MAZDA MX-5 RF

This stylish hard-top convertible from Mazda offers the best of both worlds. We’re an optimistic bunch in the UK – we buy more convertibles than anywhere else in Europe – and the MX-5 RF is a practical option whatever the weather. With its hard-top roof in place, it resembles a smart coupe but when the sun makes a sudden appearance, it folds away – in just 13 seconds – to become a glamorous open-top sports car.

The compact interior is stylish, well built and minimal with chrome trim and an easy-to-operate touchscreen infotainment system that connects to your smartphone. There’s a choice of two petrol engines and an automatic or manual gearbox. With the roof up, things are quiet and comfortable and while it gets noisier when it’s down, you’ll be too busy enjoying the sun in your face to let it bother you.

As you’d expect from a compact car like this, storage isn’t a strong point but what it lacks in practicality it makes up for in playfulness. Sales of convertibles have soared among women over 50 in recent years and the MX-5 RF is the perfect car to take for a spin on favourite country roads. From £22,295