What you need to know about choosing a convertible

With the warmer weather finally on its way, the lure of top-down motoring has prospective convertible buyers on the hunt. But with 22 manufacturers offering multiple drop-top models – and with prices ranging from affordable to ‘say what?’ – we thought there was no better time to take a look at the ups and downs of convertible ownership.

The lure of top-down motoring is strong in Australia, but there’s more to choosing a convertible than you may think.

Will it be a cabriolet, a convertible or a roadster? Perhaps you’d like a good old-fashioned manually-operated soft-top, or maybe an electrically-operated hard-top is more your scene. Then there’s the all-important question of whether my ’do will survive the backdraft.

In helping you make an informed decision, we’ll tackle those questions and many more.

Cabriolet, convertible, roadster, targa top... The names manufacturers bandy around may seem confusing. There’s a lot of crossover in naming conventions; but essentially convertible models are divided into four groups – each with their pros and cons.

First comes the soft-top (pictured above). A model fitted with a fabric roof that may be manually or electrically operated. Its lighter construction is synonymous with greater dynamism making it more fun to drive.

However, soft-top models are typically more susceptible to break-ins, UV damage and staining. They can also shrink or even tear over time, and may need a specific washing regime to maintain their look. Insulation and cabin noise is inferior to its hard-top rivals, and occupants of soft-top models are also more vulnerable in the event of a roll-over accident.

The next most common convertible type is the hard-top. Usually constructed of metal and electrically-actuated, hard-top models tend to be safer in the event of a roll-over accident, offer better protection against wind and water leaks, and are generally more secure when locked. On the downside, the myriad moving parts can lead to higher maintenance costs in later life, while the size of the roof limits cargo volume once stowed.

Open convertibles (pictured above) – those with no roof at all – are probably the least common on Australian roads, typically reserved for true enthusiasts. These are models that offer no roof whatsoever, the only form of weather protection or security coming from a canvas tonneau cover used when the vehicle is parked. The downsides here are pretty obvious, and are much the same as those listed for the soft-top. But on the plus side, open convertibles are a lot of fun, and usually boast more radical styling.

The final convertible type is the targa top (pictured above). This style of open-air motoring uses one or two removable panels in place of a folding roof, which are constructed either of cloth, metal or composite material.

The plus sides here are that when the roof is off there is no folding mechanism, meaning cargo and occupant space tends not to suffer. However, those panels have to go somewhere, and if you’re out and about, the panels will consume luggage space, and may need to be wrapped to prevent damage when moving around in the boot.

Audi refers to its four-seat drop-top A3 as a Cabriolet, while BMW and Holden use the term Convertible for their four-seat models. Mazda and Mercedes-Benz each adopt the term Roadster, which generally speaking means an open-top model with only two seats.

Originally the variance between Cabriolets and Convertibles was more easily defined, the terms differentiating the split between fixed side-window frames and roof pillars and an open body style. Nowadays the lines are blurred, so from here on in we’ll stick with the term ‘Convertible’.

Convertibles are free and easy by nature, and are also thought of as ‘free for the taking’ and ‘easy to steal from’. Security is chief among the reasons for selecting a convertible with a folding hard-top roof. It takes a more determined crook to force entry through steel or composite material than it does the fabric of a soft-top; though these days, manufacturers have taken steps to make both a considerable challenge.

Leaving the roof open while parked is also an issue. Some convertibles offer lockable compartments in which to place your valuables, though we always recommend taking your phone, purse or wallet with you when leaving your vehicle unattended.

Naturally there are other shortcomings associated with convertibles. They can be noisy, for instance, with wind rustle present even with the roof in place. Again, manufacturers have taken steps to alleviate this nuisance, aerodynamic design reducing the amount of air-strike on the folding surface and insulated materials within the roof all but eliminating the sound of wind and rain.

But with the roof down there will always be an amount of air in the cabin. After all, that’s the whole idea! Wind deflectors are common in many models, with some even offering electric heaters in the seats and headrests to eradicate the effects of drafts.

Safety is another consideration when buying a convertible, though this too is addressed rather well in modern convertibles. Strengthened A pillars support the windscreen, while fixed or even pyrotechnic rear roll-over bars. As is the case with any car, it’s also a sound idea to check its ANCAP safety rating prior to purchase.

Don't try to sell a convertible in the middle of winter… just don't. Convertible purchasing is a seasonal prospect. In short, the warmer months are a good time to sell while the cooler months are a great time to buy.

Drop-top models tend to hold their value well, too. The models on test all hold around two-thirds of their new-car value after three years, with soft-top variants faring especially well.

According to RedBook, the Audi A3 Cabriolet will hold 69 per cent of its value come trade-in time, sitting ahead of the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class and Mazda MX-5 (67 per cent), BMW 4 Series (64 per cent) and Holden Cascada (59 per cent).

Comfort is paramount when you’re exposed to the elements; and even on a warm summer’s evening, you’ll be thankful for the inclusion of seat heaters. Of the models on test, we find all have seat heaters available in the range, with the Holden Cascada offering both heated seats and a heated steering wheel as standard fit.

Adding to the cosy feel are Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz’s optional heated neck warmer, a device set between the seat top and the headrest that blows out warm air to eradicate drafts.

All of the models on test include the expected mod cons and infotainment systems that include Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming – some even equip their convertible variants with speakers in the headrest so you can better enjoy your tunes.

But perhaps the biggest topless tech item is the folding roof itself, with only one of the vehicles on test – the fabric-topped Mazda MX-5 – being a do-it-yourself proposition.

For the Holden Cascada, again with a fabric top, we find electric actuation at the push of a button. No latches or locks here! The Cascada’s fully-automated roof can operate at speeds up to 50km/h.

Like the Cascada, the Audi A3 Cabriolet also offers an automated fabric roof operable at speeds up to 50km/h.

Of our pair of hard-top convertibles it’s the Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class that nudges the lead, opening at the push of a button at speeds up to 40km/h.

And in last place, the larger, more complicated roof of the BMW 4 Series deploys at speeds below 18km/h.

Whether hard-top or soft-top, all modern convertibles are designed to withstand the worst that the weather can throw at them.

Soft-tops like that on the Cascada have even been designed to be carwash proof with insulation that is claimed to be superior to a retractable hard-top. Modern fabric roofs are also expected to stand up to UV punishment and are resistant to fading.

Style-wise, you’re going to get quite a different look depending on the type of roof and also the body style of the car you choose. The Mazda MX-5 has classic low-slung two-door styling with a soft-top that maintains its classic lines.

The Mercedes-Benz also manages to maintain its roadster styling with roof up or down – it’s a retractable hard-top with style, maintaining an attractive profile.

In this instance, four-seat convertibles are represented by the Audi A3 Cabriolet, BMW 4 Series and Holden Cascada – but there are many more to choose from. Depending on who and how often you’ll have passengers occupying the second row, consider head and legroom, and more importantly, the ease of entry and exit; do the seats flip and slide forward easily – will your kids for example, be able to do it unassisted.

If you’re considering a convertible as your everyday car, a family car even, the ultimate test is a weekend away – can you load your family and your gear, with the roof occupying precious cargo space?

For example, the Cascada’s boot capacity shrinks by 100-litres (down to 280) with its top down, leaving you with compromised proportions, too. Will you ever carry a suitcase again?

Your commitment to top-down motoring may well be determined by the coin you outlay – a seasonal dalliance versus a long-term investment, perhaps. Either way, there’s something to suit most budgets and lifestyles.

Priced from $31,990, the MX-5 is our cheapest example of drop-top motoring – it’s a whole lot of fun to drive, too. Other, cheaper options include Fiat’s 500C – a cabriolet by way of, essentially, a massive sunroof – delivering open top motoring from just $22,000.

And so with more coin, comes the more sophisticated wind-in-the-hair offerings, like the as-tested Mercedes-Benz SLC, priced from $87,200. Or may be a Lamborghini Aventador, at around $870,000 is on the cards…

Finally, talk to convertible owners to get the inside running on getting the most out of your purchase. Experience counts.

2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet

2016 BMW 4 Series Convertible

2016 Holden Cascada

2016 Mazda MX-5

2016 Mercedes-Benz SLC-Class