Summer is finally here, and what better way to enjoy it than with a spot of Alfresco driving? When the sun is out, the top has to come down. Convertibles, the ultimate summer cruiser, are best enjoyed while sporting a Hawaiian shirt and knowing you’ve got nowhere to be. These cars take the mundane out of the everyday and fold the roof down with it.
To help you find a car fit for summer, we’ve compiled a list of the best new convertiblesso you can enjoy the good weather in style.
Mazda MX-5
To call the Mazda MX-5 an icon would be underselling it. This compact, drop-top sports car completely reinvented the niche when it first appeared in 1989. It’s only gotten better since then, honing its handling and performance, becoming one of the most entertaining (and affordable) things you can buy on four wheels.
A revvy 181-hp four-cylinder powers all models and is paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission, a combination that conjures up feelings from the sports cars of yesteryear. While an automatic transmission is available, we recommend steering clear, as the manual transmission makes this lightweight two-seater a far more engrossing driving partner.
While the MX-5 may not be the most practical option for daily commutes or extended road trips, and taller drivers may find the interior a bit snug, it’s hard to worry about what could’ve been when the sun is shining on your face. This car is best served with sunshine and is one of the best new convertibles you can enjoy this summer.
Ford Mustang
For over 55 years, the Ford Mustang has continued to evolve into an evermore sophisticated steed, and the 2023 iteration is no exception. Whether cruising down the coastline or having a track day at Hampton Downs, the convertible Mustang suits plenty of lifestyles and personalities.
The power behind this pony comes from a punchy turbo four or a thumping 5.0-litre V-8, with both engines feeding the rear wheels through an engaging manual gearbox or 10-speed automatic transmission. While you’ll never be bored behind the wheel of a Mustang, Ford offers various packages to up the ante, culminating in the jaw-dropping, neck-snapping Mach 1.
Despite being an aggressive sports car, the Mustang can still be used as a daily driver, boasting a more spacious back seat and better visibility than other convertibles in its class. This flexibility lands the 2023 Ford Mustang on our list of the best new convertibles.
Chevrolet Corvette
With supercar performance, a surprisingly affordable price tag, and head-turning styling, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette honours the nameplate. With a lineage that stretches back to the 1950s, Chevrolet has always been a mainstay in performance-car culture and the 2023 Corvette honours that legacy with a mid-engine twist. The current Chevy C8 is the first of its kind to feature a naturally aspirated V-8 engine mounted behind the passenger compartment. This incredible upgrade propels the already impressive sports car into the realm of exotic machinery.
Performance in the supercar sector and surgically precise handling make the Chevy C8 a track-day darling. But the way it rides over rough stretches and long distances is where this vehicle surprises. Throw in a cabin comfortable enough for daily use and plenty of storage space, and you’ve got the perfect convertible for a summer roadie. The Corvette’s attainable price, stunning performance, and surprising practicality make it one of the best new convertibles on the market today.
Ford Bronco
Whether trundling through the bush or quietly idling up to a KFC drive-through, the Ford Bronco is the most exciting off-roader since the Wrangler. And like its off-road rival, it comes as a convertible, too!
The Bronco comes in both two and four-door bodies; you can even remove the windows for a true off-roading experience. But this car isn’t all about the great outdoors; you’ll suffer from noticeably less road noise when forced to use the highway to travel between muddy puddles.
The Bronco has two beastly engine options: a 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four or a 330-hp twin-turbo 2.7-liter V-6. Both options should be more than enough to get you wherever you want to go this summer, no matter how far off the beaten path it is.
Cruise in Style this Summer with Portage Cars
There’s no better way to experience a Kiwi summer than with the top down, cruising towards the next beach. From off-roaders to supercars and everything in between, our list of the best new convertibles covers it all.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out the Portage Cars collection, where we have everything from convertibles to sports cars for sale.
