The Independent - Top ten convertibles estate 2008

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E' arrivata l'estate

The Independent

The Ten Best Convertibles

1. Alfa Spider - £25,500

This descendant of the Duetto model that starred in The Graduate has to be driven with brio. A limited edition out now has some nice free extras; go for it inwhite with the natural leather interior. You can even opt for a diesel.

2. Bentley Azure - £222,500

The very definition of luxury, and with an engine that can trace a lineage back to Rolls-Royces of the 1950s. If you can afford one, you probably don’t need to feel the good sensations it provides.

3. Mitsubishi Colt CZC - £10,199

The cheapest newfour-seater coupéconvertible on the market. It’s got more going for it than just the price, though, with its bright interior and some perky engines. Not as pretty with the hood down, though.

4. Volkswagen Eos - £20,000

Larger than the Vauxhall Astra Twintop and Ford Focus CC, think of this as an oversized Golf convertible. It looks classy and has the right amount of room. However, the Eos is heavy; go for a bigger engine.

5. Mercedes-Benz SL - £65,080

The best thing about this future classic is its “airscarf” feature; a heater vent in the headrest, that means you won’t suffer a chilly neck. The AMG performance package offers even more wind-in-the-hair fun.

6. Porsche Boxster - £33,375

Porsche’s cheapest new car, and probably its best. Unlike the popular 911 series, the Boxster has its engine in the right place; mid-mounted, rather than hanging out the back. It’s actually pretty practical too.

7. Jaguar XK - £70,097

Lacks the technical sophistication of German rivals, but makes up for it in style. The 4.2-litre V8 sounds pretty authentic, and the exquisite lines echo theE-type. Interiors range from handfinished walnut veneer to aluminium.

8. BMW 1 Series - £22,335

It’s a few years since we’ve seen a BMW convertible as pretty as this one. BMW has stuck with a fabric hood, against the trend to folding metal, on the grounds of lightness, but it’s not especially fast.

9. Daihatsu Copen - £10,995

The Copen’s cheerful visage will bring a smile to the face of its owner, especially when they get behind the wheel of this capable roadster. It has a hard ride, though, and there’s not much room for luggage.

10. Honda S2000 - £28,050

It’s been around for a few years, but no one has yet matched its blend of excitement and dependability. Honda likes its engines to rev like its bikes do, and that’s the way to get the most out of this highly lively machine.

Modificato 27 Giugno 2008 da Salvino