During the colder months, many of us might think about purchasing an SUV.
However, unless you live miles off the beaten track, on many winter days you’ll be absolutely fine with a standard car, and it’s only really something more capable that you might need on those more extreme-weather days.
But one thing you’ve probably not thought about before is a winter drop-top? Well, with many convertibles these days well-suited to use in all seasons, these might just be a fun way to enjoy the colder months.
Here are five great winter drop-top options
BMW M4 Convertible
BMW has one of the widest range of convertibles on the market, ranging from the more affordable 2 Series right up to the flagship M8. But our personal highlight is the latest M4 Competition Convertible.
Unlike the Coupe, this drop-top is available exclusively with xDrive all-wheel-drive, which really helps to provide this performance model with greater traction - something that will really come in useful in the colder months. Using a 503bhp 3.0-litre engine, the M4 is able to accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds, yet it’s also a refined and sensible cruiser when you want to settle down a bit. With interior space for four and a surprisingly big boot, the M4 would be a lot easier to live with than you might expect.
Enquire on a new BMW M4 ConvertibleAudi TT Roadster
Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system has been aiding drivers throughout the winter months for decades, and while you might only expect to find it in its SUVs, it’s available across much of the brand’s range – and even in its sports cars like the TT.
While not every TT features it, if you want to use your two-seat roadster in all weathers it’s worth choosing. While fitted as standard on the sporty TTS and TT RS models, we’d recommend optioning it on the 45 TFSI model, which uses a 242bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine that can take the TT from 0-60mph in as little as 5.2 seconds. Toasty heated seats are included irrespective of trim level, while the general interior quality of the TT is top notch.
Enquire on a new Audi TT RoadsterVolkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet
The crossover market has absolutely boomed in recent years, and to the point that there’s now a market for drop-top versions of these compact SUVs – as the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet proves. It’s actually now the only the only convertible that VW sells, and while the T-Roc isn’t sporty to drive, its laid-back and relaxing experience is one many will appreciate, while the higher driving position improves visibility significantly compared to most in this class.
While you shouldn’t be fooled by the T-Roc’s rugged looks – all versions are front-wheel-drive, rather than four – it still offers a roomy interior, plenty of standard equipment and at relatively affordable prices.
Enquire on a new Volkswagen T-Roc CabrioletPorsche 911 Cabriolet
Porsche is one of the leaders when it comes to sports cars you can use all 12 months of the year, as alongside the standard rear-driven versions of its 911, the German marque sells a range of models equipped with four-wheel-drive.
Granted, you might consider the 911 to be ‘good’ to use over winter, but these cars were built to be driven after all. Our vote would go to the Carrera 4S model, which uses a 444bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged engine that lets this Porsche reach 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds. It’s nothing short of superb to drive, while has an interior that really helps to justify this model’s rather steep £115,290 price.
Enquire on a new Porsche 911 CabrioletJeep Wrangler
Okay, if you want to be pedantic, the Wrangler isn’t strictly a convertible. However, it is still ‘open-air’, and is in fact the only real vehicle of this type on the market. So Jeep offers the Wrangler with a variety of roof options, including a removable hard top and a full-length electric sunroof.
These only add to what is already an exceptionally cool 4x4, which offers cool retro-inspired looks, yet at the same time more creature comforts inside than you might expect. The latest model is also better to drive than ever, while remains remarkably capable off-road. You won’t be getting stuck on the roads this winter, that’s for sure.
Enquire on a new Jeep Wrangler