Best convertible cars and cabriolets to buy 2026

Convertibles, cabriolets, roadsters, spiders, soft-tops, rag-tops and, in the case of Aston Martin, Volantes have come a long way from the wobbly, retractable-roofed machines of the not too distant past. Today, the best convertible cars offer similar levels of refinement and security to their fixed-roof counterparts – especially when fitted with a metal folding roof. 

It’s well-known that, contrary to what you’d expect given the prevailing weather conditions, British car buyers have historically loved convertibles. However, these days, when the sun does finally emerge from behind the clouds, we still jump at the chance to don some shorts and roll out the barbecue – but fewer people now use it as an excuse to bask in the joy of an open-top driving experience.

Consequently, there are now fewer convertibles on sale, with only the best of the best having survived. Our experts have driven, extensively tested and rated every convertible car on the UK market so you don’t have to. So what are the finest convertible cars to buy right now? Check out the list below. We’ve also got more advice on how to choose the best convertible for your needs at the bottom of this page.

Compare the best convertible cars and cabriolets

You can find our ratings for the top 10 convertible cars and cabriolets on the table below, along with our expert road testers' ratings for each car’s performance and driving experience. 

Scroll down or click the links to read more details about each car..

1. Mazda MX-5

11

• Prices from £28,500
• Best for affordable fun

A true automotive icon, our favourite convertible is now even better thanks to a series of updates in 2024. The Mazda MX-5 might be getting on a bit – the current ‘ND’ model came out all the way back in 2015 – but thanks to a bit more power than before, updated tech and an already-exquisite chassis, Mazda’s lightweight roadster is timeless. 

As well as typical MX-5 traits like a superbly tactile gearshift and responsive engines, the Mazda’s steering now is among the best you’ll find on a modern car, and tweaks to the suspension and limited-slip differential have made the handling more progressive too.

But the MX-5 also now has a better infotainment system, LED headlights and tail-lights across the range, and updated safety kit, so it’s not just fantastic to drive, but easier to live with. The roof is as straightforward to operate as ever, too: the convertible is the work of a manual latch and a flick over the head, while the RF opens or closes with a button, in 12 seconds at up to around 30mph. 

It’s one of the best combinations of fun and affordability on the market, so it’s only natural that we’ve crowned the Mazda MX-5 our Convertible Car of the Year in 2024 and 2025.

“For pure driving thrills on a fairly modest budget – helped by low running costs – the MX-5 is very hard to beat.” – Alex Ingram, ex-chief reviewer

Latest Mazda MX-5 deals

2. MINI Cooper Convertible

11

• Prices from £29,000
• Best for urban driving

MINIs have almost always been a hoot to drive, so throw in the latest tech, a line-up of punchy powertrains and a folding roof and it’s no surprise that the new MINI Cooper Convertible is extremely enjoyable.

Essentially a reskin of the old MINI Convertible, there’s no electric Cooper E model to be seen here. Nevertheless, the soft-top Cooper still feels zippy around town and on country roads, while MINI’s promise of ‘go-kart handling’ continues to ring true; direct and accurate steering makes the car feel almost as nimble as the admittedly much smaller sixties original from British Motor Corporation. We do miss the choice of a manual gearbox, though.

When cruising, the Cooper Convertible’s fabric roof provides almost as much refinement as the tin-top model. It’ll only open and close at speeds of up to 18mph, though, and takes 20 seconds to complete the operation. We love the MINI’s interior with its fabric dashboard (available with a dogtooth motif, if you’re so inclined) and striking OLED screen. The boot is a little more accessible than before, thanks to a split opening, but with just 160 litres on offer with the roof down, the convertible MINI is far from the ideal family workhorse.

“The MINI Cooper Convertible had us smiling almost the entire time we were driving it, quickly reminding us why we loved its closely-related predecessor so much.” – Ellis Hyde, news reporter

Latest MINI Cooper Convertible deals

3. Mercedes CLE Cabriolet

11

• Prices from £55,000
• Best for driving on a cold day

With the convertible market shrinking faster than the Government’s approval ratings, Mercedes-Benz has taken a leaf out of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) by combining two of its models – the C-Class and E-Class Cabriolets – in order to slimline production.

The result is the Mercedes CLE: a product that feels closer to the smaller C-Class, but nevertheless offers the same refinement and premium feel you’d expect of a soft-top Merc. The driving experience mainly focuses on relaxed cruising – the high-performance AMG model is a bit more raw with its sonorous six-cylinder petrol engine – with light steering and a relatively cushy ride. 

Where the CLE really impresses, however, is with its suite of technology and equipment. Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment set-up is amongst the best in the business, but it’s the firm’s ‘Airscarf’ feature that really appeals in a convertible such as this. This works by blowing warm air onto the back of your neck via a vent mounted within the front seats, thus keeping the driver and passenger warm when cruising around with the roof down on a cold day – ideal for Brits wanting to get the wind in their hair on in mid-December.

“There’s plenty to like with the Mercedes CLE Cabriolet; its well-appointed cabin and decent cruising refinement stand out.” – John McIlroy, ex-Editor-at-large

Latest Mercedes CLE Cabriolet deals

4. Porsche 911 Cabriolet

11

• Prices from £114,00
• Best for petrolheads after the best sports car

• Prices from £114,000

Buyers searching for the sharpest handling four-seat convertible should look no further than the Porsche 911 Cabriolet. It’s essentially the best sports car money can buy, but with unlimited headroom; recent updates also add more power and tech, making it more appealing (and expensive) than ever.

Entry-level models will set you back by around £114,000, and that’s before adding options, which are bountiful and pricey in equal measures. That said, there’s not much need to step up to more expensive models as even the base car is great to drive, with the PDK automatic gearbox delivering expeditious shifts and the steering bristling with feel – a rare treat nowadays.

The fabric roof will fold down in 13 seconds at speeds of up to 35mph, making it one of the most effective solutions out there. If you’re not a fan of the soft-top’s awkward looks, though, Porsche also offers the 911 in Targa form, which includes a domed glass rear section and smaller folding fabric roof, bridging the gap between the soft and hard-topped models.

“The drop-top version of the 911 is still a genuine sports car, with driving dynamics that almost match its coupé sibling. But there is a hefty premium to pay.” – Alastair Crooks, senior news reporter

Latest Porsche 911 deals

5. Fiat 500e Convertible

11

• Prices from £31,000
• Best for efficient open-air motoring

Over the years, the Fiat 500 has evolved into a fully-electric city car, but it still retains plenty of the original model’s retro charm. It’s far from old-school when it comes to tech, though, as it features level 2 autonomous driving – this means it can automatically adjust acceleration and braking while staying in the correct lane.

There’s plenty of standard on-board kit, too, while opting for the 500e Convertible adds a full-length retractable canvas roof into the mix. Unlike several others here, this is more like a long, fabric sunroof, fitting between the body sides. Despite this, it takes its sweet time to retract: around 25 seconds, though it’ll happily do so at up to 60mph.

While the little, all-electric Fiat, with its zippy and near-silent drivetrain, is at its best on city streets, it will also take on longer motorway journeys without feeling too out of its depth. Fiat says the 500e Convertible can cover up to 199 miles when fully charged, while a 10 to 80 per cent top-up takes around 30 minutes from most DC rapid chargers. A high-performance Abarth 500e Convertible complete with augmented engine sounds is also available if you’re happy to sacrifice a bit of range for more power and fun. 

"The Fiat 500e is a car that’s very clearly been designed with the city in mind, and that’s without doubt where it does its best work." - Alex Ingram, ex-chief reviewer

Latest Fiat 500e Convertible deals

6. BMW 4 Series Convertible

11

• Prices from £55,000
• Best for those wanting a sensible, yet fun convertible

Many of us weren’t convinced by the BMW 4 Series’ beaver-toothed front end when it first launched, but it’s hard to deny how great it is to drive – and the 4 Series convertible model only adds to the thrills, despite its extra weight.

The base BMW 420i Convertible with its turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol powerplant has sufficient thrust for most, but the M440i and full-fat M4 Convertible are also available for hardcore petrolheads and thrillseekers. That said, every model boasts superbly-weighted steering – even if the wheel itself is a bit chunky for our liking – and a balanced chassis that makes the 4 Series feel like a true sports car on a winding B-road, despite its saloon car origins.

As you’d expect from a BMW, the 4 Series’ cabin feels well screwed together, while the infotainment system provides snappy responses and vivid graphics. The folding roof, which is available in both black and grey, isolates road noise commendably and takes 18 seconds to retract at speeds of up to 31mph.

“While the open-top BMW 4 Series Convertible can’t quite match its Coupé sibling’s driving dynamics, it’s still a deeply appealing prospect that’s more involving than pretty much any other four-seat convertible at this price.” – Alex Ingram, ex-chief reviewer

Latest BMW 4 Series Convertible deals

7. Ford Mustang Convertible

11

• Prices from £61,000
• Best for sense of occasion

It’s honestly a miracle that the Ford Mustang is sold here in the UK, but it’s definitely something that we recommend making the most of as if you’re willing to put up with the thirsty powertrain and scornful looks from climate campaigners.

The Mustang is a muscle car through-and-through with its 473bhp 5.0-litre motor offering an almost indulgent burble from its quad exhaust pipes and riotous performance. Yet unlike old American pony cars which were quick in a straight line but dreadful on a twisty road, the latest Mustang handles just as well as many sports cars. The rear end can be playful when the traction control is reduced and the manual gearbox is a joy; avoid the automatic at all costs as this is incredibly clunky.

Opting for the convertible is ‘only’ £3,500 more than the hard-top and gives you a front row seat in order to enjoy that raspy V8 soundtrack. Refinement isn’t all that great at motorway speeds, though, meaning you might have to shout over the wind noise and engine rumble. Boot space stays the same at a reasonable 310 litres whether the roof is up or down, although the opening can make it awkward to slot in larger items such as suitcases for a weekend trip.

“It’s always a tough task to reimagine an icon, but the Ford Mustang Mk7 does exactly that. The latest model is sharper, more menacing and more angular than the Mk6 generation, but it’s still instantly recognisable as a Mustang.” – Alex Ingram, ex-chief reviewer

Latest Ford Mustang deals

8. McLaren Artura Spider

11

• Prices from £221,500
• Best for sheer speed and thrills

Convertibles can be a bit wobbly sometimes. Like taking one of the panels out of a previously sturdy cardboard box, removing the roof from a car can reduce its structural stiffness. There are exceptions, however, and the McLaren Artura is one of them, since its ultra-rigid carbon tub doesn’t really need a roof to keep its strength, and it makes the Artura Spider one of the least-compromised convertibles around.

The Artura was already desirable, thanks to those supercar looks and the 3.0-litre hybrid-assisted V6, but it’s arguably even better when roofless. The roof itself is a hard-top which opens or closes in only 11 seconds. When it’s closed, you effectively have a proper coupé, and when open, you get a better earful of that V6’s exhaust note.

Like all McLarens, there’s fabulous visibility, the driving position is spot on, and yes, it’s incredible to drive, with huge performance and rich feedback through the steering. Who really needs a roof?

“The McLaren Artura Spider is a more desirable hybrid supercar than the coupé, and a major improvement all-round due to a collection of changes across the board.” – Jordan Katsianis, senior staff writer

Latest McLaren deals

9. Ferrari 296 GTS

11

• Prices from £280,000
• Best for those wanting the ultimate convertible

If money’s no object and you want nothing but the most thrilling wind-in-your-hair driving experience, then the Ferrari 296 GTS is the drop-top supercar we’d recommend.

Ferrari could have blundered by dropping the V8 from its mid-engined roadster, but we need not have worried. The 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 in the 296 GTS is even more sonorous than the engines it replaced; build the revs past 6,000rpm and the so-called “piccolo V12” sings with a riveting shrill that truly earns it its nickname.

It’s part of a 819bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain, with every ounce of power being sent to the rear wheels, and 0-62mph dispatched in a mere 2.9 seconds (less than a quarter of the 14 seconds needed to stow or raise the hard-top roof). The 296 GTS delivers all the theatre and thrills of a true Ferrari, with the added bonus of a 16-mile electric range for when you’re pottering around quiet Italian towns.

“In terms of speed, sophistication and refinement, the 296 Spider remains an incredible piece of engineering.” – Alex Ingram, ex-chief reviewer

Latest Ferrari deals

10. MG Cyberster

11

• Prices from £55,000
• Best for zero-emissions grand touring

It may be flawed in several areas, but the MG Cyberster is nevertheless a snapshot of where the convertible is heading, as well as an appreciative nod to MG’s heritage, despite the contemporary Chinese brand having almost nothing in common with its British lineage.

In our opinion, the MG Cyberster is generally a very beautiful car, with soft sweeping lines and curves that are reminiscent of class MGs of the past; the rear end might not be to all tastes, though, with its Union Jack tail-lights. Perhaps more controversial are the scissor doors, which will be viewed as cool and exciting by some and ostentatious by others – we’ll let you be the judge.

Out on the road, the MG offers blistering performance and decent comfort, although it’s not quite as exciting to drive as that jet fighter-esque steering wheel might suggest. The interior feels suitably plush for a car starting from over £55,000, although we find the barrage of screens surrounding the driver clunky to use on the move. The main touchscreen tends to randomly beep a lot, too, which sadly cannot be drowned out by the sound of an engine given the Cyberster’s electric architecture.

“The spirit of MG's classic sports cars is difficult to emulate when you add electrification to the mix, so MG has steered the Cyberster away from being an MGB copy and placed a focus on grand touring.” – Dean Gibson, senior test editor.

Latest MG Cyberster deals

How we choose the best convertibles

Our road test team has driven every convertible car on the UK market over thousands of combined miles. Even though the choice isn’t as large as it once was, open-topped cars still come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and types, designed to suit a range of different buyer requirements. 

Here are some key things that we look for in a great convertible car…

• A driving experience that isn’t compromised by the removable roof
• Cabin and boot space with the roof up and down
• Noise levels in the cabin with the roof up and down
• Speed and ease of use of the roof mechanism

Convertibles are statement cars at heart so we always look for an element of style in the design and some fun in the driving experience – more so than with other car types. The lack of the extra bracing that comes from a fixed roof can affect the ride quality and agility of a convertible car, but the best ones manage to side-step this with clever engineering, offering good levels of composure even on bumpy B-roads.

When it comes to practicality, the need to stow a roof arrangement in the car can limit interior and boot space. Lots of convertibles have rear seats, but many only have space for small children in the back. When taking your test drive make sure that any back seats are roomy enough, if you plan to use them, and that you can fit what you need to in the boot – even when the roof is down.

We also test the cars with the roof up and roof down to assess the refinement in the closed cabin and the level of buffeting from the wind when the roof is retracted. Cars that deliver well in these areas and those above put themselves ahead of the convertible pack.

Britain’s love of convertibles

Are British buyers mad for buying as many convertibles as they have traditionally done? Not necessarily. You might expect our mainland European cousins to have the right weather for roof-down driving, but it can be a recipe for sweltering sticky car seats and sunburn. Although it rains more in the UK, milder temperatures and balmy summers give us pretty much a perfect climate for dropping the top. Even the UK’s generally mild spring and autumn can offer delightful opportunities for driving roofless, when it can be a genuinely exhilarating experience to waft along accompanied by the twitter of birdsong and the risk of an occasional cloudburst. Winter isn’t out of the question, either; most convertibles have powerful heaters and good draught protection, making the cabin a bubble of warm air.

 We Brits have always been outdoorsy in our transport choices, and at the dawn of motoring it was simply natural to continue where horses and open carriages left off. Early Rolls-Royce and Bentley models were typically open to the elements with phaeton and landaulette bodies from coachbuilders of old.

It wasn’t just the exotics either. Throughout the twentieth century marques such as MG, Austin-Healey and Triumph made hay out of the British love affair with open sports cars, when light weight and agility were key to the best performance.

Nowadays, even the best convertibles tend to be considered less sporting than their coupé brethren by purist drivers, largely because a unibody with a roof is typically more rigid than a roadster. That means better suspension control, and ultimately faster cornering potential – although some brands like McLaren, with their super-rigid carbon fibre body tubs, would beg to differ.

Which convertible should you choose?

McLaren and fellow supercar makers like Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini sit at the top of the convertible tree, but there are a multitude of options available to open-air enthusiasts at all budget levels.

At the other end of the scale there’s a vast range of convertible models based on superminis, hatchbacks, coupes and saloons. Thanks to the demand for SUV and crossover models, you can even get a convertible version of the Volkswagen T-Roc cabriolet – proving that demand for convertibles isn’t confined to drivers with sporting aspirations.

That’s not to say sporty drivers aren’t well served with convertible options, of course. There’s a vast array of fabulous open-topped sports cars available, from the BMW M4 to the Maserati GranCabrio. And how could we forget the near iconic Mazda MX-5, the Caterham 7, or the Morgan Supersport?

Our round-up of the best convertibles isn’t a true top ten list, because the sheer diversity on offer means not all of these cars can be fairly compared. Instead it’s our pick of the cars that will give you the wind-in-the-hair thrills of open-top motoring, while still delivering everyday usability that means they’re no hardship to run. And who knows? Some of these cars are so effective at keeping the cabin warm on a cold day that you could consider lowering the roof when it’s cold outside.

Best convertible car deals

Mazda Mx-5

New in-stock Mazda Mx-5Cash £26,066Avg. savings £2,798

New Mazda Mx-5

Configure now

Porsche Boxster

New in-stock Porsche Boxster

New Porsche Boxster

Configure now

Our dealer network has 1,000s of great value new cars in stock and available now right across the UK. Find your new car…