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    Saturday, September 24, 2016

    10 Convertibles to Get Right Now

    With fall right around the corner, now is the right time to buy a convertible. A convertible is the perfect way to experience the change in the weather. Let your top down, take in the beauty of the autumn leaves, and let the crisp wind blow through your hair. Now the only thing left to decide, is which of the many convertibles available today is the right convertible for you.

    Our highest ranked convertible cars are a great place to start. They offer comfortable rides, great performance, and easy operation along with plenty of convenience features. Whether you want a sports car with lots of speed or a cruiser for long, leisurely drives, there’s a car on this list that is the perfect choice.
    2016 BMW 4 Series
    The BMW 4 Series comes in at No. 7 on our list of Best Luxury Convertibles with an overall score of 8.7. This hardtop convertible has a starting price of $50,000 and a luxurious interior. The power-retractable hardtop can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at speeds up to 11 mph.
    You have your choice of two engines with either a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or a more powerful 300-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder. Both offer strong acceleration and a smooth, responsive ride.
    The interior of the BMW 4 Series features premium materials and is well-designed. Controls are within easy reach and the infotainment system is responsive, but the system is more complicated than what you’ll find in other convertible cars.
    2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
    The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class convertible holds sixth place on our list of Best Luxury Convertibles with an overall score of 8.8. It provides an excellent balance of ride and handling with room for two passengers in a comfortable and upscale interior.
    This hardtop convertible has surprisingly good headroom and legroom, a rare find in a two-seater. It has a power-retractable hardtop and rear-wheel drive and comes in four different trim levels with a choice of powerful engines.
    The SL400 has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 while the top of the line AMG SL65 features a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12. It’s all a matter of how much power you want and your budget with prices starting at $85,050 and topping out at $217,550.
    2016 Ford Mustang
    Our third highest ranked Best Convertible under $35,000 is the 2016 Ford Mustang. It ties with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class with an overall score of 8.8. The iconic pony car has a lineup of strong engines with agile handling that make it fun to drive.
    This soft-top convertible comes standard with a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque and a 6-speed manual transmission. There is an option for a 6-speed automatic and both deliver smooth shifts.
    Inside you’ll find an attractive, retro-inspired interior with high-quality materials you wouldn’t expect in a muscle car. There’s technically room for four passengers, but the rear seats are cramped for even the smallest of adults.
    2016 Jaguar F-Type
    The 2016 Jaguar F-Type is our fifth ranked Luxury Convertible with an overall score of 8.9. It also comes in at five out of 14 on our Luxury Sports Cars rankings. It combines powerful engine options and athletic handling with a plush interior.
    You have your choice of either a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual for this soft-top convertible. The base supercharged V6 has strong acceleration, but the supercharged V8 will throw you back into your seat when you hit the gas.
    The luxurious interior has upscale materials and comfortable seating but is short on legroom. Cargo space is minimal, which is typical of the class. The fully-featured infotainment system is complex and climate controls are cumbersome.
    2016 Chevrolet Camaro
    The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro sits in second place on our rankings of Best Convertibles under $35,000 with an overall score that ties with the Jaguar at 8.9. It has agile handling and powerful engines with room for four passengers.
    The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides plenty of power, but the optional V6 and V8 engines provide a much more robust driving experience. The Camaro handles well, with appropriate steering weight and very little body roll.
    Chevrolet filled the redesigned cabin in this soft-top convertible with quality materials and comfortable front seats, but the rear seats are cramped. The large rear pillars also provide visibility issues when the top is up.
    Standard features include Bluetooth, a rearview camera, and two USB ports. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard along with a 7-inch touch screen. The infotainment system is easy to use and climate controls are simple to adjust.
    2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    Mercedes-Benz scores a second spot on our list with the 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It ranks No. 4 on our list of Best Luxury Convertibles with an overall score of 9.0. It has a starting price of $62,250, and delivers a rich interior and a smooth ride.
    This soft-top convertible features a choice of two engines. There is a 3.0-liter V6 with 329 horsepower or a 4.7-liter V8 with 402 horsepower for those seeking a more performance-oriented drive from their convertible.
    The interior is truly luxurious with real wood and metal trims and a center stack featuring Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system. There is seating for four passengers with comfortable front seats, but it’s a tight fit for those in the rear.
    2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
    The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranks No. 1 on our list of Best Convertibles under $35,000 with an overall score of 9.1. It’s also our 2016 Best Sports Car for the Money. This soft-top convertible was redesigned this year with updated styling and a more engaging drive than other convertible cars.
    Performance drivers will choose the short shifts of the standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is available. The MX-5 Miata has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. This isn’t the most horsepower in its class, but it still feels quick.
    The interior is clean and contemporary with mostly high-end trims. This is a small two-seater, but even taller passengers will find enough legroom. The manual soft-top raises and lowers easily in about five seconds and controls are well-organized and user-friendly.
    2016 Chevrolet Corvette
    The 2016 Chevrolet Corvette is our third highest ranked Luxury Convertible. It ties with the MX-5 Miata with an overall score of 9.1. This soft- top convertible boasts powerful acceleration with agile handling and a notably smooth ride.
    The Corvette is a sports car with impressive acceleration, and handling to match. It has a power-folding fabric top and is driver-focused with a standard seven-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic.
    The interior is high-quality with supportive seats, leather upholstery, and a Bose audio system. New this year is Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system is easy to use, but the touchscreen is slow to respond to user inputs.
    2016 Porsche 911
    Our second best convertible with an overall score of 9.2 is the 2016 Porsche 911. This car is also ranked second among Luxury Sports Cars, with sharp handling and an engaging drive experience. The Porsche has a comfortable interior with luxurious trims.
    A choice of six-cylinder engines offers impressive power with standard rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission. It is a challenge to drive the manual due to closely spaced gears. All-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic are also available.
    The 911 has a power-folding fabric top and a richly appointed cabin. Seats are firm and supportive up front, but too small to be comfortable in back, which is typical of sports cars. The infotainment system is easy to use, but takes some time to master.
    2016 Porsche Boxster
    The 2016 Porsche Boxster is our highest ranked Luxury Convertible and highest ranked Luxury Sports Car, with an overall rating of 9.4. It has a quality interior with roomy and supportive seats and offers an immensely satisfying drive.
    A choice of engines ranges from a standard six-cylinder, with good performance, to a larger six-cylinder, that provides stronger acceleration. The Boxster comes with a good six-speed manual transmission, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is available as an option. It offers some of the best handling in its class.
    The interior is top-notch with supportive and roomy seats. Standard features include Bluetooth, a 7-inch infotainment touch-screen, and a power-operated fabric convertible top that can be opened when the car is in motion.
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    Item Reviewed: 10 Convertibles to Get Right Now Rating: 5 Reviewed By: BrandIconImage
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