Top Gear’s guide to: Convertibles

Like the open air? Don’t wear a loose wig? Then a convertible or roadster just might be for you

What you need to know

Roadster

A Roadster was designed from the outset as a convertible, rather than re-designed

Targa

A ‘targa top’ consists of list out roof panels, not the convertible action

CC roof

The coupe convertible (CC) has a folding metal roof, not fabric. Safer, but heavier

Move along

Many convertibles can now raise/lower roofs while moving. It’s very hand in real life

Fat factor

A convertible usually has extra stiffening over a coupe, so tends to be heavier

Boot space

Beware roofs that eat into boot space when stowed – you can lose your entire luggage allowance

9/10

McLaren

650S Spider

£215,275

Drives every bit as crisply as the Coupe, but with added volume and drama

9/10

Porsche

911 Cabriolet

£81,852 – £156,381

The soft-top 911 is just as brilliant as the coupe, just a pity about those new turbocharged engines.

9/10

Mazda

MX-5

£18,735 – £25,225

A complete sweetie of a roadster, this is the best the MX-5 has been perhaps ever.

9/10

Audi

R8 Spyder

£119,085 – £147,765

One of the most joyous cars on sale gains extra character without a roof. Lovely.

8/10

Morgan

Aero Supersports

£126,900

Rationally looked at it’s ridiculous, but that’s what makes it so brilliant.

8/10

Volkswagen

Golf Cabriolet

£17,570 – £34,340

After a classy cabrio but don't have Audi-like cash? Try this. GTI expensive but worth it; R perhaps not

8/10

Audi

TT Roadster

£28,595 – £51,595

The clever and talented TT Roadster now drives almost as good as it looks.

8/10

Ferrari

California T

£154,305

Much-improved (and very fast), it now deserves the badge on its nose.

8/10

Porsche

718 Boxster

£41,739 – £50,695

Character has suffered, but the rest of the 718 Boxster package is spot on.

8/10

BMW

4 Series Convertible

£40,340 – £52,110

The default four-seat cabrio. Excellent engines and quality, impressive metal roof too.

8/10

Mercedes-Benz

E-Class Cabriolet

£45,295 – £69,585

Mercedes almost undermines its own flagship with new E-Class Cabrio. Close one

8/10

Jaguar

F-Type Convertible

£55,810 – £116,195

The F-Type is an exceptional sports car: sharp, invigorating and charismatic

8/10

Fiat

124 Spider

£23,095 – £26,645

Spoilt for choice between this and an MX-5? You can't actually go wrong. Choose on looks and engine character

8/10

Mercedes-Benz

C-Class Cabriolet

£36,690 – £80,896

Mercedes nails it. The C-Class cabrio is pleasant to drive but majors on open-top relaxation

7/10

Aston Martin

Vantage Roadster

n/a

It's getting on a bit, but continual upgrades by Aston mean the Vantage is still lovely to drive. Not as honed as a 911, but that's part of the appeal.

7/10

Bentley

Continental GTC

n/a

Top class. The GT in the Conti's name is there for a reason.

7/10

Audi

It’s a seductive car, the new A5 Cabriolet, and while more dynamically accomplished than its predecessor, still more of a grand touring boulevardier rather than a B-road hustler. But what an ownership proposition.