The Audi TT has reached the end of the road and what a journey it’s been. I was lucky enough to attend the UK launch of the TT Coupe in Leeds in 1999 (see below), a year after it went into production and on sale in Germany and now, a quarter of a century on, production has ceased. In that time there have been only three generations of the car but it developed from Coupe to Roadster and even … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: MINI Cooper S Convertible Exclusive
The British MINI is as traditional as a cup of tea, and next year it will be particularly apt because it’s the Convertible’s 20th anniversary, traditionally marked with a gift of china. Launched four years after the new generation MINI hatch was unveiled by parent BMW in 2000, the MINI Convertible has moved through four generations which include a completely electric version. It’s a neat … [Read more...]
Easter special: Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
When you cut off the top of an Easter egg, you still have chocolate so can enjoy it even more and it’s the same with the Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible. The basic egg is good enough but if you’re lucky there will be some more treats inside, which is what we found with the incredibly satisfying 650bhp 6.0 litre 12-cylinder twin-turbo petrol convertible version of the GT Coupe. As … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: VW T-Roc Cabriolet Design 1.0 TSI 110PS
The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet is definitely good for your health this summer. We are increasingly being implored to get out into the fresh air to reduce the chance of catching Coronavirus but there are few true family four-seater convertibles on the market at this price. You don’t want to be cooped up in a tin-top on a hot day, or any day for that matter, and a the very modern T-Roc Cabriolet … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 January
Just 88 models will be built of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster, influenced by the 1959 Le Mans winning DBR1 and developed from the 2013 CC100 Concept car (right). It will have a streamlined open cockpit body with two seats, a 700ps 5.2V12 engine and deliveries begin in early 2021, from an expected base of £750,000. The MINI Convertible Sidewalk is a £34,215 limited edition of 150 … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 December
A new seven-model Jaguar F-Type coupe and convertible two-seater series has been revealed. Priced from £54,060, the range comprises rear or four-wheel-drive with 300ps 2.0 4-cyl or 450ps and 575ps 5.0V8 engines and eight-speed automatic transmission, retuned suspension, redesigned fascia and facelifted bodystyling. A class action suit on behalf of 70,000 VW owners in Britain has started against … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: BMW 840d Convertible
Refinement and rarity are the driving forces behind the new BMW 8 Series, and its halo has to be the convertible. Relaunching its flagship series last year after nearly two decades out of the market it means the premium German brand is better placed to tackle its rivals and raise aspirations among owners. The 8 Series comprises four-seat coupe or cabriolet body styles with a … [Read more...]
30th anniversary MX-5 on sale
Three decades after the 1989 Chicago Motor Show hosted the debut of the original MX-5, Mazda unveiled the MX-5 30th Anniversary Edition at the 2019 Chicago Motor Show. After 30 years and more than 1 million units sold, Mazda feels that the MX-5 has grown into more than simply Mazda’s creation. It now belongs to the enthusiasts around the world who have supported the development of the model and … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: New Ford Mustang Convertible 5.0 V8
The first official Ford Mustangs came to Europe and the UK in early 2016 and now we have the updated 2018/19 versions with added safety equipment, revised engines, increased personalisation options and a variety of styling tweaks, writes David Miles. As before the Mustang is available in two-door 2+2 seater Fastback Coupe and Convertible forms, but now with the choice of … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Fiat 500 Convertible s/s
For any car to become an icon is remarkable, but to do it twice is, well, sensational, writes Robin Roberts. There is no doubting the fact that the Fiat 500 has been an unqualified double success, first launching in 1957 and then reborn fifty years later. Since 2007 a staggering two million Fiat 500 models have been built in Fiat’s Tychy, Poland plant and it’s spawned some 30 … [Read more...]