The vast majority of convertibles are low and share their base with a coupé or sedan. That may also be the first image that comes to mind when you think of a convertible. Yet there are also plenty of examples of cars with an open roof that are looking higher. In this edition of De Vluchtstrook, we consider these unusual convertibles.
At first glance it may seem like a strange idea: why would you want an SUV or crossover, which usually focus on practicality rather than driving pleasure, with an open roof? Still, there is something to be said for the idea, at least from a business standpoint. Cars with a high entry level have grown enormously in popularity in recent years. Especially for older people who want to enjoy the sun, the high-legged convertibles are a solution. In fact, they can thus combine two cars into one. Land Rover and Volkswagen recently responded cleverly to this, but Fiat also seems to want to enter this arena. However, they are nowhere near the first to do so.
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
In 2010, Nissan caused quite a stir at the Los Angeles International Auto Show by pulling the curtain off the Murano CrossCabriolet. This made Nissan in fact the first manufacturer to cut the roof of an SUV from its range in this decade. The Murano was originally never intended as a convertible. The rear doors disappeared, the windshield was lowered and Nissan installed a fabric hood. Remarkably, that hood has a split rear window. Under the hood of the Murano is a 3.5-liter V6 that is linked to a CVT transmission. He never became very successful, mainly because the appearance was not to the taste of many people. In 2014, therefore, the curtain fell for the striking CrossCabriolet. In the Netherlands, the open Murano was never officially delivered, but there have been a few who brought it here.
Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Two years after the Murano CrossCabriolet was first shown to the public, Land Rover came up with the Evoque Convertible Concept in 2012. In fact, there was not much ‘concept’ anymore, because after the facelift of the Evoque, the Convertible went into production in almost unchanged form in 2016. For the Evoque Convertible there was already a basis in the form of the three-door Evoque. Land Rover therefore did not have to overhaul the model to create a convertible. The Evoque Cabrio still raised some eyebrows, but the shock was not as great as the Murano. In fact, the Evoque Convertible was quite eager for an expensive niche model. In 2018, the first generation of the Evoque gave way to the completely new second generation. For the time being, there is no Convertible of this, but Land Rover has hinted that it is in the pipeline.
Chevrolet SSR
Well what is the Chevrolet SSR anyway? The Super Sport Roadster can best be described as a cross between a pick-up and a two-seater roadster. It can be seen as a modern incarnation of the Chevrolet El Camino, with the difference that the SSR has a folding hardtop. The SSR is significantly lower than, say, a Ford F-150 or Dodge Ram, but is higher on its wheels than an average passenger car. A true niche product. The appearance of the SSR is most reminiscent of old American pick-ups from the 50s with its round headlights and taillights and flared fenders. That’s not surprising, because the Chevrolet Advance Design from the 50s was an important inspiration for this. the SSR. The model did not last long: on December 31, 2003, the SSR arrived on the scene and on March 17, 2006, Chevrolet pulled the plug again. At that time more than 24,000 copies rolled off the band.
Suzuki Vitara X-90
In the mid-1990s, Suzuki came up with the Vitara X-90. That is how the model was called at least in Europe, in the rest of the world it was simply called ‘X-90’. The striking model is based on the Vitara, but only shows similarities from the front. The X-90 got two doors and a boot lid. Directly behind the front seats was a fixed rear window and the two removable roof panels made it a so-called T-top. If you were to throw a sedan, coupé, targa and SUV into a melting pot, the X-90 would most likely roll out. The striking little car did not last long. In 1995 it came on the market and in 1997 Suzuki gave up again. Fun fact: before the energy drink manufacturer Red Bull drove around with the well-known Minis, it used the X-90 as a driving billboard.
Volkswagen T-Roc Cabrio
Of this row of high-legged convertibles, the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabrio is currently the only model that is still in production. Volkswagen followed the example of Land Rover and turned the T-Roc into a four-seat convertible with three doors. Currently, the T-Roc is even the only open car that Volkswagen has in its model range. Compared to the regular T-Roc, the Cabrio grew by four centimeters in length and got a longer wheelbase. Despite the extra length, you sacrifice practicality, because the fabric hood must of course also be stored somewhere. The T-Roc Cabrio only entered the market at the beginning of last year, so it may be a bit too early to judge whether it will be a success. Given the current trend in the car industry, the basis for this seems to be there in any case.