Best roadsters
Feel the wind in your hair and wear a smile on your face with these great-handling, stylish and quick drop-top sports cars
The true athletes of this field – these lightweight two-seater sports cars will sink or swim based purely on their handling prowess. Not only do the best roadsters have to be instantly engaging to drive, they also need striking, head-turning looks and a charismatic soundtrack to rise to the top.
1st Gold
Price range: £17,990-£23,590
The secret behind this car’s phenomenal sales success is its simplicity. While rivals have become over-complicated or expensive and faded out of the picture, the Mazda MX-5 is stronger than ever, and it’s no surprise to find the current model shares its main ingredients with the 1989 original. Over the years, Mazda has managed to hone its winning formula, with a small, naturally aspirated, high-revving petrol engine driving the rear wheels through a slick six-speed manual gearbox. Later versions introduced more complicated technology such as a neat folding hard-top and a PowerShift automatic transmission, but the MX-5 is still best enjoyed in its most basic form.
The MkIII is no poor relation, though – it’s the most comfortable, refined and reliable version yet, demanding few compromises from its owner. Timeless styling and temptingly low prices make it easy to see why this is the world’s best-selling roadster. The MX-5 isn’t a particularly quick car, even with the 2.0-litre engine, but this only proves that a brilliantly balanced chassis is all you need for driving enjoyment.
One short B-road blast is enough for the Mazda to work its magic: the superbly weighted controls and open roof put you at the heart of the action. Although it’s nearly six years old now, it easily secures the top spot.
2nd Silver
Price range: £37,589-£45,384
For affordable thrills, there are no serious rivals to the record-breaking MX-5 – but if your budget can stretch a little further, then the Boxster is impossible to ignore. It takes a commendable second place on our podium thanks to its evocative flat-six engine, luxuriously trimmed cabin and enduring badge appeal. It’s also a genuine sprinter – the 310bhp S version covers 0-60mph in only 5.3 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 170mph.
The Boxster is the only mid-engined car on the podium, and despite its hefty power output, the handling remains nimble and progressive. Adaptive dampers, quick steering and a limited-slip differential at the back mean it’s at home on the track, too, as proven by the lightweight and uncompromising Spyder version released in 2011. The all-new Boxster should be more economical, but this model is still at the top of its game.
3rd Bronze
Price range: £25,320-£49,165
Another ageing competitor that’s still going strong, the TT is easily the most flexible drop-top in the class. There’s a huge range of petrol and diesel engines on offer: buyers can choose from models as varied as the efficient 2.0-litre TDI or blisteringly quick TT-RS. The optional quattro four-wheel-drive system means this is one car that could compete in winter events as well.
The crisp, modern styling has lost none of its appeal, but despite the neat profile, a 250-litre boot makes the TT a surprisingly practical alternative to folding hard-tops like the Z4. Sportier S line versions are firmly sprung, but the excellent driving position and direct controls mean the TT is a capable companion on demanding country roads.
Runner up
Price range: £29,480-£45,330
It was nip-and-tuck for third place – but despite some fabulous engines and eye-catching looks, the Z4 falls just short of the medals. The latest model is better built and more comfortable than its predecessor – but the softer ride and added weight of the metal roof have blunted its dynamic prowess. The Z4 is still one of the best-looking cars in the roadster class, and the low-slung driving position and long bonnet push all the right sports car buttons, but it lacks the composure of the TT at speed. The pick of the range is the new turbocharged 242bhp sDrive28i version.It’s no slouch, but is still capable of over 40mpg.
Runner up
Price: £198,906
Four times the price of the other contenders, the 458 Spider is too rarefied to finish higher in this group. However, that shouldn’t detract from its astonishing abilities. Taking the roof off our current Performance Car of the Year has made it more desirable than ever without hurting performance. There’s no better way to enjoy the addictive howl of the 562bhp V8 engine, and raising and lowering the roof is a fuss-free affair, too.
False start
Renault Wind
Price range: £12,995-£14,795
The ill-fated Renault Wind has only been on sale for 18 months, but it’s already on the chopping block. It will soon be dropped from Renault’s UK line-up due to poor sales performance. Despite a clever folding roof and quirky good looks, it’s let down by shoddy build quality, poor visibility, weak engines and slack controls.
