Bridging the gap
Full convertible or peel-back roof? These fun used summer buys cover both options
MINI Cooper Convertible
Years: 2016 to date Engine: 1.5-litre 3cyl, 134bhp Ins group: 19 Official econ/co2: 57.7mpg/ 114g/km Why? MINI is the best driver’s car of our drop-top trio, and it has a ‘real’ convertible roof as well. £15,700
Prices from: THE MINI Convertible has a trick up its sleeve compared with the Fiat 500C and DS 3 Cabrio – it’s the only full convertible here. That makes it an enticing proposition if you want to drop the roof completely to really enjoy the sun.
In Cooper spec it’s also great to drive, packing the peppy, fun nature of its fixed-roof hatch stablemate into a drop-top package. It’s reasonably usable, too, thanks to its tailgatestyle bootlid; its rivals have a small chute.
The MINI hatchback placed 44th in our Driver Power 2017 ownership survey, with owners impressed by the car’s looks and ride. Practicality scored poorly, though.
Fiat 500C Twinair Lounge
Years: 2015 to date Engine: 0.9-litre 2cyl, 104bhp Ins group: 17 Official econ/co2: 67.3mpg/99g/km Why? The cheapest option here, and even after a decade on sale the 500C is still stylish. £10,000
Prices from: DESPITE a facelift in 2015, the 500C is still the oldest car in our trio – and, as such, you’ll find it’s the cheapest model on the second-hand market. It’s also the smallest, least powerful and least practical choice, but with its tiny two-cylinder engine it’s the quirkiest as well.
The unique driving experience is matched with standout, chic looks. Ever since Fiat revived the 500 a decade ago, the model has been the staple urban runabout for fashionconscious motorists. With its retractable fabric roof, the 500C is as stylish as the little Fiat gets.
The regular car ranked 45th in Driver Power 2017, scoring well for looks and infotainment.
DS 3 Cabrio Elegance Puretech
Years: 2015 to date Engine: 1.2-litre 3cyl, 129bhp Ins group: 24 Official econ/co2: 62.8mpg/105g/km Why? DS 3 is good to look at, and comes with leather upholstery and air-con as standard.
£11,990
Prices from: AS with the MINI, the DS 3 Cabrio makes use of a three-cylinder turbo. The British car’s engine is sweeter, though, and the DS isn’t quite as much fun to drive.
At least this Cabrio looks stylish and offers plenty of optional kit. As with the Fiat, it has a retractable fabric roof rather than a fully folding convertible top. Its boot is the largest here, but a tiny opening means it’s difficult to access the load area and make use of the space.
The DS 3 didn’t feature in this year’s Driver Power survey, although it placed 72nd in 2016. Owners said they liked its performance, but rated practicality low.