Top down!

Convertibles capture boomers’ fancy

by David Menzies

The standard opening for just about every story about convertibles typically embodies some or all of the following: season — summer; weather — warm; sun — shining; roads — winding; music — pulsating; top — down; wind — whipping through one’s hair.

There you have it: the de rigueur convertible experience, as much cherished as it is cliché.

Yet, while top-down motoring on a balmy summer day can make for a life-affirming experience, the real bragging rights regarding convertible ownership are not realized when you’re zooming along sun-kissed country roads. The styling and profiling factor is best enjoyed when you’re stopped at a traffic light, the convertible’s roof firmly affixed in the upright position. In a nifty display of time management (and, okay, shameless showboating), you press a button that puts into action a series of automated movements resulting in the top’s disappearance from view.

Make no mistake: this is not merely a routine mechanical exercise; in a sense, the descent of a convertible’s roof is an outright performance — automaton art, if you will. Pedestrians and fellow motorists take notice of such a process as the various servo motors hum and whirr into action. What was once a mere car soon evolves into a bona fide Transformer: the trunk opens, the roof folds into itself like an oversized accordion and a ceiling of canvas or steel disappears into the car’s rear end. It’s very much akin to a male peacock’s unveiling his full plumage. And the spectacle of a convertible roof’s descent has the power to make observers pine for the day when they, too, will have the financial wherewithal to acquire the ultimate summertime toy.

The good news is that we’re currently living in a golden age of convertibles. Roof technology continues to improve and, each year, more hardtops come onto the market (a hardtop convertible offers the owner the best of both worlds: topless motoring when it’s a nice day; a secure, solid roof offering better sound insulation, security and weather resistance when it’s not so nice outside).

Alas, one thing hasn’t changed: the premium you pay to own one. As the saying goes, “when the top goes down, the price goes up.” Still, should you possess the disposable income, a convertible is indeed worth the extra expense, if only to enjoy the “peacock factor.” (Do try to refrain from smirking, however.).

Without further ado, some of the more notable convertibles on the market:

BEST LOOKING: SATURN SKY (from $25,355)

Granted, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But the Saturn Sky offers world-class exterior design. Indeed, of all the convertibles driven during our test period, the Sky easily garnered the highest number of compliments and double takes.

It’s also hard to believe that something so breathtakingly gorgeous costs so comparatively little. On the downside, the Sky is not nearly as performance-minded as its closest competitor, the Mazda MX-5. As such, Sky owners should expect a car that’s more of a boulevard cruiser than a purebred sports car.

Of note, should you take a shine to the Sky, spend a few grand more for the Red Line version. This souped-up Saturn offers a turbocharged engine generating 260 horsepower (versus 177 on the base model) and it makes a huge difference. As well, the Red Line version boasts uprated springs, shocks, bushings and stabilizer bars, all of which go a long way to boosting performance. What we liked the most: Numerous compliments. The Sky’s head-turning quotient is usually befitting vehicles that cost five times as much.

What we liked the most: Numerous compliments. The Sky’s head-turning quotient is usually befitting vehicles that cost five times as much.

What we liked the least: The Sky’s roof leaves much to be desired. It seems cheaply constructed and it committed the cardinal sin of allowing water to leak into the cabin.

POWER TO SPARE: BMW M6 (from $108,795)

Boasting a 500-horsepower V10 motor, the BMW M6 convertible is a testament to both power and performance. How powerful is the M6? Consider this nugget of information: with the press of a button, the driver can actually deactivate 100 ponies (and the M6 still rocks as a 400-horsepower car).

Naturally, the M6 embodies all the other hallmarks that make Bimmers legendary: from superb handling to exquisite fit and finish. What’s more, the M6 convertible is gorgeous inside and out, featuring a cabin festooned with luscious leather and woodtrim accents.

What we liked the most: Let’s face it: this convertible is a street-legal race car that seats four comfortably.

What we liked the least: Given that the M6 is priced north of 100K, this car should feature a retractable hardtop roof. Also, while the much-maligned iDrive system (the gadget that controls functions ranging from climate control to the stereo) has been simplified, it’s still unnecessarily complicated and detracts from the overall driving experience.

MOST INNOVATIVE: VOLKSWAGEN EOS (from $28,915 )

The roof of the VW Eos is an extra special lid. Not only is the Eos a hardtop convertible, but it’s unique in the world, in that it has a fully functional moon-roof built in. When it comes to the technological razzmatazz factor, it doesn’t get any better than the Eos.

Based on the Golf/Jetta platform, the Eos is powered by a surprisingly peppy 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that generates 200 horsepower. Aesthetically, the Eos conveys an aura that it costs far more than it actually does.

What we liked the most:Thanks to the built-in moon-roof, when the five-piece lid of the Eos descends, it’s like watching an elaborate, mechanized ballet.

What we liked the least: Spongy feel to the brakes.

BEST OFF ROAD: JEEP WRANGLER (from $19,320)

Forget about those winding country roads — what if you’re tempted to actually go off the road? If so, the Jeep Wrangler is for you. While not a convertible in the truest sense of the word, the Wrangler does have a removable roof (the windshield can also be lowered so it’s flush to the hood.) And the Wrangler features Jeep’s legendary four-wheel-drive system, enabling it to go places other convertibles dare not venture.

What we liked the most:If you’re partial to a macho look for your vehicle, the Wrangler basically screams machismo.

What we liked the least:While the Wrangler is a superb offroad performer, you likely wouldn’t want such a vehicle as a daily long-distance commuter, given its harsh ride. As well, its 3.8-liter V6 is a thirsty devil.

BEST HANDLING: PORSCHE BOXSTER (from $45,600)

Two words come to mind when driving a Porsche. Not “Holy [expletive]!” “Road feel.” There’s no other car quite like a Porsche when it comes to conveying surface road conditions to the driver via the steering wheel.

This shining example of a purebred roadster, the Boxster sets the standard and makes no compromises. With a superb midmounted flat six-cylinder engine, the Boxster is a rock-solid car featuring beefy brakes and tremendous balance in a body festooned with classic design lines. And here’s a pleasant surprise: the base engine (245 horsepower) is more than enough for this car; there’s no need to spend thousands more to acquire the Boxster S and its 295-hp powerplant.

What we liked the most:Relationship between car and driver — you feel one with the road behind the wheel of a Porsche.

What we liked the least:Gee, it’s a Porsche — what’s not to love?

MOST BANG FOR THE BUCK: MAZDA MX-5 (from $20,585)

Perhaps best known by its original name, Miata, this car was an overnight sensation when it was introduced in 1989. It continues to impress, thanks to its razor-sharp steering, awesome handling and peppy engine. Better yet, the MX-5 is now available as a hardtop convertible. And the hardtop weighs only 70 lbs. more than the ragtop version.

What we liked the most:The car-driver relationship — as a driver, you feel almost organically connected to this feisty little roadster.

What we liked the least:While the current MX-5 is bigger than the first and second generations, it’s still a tight squeeze for drivers taller than six feet.

BEST SOUNDING: FORD MUSTANG GT (from $30,665)

To clarify, when we say the Ford Mustang GT is the bestsounding ragtop, this has absolutely nothing to do with its fine stereo system and everything to do with its motor. When it comes to the Ford Mustang GT, it’s love at first sound. Crank the engine and listen to the rumble of the Mustang’s 300-horsepower 4.6- liter V8: it’s downright seductive. In fact, the engine is such a delight to listen to from a retro perspective, you may never want to turn on the stereo. It’s also fun to drive.

What we liked the most:Who says they don’t make ‘em like they used to? This car is a nostalgia machine, thanks to its old school V8 engine, coupled with its rear-wheel drivetrain, as well as design cues inspired by the legendary Mustangs of the ’60s.

What we liked the least:As usual, there’s a downside to rearwheel- drive cars: they just don’t perform that well in slippery driving conditions.

David Menzies is a freelance writer specializing in automotive reviewing (www.davidmenzies.ca). A baby boomer himself, David currently drives a much-loved, trusty Honda Prelude.