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Who says you
can’t combine thrill-seeking with practicality? Or luxury with
affordability? Over recent years, small convertibles have increased
in popularity, offering a functional and usable element to sports
cars, making them an everyday enjoyment.
Perhaps kicking off this trend was the
Mazda MX-5, a small convertible which grows in popularity with each
new model. First launched in 1989, the Mazda MX-5 is an everyday
sports car and has established Mazda as the nation’s favourite
sports car brand.
Prices for the MX-5 begin at £17,990
for the 1.8i SE, to £23,225 for Roadster Coupe 2.0i PowerShift. With
16-inch alloy wheels as standard on the Soft Top and Roadster, even
the basic MX-5 model is a vision of sleek lines and smooth curves.
The stunning aesthetics continue on the inside, with sporty yet
comfortable seats.
Although the MX-5 is an everyday car,
the 2.0-litre reaches 62mph in an impressive 7.9 seconds, with a top
speed of 131mph; making sure you get an exhilarating experience every
time.
For around the same price, you can buy
a Mini Cooper Convertible. The specs however, aren’t quite as
impressive as the MX-5; managing 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds and boasting
a top speed of 123mph; it seems you’re paying for the brand rather
than the car.
Starting at £25,320, the Audi TT
Roadster is a definite competitor to the MX-5. With 17-inch alloy
wheels as standard, and a retractable rear spoiler; the Audi TT is a
beautiful car, turning heads everywhere it goes. However, when it
comes to insurance, the Audi TT’s vary from 31 to 39 in UK car
insurance groups; making it a very pricey investment indeed.
Another popular small convertible is
the Peugeot 207 Coupe Cabriolet, with a reasonable price tag ranging
from £16,645 to £18,145. With a newly designed front-end and a
stylish look, the 207 CC is an exciting and stunning car to drive.
Never one to skimp on quality, Peugeot has included loads of safety
features in this car, and provides 17-inch alloys as standard.
With a maximum speed of 124mph and
reaching 62mph in just 10.7 seconds, the 207 CC is a real sporty
contender. Not only this, but car
insurance for this car is much less than that of the Audi and the
Mazda; making the 207 CC very desirable.
The VW Beetle Cabriolet has also been
somewhat of a favourite amongst convertible-enthusiasts, becoming a
cult car in recent years. With its cheeky and fun look, this cars
main selling point is its design. True to Volkswagen standard, the
interior is of excellent quality, with supportive seats. However, the
rear seats are very small, and the high-spec has been forgotten about
when including the engines.
When it comes to best value for money,
the Mazda MX-5 wins hands-down. Merging affordability, practicality,
and perfection; the MX-5 appeals to a range of people. There’s no
better feeling than getting that roof down, finding a winding country
road, and feeling the summer air breeze over you…
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