Top 10 Convertibles for the Summer of 2017
Spring seems to have arrived earlier than expected, and it’s time to shop for that convertible we’ve been planning on purchasing for a long time now. Here are best convertibles on the Canadian market this year.
2018 BMW 4 Series Cabriolet
This long-time member of the German brand’s lineup, although not too long ago, it was part of the 3 Series line, the 4 Series droptop features a power-folding hard top, making it a perfect all-season convertible. Arriving right on time for summer, the 2018 model boasts revised styling, a mildly refreshed cockpit and suspension recalibrations. The 428i features a 248-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-litre four while the 440i benefits from a turbo six with 320 hp. And let’s not forget the 425-hp M4 Cabriolet.
Base price: $62,250 before freight and delivery charges (estimated)
2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible
There are tamer versions of the Camaro, but the meanest, most potent version of the iconic pony car is also available in droptop format. The ZL1 is equipped with a supercharged, 6.2-litre LT4 V8 that belts out 650 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Top speed in the convertible is close to 300 km/h, and the 0-100 km/h sprint should take about four seconds. It doesn’t come cheap, but can nonetheless be considered a bargain for its level of performance.
Base price: $75,755 before freight and delivery charges
2017 Fiat 124 Spider
The star in the Italian brand’s lineup, the 124 Spider boasts a turbocharged, 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 160 to 164 horsepower. It also features stylish bodywork, a well-trimmed cockpit and a manual top that can be raised or lowered in a matter of seconds. The Abarth version cranks up the heat with a sport suspension and a more aggressive look.
Base price: $33,495 before freight and delivery charges
2017 Mazda MX-5
This affordable little droptop is a pure sports car, with amazing handling and good fuel economy, too. The MX-5 can be had with a manually operated roof or, new this year, a power retractable roof in the form the MX-5 RF. Its 155-horsepower, 2.0-litre four provides gutsy performance as well.
Base price: $31,900 before freight and delivery charges
2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
The German brand’s popular compact car is now available in Cabriolet form, with four different engines to choose from. Output ranges from 241 horsepower in the C 300 to 503 hp in the fire-breathing AMG C 63 S. Add trick features such as the wind-cheating AIRCAP system and the AIRSCARF front-seat neck-level heating, and you’ve got a luxurious droptop that’s enjoyable in spring, summer and fall.
Base price: $57,100 before fright and delivery charges
2017 MINI Convertible
English brand MINI’s cars are a hoot to drive, and the Convertible is no exception. The Cooper variant gets a 134-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine and a choice of manual automatic transmissions. The Cooper S ups the ante with a 189-hp turbo four while the John Cooper Works Convertible sends 228 horsepower to its front wheels. The MINI’s power-folding top can be partially opened to mimic a sunroof, or lowered completely in a matter of seconds.
Base price: $28,490 before freight and delivery charges
2017 Porsche 718 Boxster
This tantalizing little roadster, with its low centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution, is one of the best-handling cars on the market. Along with its new 718 moniker, the two-seat droptop is now powered by turbocharged 2.0- and 2.5-litre four-cylinder engines, producing 300 and 350 horsepower, respectively.
Base price: $61,500 before freight and delivery charges
2017 Range Rover Evoque Convertible
How about a droptop SUV? The Evoque offers all-weather, all-terrain capability for four occupants in addition to a gutsy turbocharged, 2.0-litre engine that dishes out 250 horsepower. It also includes a power-folding top that can be operated while the vehicle is travelling at up to 48 km/h. The Evoque also features a leather-lined cockpit and plenty of modern technologies.
Base price: $65,990 before freight and delivery charges
2017 smart fortwo cabrio
The miniscule smart may not be the most practical of this topless group of cars, but it’s the most affordable convertible in Canada. In addition to its unique design and urban user-friendliness, the fortwo offers a choice of vivid paint colours and is equipped with a power-operated top. Its 0.9-litre three-cylinder engine produces 89 horsepower and can be connected to a manual or an automatic transmission, but a fully electric version of the fortwo cabrio will soon be the only choice.
Base price: $21,800 before freight and delivery charges
2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
It’s cute, it’s well equipped and it’s affordable. The Beetle Convertible features a power-folding soft top that can be raised or lowered in a matter of seconds. It’s got a 170-horsepower, turbocharged engine and a six-speed automatic, and is available in a variety of trims such as base Trendline, Classic, #PinkBeetle and Dune.
Base price: $25,390 before freight and delivery charges