Affordable in the sun: these are the 10 cheapest convertibles!

In ten steps from 27 to almost 61 mille and from a Smart to a BMW 4 series? It’s all possible in the country of the cheapest new convertibles.

Those who like open driving have a hard time in car land. A declining profit margin and an apparent diminishing interest lead many manufacturers to drastically reduce their convertible range or even completely abandon the open car. In the lower segments in particular, the development and production of an open car with a complex, heavy roof construction is becoming increasingly difficult. Convertible versions based on everyday B and C segmenters, such as the Peugeot 207 and the Opel Astra Twintop that once were, are no longer at all. Convertible drivers now almost by definition end up with the so-called premium brands, at least for an open four-seater.

Before we start with the list of the ten most advantageous convertibles, we have to define the term “convertible”. Let’s say that with a convertible, the entire canopy above the occupants can be removed, including the roof arches and the rear window. Due to that definition, the Fiat 500C unfortunately falls off. Strictly speaking, the open 500 is still not a real convertible, but of course for less than 20 mille a very nice open offer that should not be left unmentioned.

Doubt case

The Smart Fortwo Cabrio is also a bit of a doubt. The rear window pillars remain just like a small part of the glass, but still open more than with the Fiat. The main difference is that the roof arches can be removed here, effectively creating a convertible with a roll bar. For € 26,995, the recently renewed Smart is also fully electric and therefore a unique offer in the automotive world.

In the second place we find the first traditional convertible, so with a fabric hood that (electric, moreover) disappears completely behind the back seat. The Mini Convertible is also a nice appearance in its simplest form. It is also fun to drive, and with space for four and a modest petrol engine in the front, this is a very useful car. The Mazda MX-5 should of course not be missing. The world-famous roadster now finishes in third place, but we have to say that it is about prices of 2019. The car is currently being passed through the WLTP mill, the importer informs them when asked. The prices for this year are therefore not yet known, but in the top 10 the car will of course remain present anyway.

Place four is for an interesting newcomer: the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabrio. Volkswagen used to be a fixture in convertible land thanks to the Golf Cabriolet, but now it is up to the compact SUV to fulfill that role. The open long-legged is a special appearance, but with € 36,600 it is certainly not extremely expensive.

Huge jump

After the T-Roc, the list makes a huge leap, because the price gap with the BMW 2 Series Convertible is more than 10 mille. From spot 5, the top 10 is entirely in the hands of BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi, so that the term “affordable” should be consumed with a good scoop of salt from there. The BMW’s 2-series convertible and Z4 prove to be the most advantageous of this playing field, although it does help that the Mercedes-Benz SLC and Audi A3 Convertible have recently disappeared from the scene. That is why the party in Audi and Mercedes circles only starts from the segment of the A5 and C class. The Mercedes-Benz convertible range deserves a big compliment, because with open versions of the C, E and S class and an open AMG GT, the brand is the master here. Especially if the Smart is included, which, of course, strictly belongs under the banner of Das Haus.

Although the number 11 in a top 10 actually has nothing to look for, we still call him today. For € 62,250, the Morgan 3 Wheeler not only offers the most open driving experience of this list, but it is also by far the most exotic appearance. Totally not suitable as a daily transport, but for just a little more than the simplest open 4-series you really have something special.