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Motoring journalist and author Paul Guinness has been testing sports cars for more than 20 years for leading British newspapers and magazines. Here he picks the five best open top roadsters
Click to view Top 5 Open Top Sports Cars.
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Best for Four (Mini Convertible) |
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 There are lots of four-seater convertibles around, such as the Peugeot 307 CC and Nissan Micra Coupe Cabriolet, but with the best will in the world, they can’t be described as sports cars. No way. But the Mini Convertible is different. |
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Built in Britain by BMW, this is a proper convertible (with a fabric roof – just how things used to be) and is an absolute hoot to drive. Its maker reckons that with "…stable suspension, a low ground clearance and the go-kart feeling you’d expect from a Mini, you’re guaranteed as much fun as you can have on four wheels".
And while that may be something of an exaggeration, there’s no doubt this is a genuine driver’s car and deserves to be included here for the terrific all-round driving experience that’s on offer.
It’s not perfect, of course. The standard Mini isn’t a particularly commodious vehicle, for example, and its convertible offshoot is even less generous when it comes to rear-seat accommodation. But at least it is a four-seater (just), which means it’s a pretty practical choice when it comes to everyday transport.
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Absolute Hoot |
 But there’s far more to the Mini Convertible than practicality, of course. Whether you choose the One (£13,595), the Cooper (£14,925) or the Cooper S version (at £17,960), any Mini Convertible is guaranteed to entertain. Power outputs are 112, 120 and 138bhp respectively, with the inevitable differences in performance you’d expect. But even the entry-level Mini One is a lively machine and – on the right kind of winding A-road, hood down, grippy handling and roadholding at your disposal – is an absolute hoot to drive.
A brand new Mini was announced towards the end of 2006, stylistically similar to its predecessor but slightly bigger, more spacious and more refined. It goes on sale in early ’07, but the ragtop version will be some way behind. Until its arrival, however, the existing Mini Convertible will remain available – and still makes a superb choice.
The Mini Convertible isn’t the cheapest soft-top sportster out there, but it is the best-buy four-seater by a mile. No wonder it became the best-selling convertible in Britain within a few months of its launch. And with class-leading depreciation in its favour, it even makes a great long-term proposition. Ignore it at your peril. |
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TYPICAL PRICE - £13,595-£17,960/$21,950-$25,000
For currency converter click here |
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