Top five convertibles for £20k
- Our pick of five affordable convertibles for summer
- All cars are sub-£20k and achieve more than 30mpg
- Focus on driving enjoyment as well as style
Written by Parkers
Published: 13 April 2011
Updated: 1 February 2017
With summer just around the corner and a faint glimmer of sunshine on show, it might be time you were looking at a convertible to make the most of the improving weather.
Here, we've picked out five affordable drop-tops that major on style and driving enjoyment.
There's a mix of engaging drop tops like the Mazda MX-5 to the frugal but entertaining MINI Cooper Convertible model.
Mazda MX-5 2.0i SE
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Why buy?
Regarded as one of the most interesting and engaging convertibles available, the MX-5 continues to impress. Roof-down motoring doesn't come much more rewarding or reliable. In production since 1989, it has been through a number of different iterations and refreshes, but this current model is the most refined version yet.
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VITAL STATISTICS
Price: £18,770
0-62mph: 7.6 seconds
Top speed: 132mph
MPG: 37.2
Type of roof: power-operated cloth top
Speed of roof operation: 12 seconds
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MINI Cooper D convertible
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Why buy?
Retro styling and a funky image mean sales of MINI's convertible have been extremely strong. The famed go-kart handling means the Cooper is excellent fun through bends, while the modern interior has wide-ranging appeal for its mix of style and practicality.
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VITAL STATISTICS
Price: £18,310
0-62mph: 10.3 seconds
Top speed: 121mph
MPG: 70.6
Type of roof: power-operated cloth roof
Speed of roof operation: 15 seconds
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Renault Wind GT Line 1.6 VVT
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Why buy?
Based on the Twingo, the Wind is Renault's attempt at a true roadster. Developed by the French brand's motorsport wing, Renaultsport, means it's fun through the twisty stuff and much more engaging than the majority of the regular Renault line-up. It also has the joint-fastest roof out of the five cars here.
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VITAL STATISTICS
Price: £17,010
0-62mph: 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 125mph
MPG: 40.9
Type of roof: power-operated folding hardtop
Speed of roof operation: 12 seconds
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Abarth 500C
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Why buy?
Fiat's performance brand, Abarth, has taken a 500C and spiced things up a bit. The excellent 1.4-litre engine and upgraded chassis means you will have a lot of fun in this car, while the styling has an air of Italian chic about it.
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VITAL STATISTICS
Price: £17,868
0-62mph: 8.1 seconds
Top speed: 128mph
MPG: 43.5
Type of roof: power-operated cloth roof
Speed of roof operation: 16 seconds to open, 17 seconds to close.
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Peugeot 207CC GT THP156
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Why buy?
The 207CC is a stylish and well-equipped car that thanks to its folding hardtop is as usable in the depths of winter as it is on a summer's day. Peugeot's build quality has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, so if you're looking for a well-made and stylish convertible you won't go far wrong with the 207CC.
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VITAL STATISTICS
Price: 19,095
0-62mph: 8.6 seconds
Top speed: 130mph
MPG: 38.2
Type of roof: power-operated folding hardtop
Speed of roof operation: 25 seconds
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