Come rain or shine, British buyers can’t get enough of convertibles. Despite the constant risk of inclement weather, more drop-tops are sold in the UK than in most other European countries.
The VW Eos has been one of the very best. With its clever five-piece folding roof, good looks and four-seat layout, it served up a strong blend of open-air thrills and comfort.
But there was room for improvement, and bosses have pulled the wraps off a revised version. Featuring styling tweaks and greater refinement, the new Eos has its sights set on class honours.
Better still, it gets VW’s efficiency-boosting BlueMotion kit, which will cut fuel returns and emissions. We test the newcomer in 2.0 TDI SE BlueMotion Technology guise, which will cost you £24,570.
For an extra tenner, you can have a Renault Mégane C-C in range-topping GT 2.0 dCi 160 trim. The French car has a lot to prove after its defeat by the Audi A3 soft-top.
As a result, the firm has added more standard kit and lowered prices. With its punchy 158bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, the C-C will give the Eos a stern test. So which of our two contenders will be sunning itself on top of the podium?