’s coupled with a brand-new four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine for a more thrilling experience. 

For even more power and speed, you might opt for the new 718 Boxster S, which was also unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.  The 718 Boxster S is fitted with a larger 2.5-litre engine and can achieve 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds. 

MAZDA MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is one of the most popular and iconic convertible cars around.  It’s also more affordable, more economical and more enjoyable than many in the market, which is why it’s the world’s bestselling roadster. 

Now in its fourth generation for 2016, the all-new Mazda MX-5 looks and performs better than ever.  Its new SKYACTIV-Body makes it 100kg lighter than the previous generation. 

And whether you opt for the 1.5 or 2.0 litre engine, you’ll be hard pushed to find a convertible sports car so fuel efficient. 

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS CABRIOLET

Based on the style and shape of the Coupé C-Class, but with increased height, longer rear deck and its own unique styling the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Carbriolet is a statement convertible. 

Filled with cutting edge technology, agile performance and handling, lavish interior and efficient engines.  The C-Class convertible combines everything great about the C-Class and dials it up a notch.  Not to mention the soft-top roof that can be opened or closed at speeds of up to 31mph, so if the sun comes out or the rain you can avoid a complete stop. 

If you opt for the 2.0 litre version you'll go 0-60mph in 4.6 sec and impressive top speed of 155mph, not bad for a convertible. 

Porsche 911 Convertible

Recognised over the decades as the perfect expression of Porsche's engineering philosophies, the 911 Turbo convertible is packed with power and style to match. 

Designed with performance at the forefront, the 911 Turbo boasts a 3.8-litre twin-turbo horizontally opposed engine at the rear, Launch Control to give 0-62mph acceleration in 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph. 

The lightweight and exceptionally stable fabric hood with supporting elements made of magnesium, allows the 911 cabriolet to benefit from the same power and precision of the Turbo with the additional elegance of a convertible. 

BMW 2 Series Convertible

Praised for its demonstration of sporty freedom and elegance, the BMW 2 series convertible is a sublime choice for roof-down rides. 

Many elements add to the vehicles driving pleasure and its near-perfect axle load distribution and impressive efficiency make the 2 series convertible the sportiest in its class.  The TwinPower Turbo engines offer acceleration and performance, with the optional 8-speed Steptronic transmission allowing an especially high level of gear-changing and driving comfort. 

The BMW ConnectedDrive offers even more access to the outside world while behind the wheel.  The touch interface is easy and informative, on-street parking looks out for spaces so you don't have to and the language understanding abilities makes everyday phrases common knowledge to the voice control system. 

BMW Z4

Sleek in style, the BMW’s two-seat premium roadster, with its folding hard top, is a sophisticated and desirable convertible. 

The classic elongated roadster bonnet gives you the power to decide how to drive.  With adjustable steering, throttle and chassis settings and impressive array of safety features, you'll always feel in control when you get behind the wheel. 

Optimised to fold in or out in 22 seconds at speeds of up to 40km/h, the aluminium roof shell is a technological advancement that considers style as well as safety.  Admired for its sleek indented "v" set into the bonnet and regal design, the BMW Z4 is sure to turn heads. 

Audi TT Roadster

With sharper looks than previous models, the Audi TT Roadster is a sleek and aspiring convertible to look at and drive. 

With forward thinking innovation, that Audi are famed for, the TT roadster boasts impressive technology.  With the Quattro pertrol engine model, that’s four-wheel drive by the way, you will go from 0-62 in just 5.3 seconds

This roadster is not just about speed.  Combine a powerful German built engine with stylish Alcantara leather and you have a convertible that has speed and refined comfort. 

With an array of convertibles, motorists really are spoilt for choice when choosing a top down drive.  However, if you have a larger budget or aspire to own a luxury convertible, the Aston Martin DB11 Volante and Lamborghini Huracan are at the top of their game. 

Is there a convertible you think we've missed?  Get in touch and tell us your favourites over on Facebook or Twitter! 

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