Having recently visited Europe (more precisely, Germany and Belgium), I noticed a huge number of convertibles. It was early spring, and the temperature outside was far from summer, but many cars showed off open top. Drivers exposed their faces to the occasionally peeking sun and enjoyed the fresh air of European cities not overloaded with traffic jams. How are things going with convertibles in our country?
In Russia, convertibles are less common. Nevertheless, the owners of rare copies will be envied by their neighbors, passers-by will turn around, men will look at the interior decoration, and the opposite sex will look at the driver. What stops our fellow citizens from buying stylish car without a roof?
There is an opinion that cars with soft tops are cold in winter, leak in the rain, and a soft roof gives burglars and car thieves more chances. In turn, the owners of convertibles themselves are sure of the opposite and see many advantages in owning such a car. How much does it cost to buy a new convertible in Russia?
Price: from 940,000 rubles
Excellent handling combined with the classic appearance of a roadster, extraordinary design solutions in decoration outside and inside. The basic version has a soft top that can be lowered manually and a 122 hp engine. in combination with a manual transmission. This model is quite fresh and has not yet become familiar even on European streets.
MINI Cabrio
Price: from 1,000,000 rubles
Similar driving performance, the same line of engines and gearboxes. But this is a good old Cooper with a hatchback body and the opportunity to get some fresh air. Recognizable features, for which you have to pay a little extra. It doesn't look as interesting as the Roadster, but it can accommodate four people. Both models can be ordered in the “S” version, which features all 184 horses.
Guest from the future: Opel Cascada
Price: (in Ukraine) from 1,100,000 rubles
Manufacturers from Rüsselsheim decided to realize their vision of a convertible based on the Astra, shortening it by almost 23 cm and adding a multi-layer fabric top. While remaining as practical as possible - trunk volume from 280 to 350 liters depending on the condition of the roof, space for four passengers and all required options. As the Opel press service told the portal, the first deliveries of these cars to our country are expected in the spring of 2014.
| Read more about Opel Cascada. |
Price: from 1,260,000 rubles
The first series models were launched on the market in 2004, and during this time hatchbacks have successfully gained popularity. Including in Russia. This model uses a classic front-engine layout with rear wheel drive, although the Bavarians are about to master front-wheel drive compacts. The basic 118i version comes with an electric folding fabric roof, a 136 hp engine, and all the necessary safety systems. For all the other pleasures of life you will have to pay extra.
Peugeot 308CC
Price: from 1,264,000 rubles
French style in every detail. The approach to sales is also “French”. The model is sold in a single Feline configuration. And this is a four-seater golf class, a 150-horsepower engine paired with an automatic transmission, a leather interior, dual-zone climate control, R17 wheels, a CD and MP3 radio and all kinds of sensors - quite a serious competitor in terms of price/options ratio. But the Russians are in no particular hurry to part with a million and a quarter for the sake of the “Frenchman”.
Price: from 1,301,000 rubles
One of the elders of the roadster class cars: the first generation of the MX-five began to be produced back in 1989. But the model sold today is only the third generation. In appearance, this is a rear-wheel drive coupe; in practice, the car has a hard roof that folds electrically. Even basic equipment includes everything you need. And even more. A self-locking differential has been added here, weight distribution 50:50, rear-wheel drive, 2.0- liter engine with a power of 160 horsepower and manual transmission(surcharge for an automatic transmission is only 7 thousand rubles.)
Price: from 1,750,000 rubles
Perhaps one of the most popular convertibles in Europe. Hard roof, four-seater interior, full power accessories, manual transmission, 156 horsepower engine and modern design– all this is a BMW third series. With the roof up, it is quite strict and practical for business trips, and with the top down, it is also suitable for young people, attracting attention and setting the mood for relaxation.
Price: from 1,894,000 rubles
A prestigious car with the possibility of frivolous walks. The sporty appearance of the A5 model is created from a long wheelbase, short overhangs and an American-style long hood. As you climb higher and higher on the price ladder, you can observe increased competition. No one is inferior in terms of equipment, the buyer is pampered with various engines and fewer and fewer seconds to “hundreds.” Audi was no exception - 170 hp. paired with an automatic transmission and the coveted 8.9 seconds to one hundred. The most affordable trim level is equipped with all the benefits of multimedia systems, a leather package and other pleasant and status “little things”. But you can choose a 3-liter diesel or gasoline engine with 245 or 272 horsepower. Such motors with Quattro drive accelerate the car to “hundreds” in 6.3 seconds.
Audi TT
Price: from 1,940,000 rubles
Do you consider yourself young and active? Are you a true sports fan? Then don’t waste time and go ahead to the race track. And it will help you realize your potential this model. You are unlikely to get driving comfort, but you will definitely get driving pleasure. All-wheel drive, only available engine at 211 “horses”, robotic gearbox S tronic – true sport in every curve and minimalist design in the interior.
Price: from 1,999,000 rubles
Volvo is complete opposite previous model. Comfort and leisure in everything, even the three-section hard roof folds down in as much as 30 seconds. Despite 230 horsepower, the status does not allow it to take off like a madman; acceleration is a reasonable 8 seconds. Rather, it is a yacht on which it is simply pleasant to travel, showing others that life is good. The stylish design, updated in 2009, still looks very fresh.
It's no secret that many convertibles have different roof folding/unfolding technology. Owners of some need to apply physical strength, while other owners of such cars just need to press a button.
Today we bring to your attention a rating top 11 convertibles with the fastest folding roofs. Moreover, our hit parade includes only those cars whose equipment includes electrical system folding/unfolding the top.
We are confident that our rating is more than relevant, since the long-awaited summer is finally here. So, check out the list to see which convertibles with power roofs can open faster to let you enjoy the sun and wind as soon as possible.
11. BMW i8 Roadster (15 seconds)
After years of rumors and anticipation, the Bavarian brand has finally unveiled a production roadster. The car is equipped with a retractable hardtop that stows behind the driver in 15 seconds.
11. Audi A5 Cabriolet (15 seconds)
Audi A5 Cabriolet
Photo: AudiPremium open model Audi A5 Cabriolet can accommodate up to four passengers. Its soft roof retracts in 15 seconds and returns in 18 seconds.
9. Ferrari Portofino (14 seconds)
Ferrari Portofino
Photo: FerrariAs you know, the new sports model is equipped with a retractable hardtop, which makes the car look like a coupe. It only takes 14 seconds to lower the top.
9. Aston Martin DB11 Volante (14 seconds)
Aston Martin DB11 Volante
Photo: Aston Martin7. Porsche 911 Cabriolet (13 seconds)
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet
Photo: PorscheTo lower the roof sports convertible Porsche 911 Cabriolet only 13 seconds are needed. It's no secret that German company is already developing the next generation model. It is expected that the car will receive a new or upgraded mechanism that will fold/unfold the roof even faster.
7. Mazda MX-5 RF (13 seconds)
Photo: Mazda
Roof Mazda models The MX-5 RF folds in the same 13 seconds. According to experts, this is a very impressive result, given the cost and positioning of this car.
5. Jaguar F-Type Convertible (12 seconds)
Jaguar F-Type Convertible
Photo: JaguarPremium British model Jaguar F-Type Convertible features a roof that can raise or lower in 12 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph (48 kilometers per hour).
Of course, all of the following applies to roadsters, speedsters, targas and landaulets, but for ease of understanding, I propose that within the framework of the article, all open bodies are called convertibles, without touching on the division into subclasses.
1. Not for our weather, not for our cities
For some reason, supporters of this point of view are sure that an open body is only appropriate in hot climates. Skepticism is easily treated. We ask a couple of unobtrusive questions regarding the critic’s trips to hot countries (UAE, Egypt, Thailand, etc.), after which we politely inquire about the number of convertibles seen on the roads.
You won't hear large numbers, because driving with open roof in the heat - a sure way to burn in the sun in half an hour. Even in the southern part of Europe, convertibles are driven mostly by tourists during the day with the top down. Wise natives open their roofs in the evenings. Last summer, at a relatively comfortable +25 in St. Petersburg, I only had to spend an hour and a half behind the wheel to get an overabundance of tanning on my arms, face and neck. It is no coincidence that convertibles are popular, for example, in the UK and even in Scandinavia - just remember the open Volvo and Saab, beloved by Finns and Swedes. Why are we worse? But in any case, the cap - best friend convertible owner.
“There is nothing worse than standing in a traffic jam in a convertible, covered in dust and breathing the exhaust of a smoking KamAZ truck” - this is practically a quote that regularly appears in almost all articles related to open cars.
But excuse me, standing in a traffic jam in a sedan or crossover is no more fun, and normal people in such situations prefer not to open the windows. Why this needs to be done on a convertible is an interesting question. Well, in general, if car life consists entirely of traffic jams and congestion, maybe you should think about the metro or bicycle?
2. It's cold in a convertible in winter.
But no! Even if we are not talking about transformers with a hard folding roof, but about their relatives with a classic soft top. The multi-layer roof material (most models have a three- and some even a five-layer awning) of modern open cars retains heat well and is not blown by the wind, and also has a rubberized layer that prevents precipitation from entering the interior. As a result, such a car is absolutely comfortable in winter. Any modern convertible is absolutely all-weather vehicle. Here's the year-round use of the Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible.
By the way, driving without a roof is also possible in winter period– with a windbreak, windows up and the heater on, a slight minus is not a hindrance. The cabin is warm and cozy. Systems like the Mercedes “air scarf” will provide even greater comfort.
But there are a couple of recommendations for lovers of such walks. It is worth opening and especially closing the roof in a warm place, allowing the car to warm up. Moisture getting into the inside of the mechanism in combination with negative temperatures can play a cruel joke, leaving you with a half-open awning awaiting a bill from the service for a considerable amount. Also in the cold you need to be more careful with the plastic rear window, which is found on older convertibles (for example, early versions of the Mazda MX-5, BMW Z3). If, when the roof is lowered, it folds in half, then subzero temperatures it might simply burst.
Pictured: BMW Z3 3. The roof will be cut
Necessarily! And in addition, they will puncture the tires and scratch an obscene word on the hood with a key. Next time you won’t park your car across the yard and play music loudly after 11 pm. But seriously, there have been no recent cases of mass vandalism motivated by class hatred aimed at convertible owners. Repairs are expensive, that's true. If we are talking about a complete replacement of the roof fabric, then even if non-original materials are used, the repair amount is unlikely to be less than 100,000 rubles. Another thing is that in order to cause serious damage to a modern multi-layer soft top, you need to apply really serious force. Cutting a 5-layer awning with a graceful movement of a stationery knife will not work.
4. Unsafe
Here it is most logical to rely on the results of crash tests. For example, tests conducted in 2007 by the North American Insurance Institute for Safety traffic(IIHS) included crash testing of a number of open models, such as the Audi A4, Saab 9-3, Volvo C70, Volkswagen Eos, BMW 3 and Ford Mustang. Convertibles were tested to the same standard as all cars: frontal impact, side impact, which simulates an SUV, and rear impact to see if the headrest would break the driver's neck.
Summarizing the test results, we can say that convertibles are last years almost equal in strength to regular cars. While there is a risk of serious injury if seat belts are not fastened in open body indeed higher than, say, a sedan.
To be fair, it is worth noting that when rolling over, despite the use of clever shooting safety bars, convertibles are far from their closed relatives. This was confirmed by the test of Opel Cascada, Peugeot 308 CC, Renault Megane CC and Volkswagen Golf Cabrio, organized in 2014 by the German club ADAC, the largest public organization of motorists in Europe.
The results are disappointing, but rollover tests are not regularly carried out for closed models (for example, the well-known Euro NCAP does not include such a test), therefore, there is no way to compare the results. But the convertible is a priori less susceptible to capsizing, if only due to its greater weight compared to the original model.
As a rule, according to the main technical parameters Convertibles are identical to their closed counterparts, and the design widely uses parts from related models. Therefore, the price of an ordinary maintenance is no different from that of relatives with closed body. This must be remembered when contacting the service in order to promptly stop any attempts to mark up the exclusivity of the car being serviced.
But you need to be prepared for the fact that some parts are not interchangeable even with a coupe, which affects the price, narrows the choice, and finding spare parts will take time. Such details include, for example, body parts rear of the car. Especially often - the trunk lid and optics.
One of the most expensive components of a convertible is the roof mechanism. If it breaks, the financial costs can be serious. However, despite the complexity of the design, such systems do not suffer from regular failures.
1 / 8
2 / 8
3 / 8
4 / 8
5 / 8
6 / 8
7 / 8
8 / 8
Large manufacturers usually entrust the development and assembly of convertibles to third-party contractors who have considerable experience in building open models. Do you know what the Audi A4/S4 Cabriolet, Renault Mégane CC, Mercedes CLK convertible have in common, Nissan Micra C+C and Volkswagen New Beetle Cabriolet? Development of roof mechanisms and final assembly These models were manufactured by Karmann, which is one of the leading companies in the field of cabriolet manufacturing.
Pictured: Lexus SC430 6. Difficult to care for
For some reason, it is believed that along with a convertible, its owner needs to buy a subscription for daily dry cleaning of the interior. This only happens if you have light-colored upholstery, and you will still need a weekly subscription. But beige leather and similar options are easily soiled interior decoration– beautiful and not particularly practical for any body type. If the interior is done in dark colors, then everything is not so scary.
The interior of my Lexus SC430 is trimmed with black leather, so when I often drive with the roof open, I wipe the interior a couple of times a week, first with special wet wipes and then with microfiber. I always carried out a similar procedure, only once a week, with my other cars. The only thing that the convertible specificity added was the treatment of the leather with a special conditioner that protects it from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
 |
 |
The roof awning does not require frequent maintenance. Road dirt can be easily removed with a regular brush, similar to the one used to clean shoes. Lint and dust are removed with a sticky clothing roller. It is recommended to treat the awning with a special cleaning agent a couple of times a year, followed by applying a water-repellent impregnation. The main thing to remember is that the product should not get on the paintwork, so it is worth protecting the body by covering it with ordinary plastic film, sold in a hardware store. The prices of car cosmetics for a convertible do not exceed the cost of average body polishes.
 |
 |
During year-round operation, in preparation for cold weather, you will have to open the roof halfway, clean the visible parts of the mechanisms and pay attention to numerous rubber seals by treating them with silicone.
In general, everything is simple and inexpensive
In addition to the obvious advantages, such as free tanning, popularity with others and high chances of spending a hot night with a stranger you like, owning a convertible has a number of additional, purely practical bonuses.
1. Low risk of theft
If you are not a happy owner collector's model, which must be treasured like the apple of one’s eye, and the owner of one of mass cars, then the chance of losing your car by someone else’s will is small. The owner, let's say Mercedes E-Class Cabrio, unlike its neighbor on the same-platform sedan, can sleep peacefully at night. If car thieves are almost 15 times less interested in a coupe (5 two-door cars versus 73 sedans, according to official theft statistics from the traffic police for the first half of 2016), then who needs an exotic convertible?
1 / 6
2 / 6
3 / 6
4 / 6
5 / 6
6 / 6
If we are talking about the mass segment, where the sad statistics still include Ford Focus, which is stolen for dismantling, then a coupe-convertible based on it can also be, if you don’t leave it open, then you don’t really worry about the risks. Longer doors, new rear wings, trunk lid - even without taking into account the roof, the difference between the cars is too great for such a car to be of interest to the villains.
2. Profitability of purchase
We are, of course, talking about buying a used car. There are not very many convertibles on our market, but a knowledgeable person always has plenty to choose from. Such a purchase may be interesting for a number of reasons.
Sometimes this is the only chance to get a two-door body version from your favorite brand. For example, in model range Audi, after discontinuing the coupe based on the 80 series and before the appearance of the A5, a convertible based on the A4 was the only opportunity to get a stylish four-seater two-door from Ingolstadt.
If we take the coupe as a starting point, then the platform convertible will, as a rule, have less mileage, better condition and richer equipment. New such models cost 30-40% more than other versions, were often supplied to order and were often the second or third car in a wealthy family. The price of a used convertible, all other things being equal, is still higher than that of a coupe. But open models do not sell quickly, especially when it comes to versions with a soft roof, so there is always a chance for a good bargain.
What could be better than taking a ride in a convertible on a nice day? Warm air caresses your hair, the engine hums pleasantly, the sound of which is “superimposed” by the singing of birds. Beauty! The only pity is that with the onset of the crisis, many companies stopped importing open cars to Russia. Previously comparatively available cars with an open top were offered by Peugeot, Ford, Opel. Now “postcards” are the prerogative of premium. Although there are exceptions.
Smart Fortwo Cabrio (from 1,100,000 rubles)
BMW Z4 (from 2,600,000 rubles)
The Bavarian roadster coupe with a hard roof debuted back in 2009, but still evokes admiration for its shape: a low, flat body and a long hood make you involuntarily look around. To fully fold the roof, you need to stop and wait 20 seconds. The most affordable version is equipped with a two-liter 184-horsepower engine. Its forced version develops 245 hp. But the modifications with the in-line three-liter “six”, which, depending on the version, develops 306 or 340 hp, really excite the head.
Mercedes-Benz SLC (from 2,690,000 rubles)
This is not a mistake at all. Indeed SLC. This is what the compact Mercedes coupe-convertible, which replaced the SLK, is now called. However, replaced is too strong a word. In fact, this is not a new car, but the product of a slight restyling, during which famous model The design of the exterior and interior has changed slightly. Unlike its predecessor, its roof can also be folded while moving - at speeds of up to 40 km/h. A special feature of the car is photochromic glass on the roof (optional), which can change the degree of darkness. The initial SLC is equipped with a 184-horsepower two-liter engine. Its forced version produces 245 hp. The top modification is equipped with a three-liter V6 producing 367 hp.
BMW 4 Series Convertible (from 2,770,000 rubles)
This four-seater coupe-convertible is made on the platform of the well-known 3 Series. The metal roof folds/unfolds in 20 seconds at speeds up to 18 km/h. But it is too heavy and takes up a lot of space: with the top down, the trunk volume is 220 liters, and with the top up - 370. The Bavarian convertible is unusual in that it uses... a turbodiesel (2.0 l, 190 hp) as its base engine. ). There are also gasoline engines in the range: a two-liter 249-horsepower and a three-liter 326-horsepower.
Sales of a convertible will begin in Russia by the summer season smart fortwo, which was introduced in September 2015. Serial release The model started almost a year ago at a plant in Ambach, France, but the car will be delivered to us only at the beginning summer season, when the demand for convertibles revives. As with the standard two-door, the convertible will receive a naturally aspirated liter engine producing 71 hp. and a 90-horsepower 0.9-liter turbo engine paired with a five-speed manual or Twinamic preselective gearbox. The fabric top of the fortwo cabrio, which can be ordered in a contrasting color, has an intermediate position in addition to closed and open positions.
Prices for the model have not yet been announced, but it can be assumed that the new product will remain one of the most affordable convertibles on the Russian market, where the choice of such cars is very small. In Russia there is not a single open car of a mass brand, Mini convertibles and roadsters have left the market, and the supply is limited exclusively to models of traditional premium brands. In the segment up to 4.5 million rubles. There are a dozen models that can be obtained by summer.
Smart fortwo
- Engine: 1.0 (84 – 102 hp)
- Price: 990,000 – 1,150,000 rub.
Audi A3
- Engine: 1.4 (125 hp), 1.8 (180 hp), 2.0 (300 hp)
- Price: 1,820,000 – 3,090,000 rub.
Audi TT
- Engine: 1.8 (180 hp), 2.0 (230-310 hp)
- Price: 2,225,000 – 3,430,000 rub.
Audi A5
- Engine: 1.8 (177 hp), 2.0 (230 hp), 3.0 (272-333 hp)
- Price: 2,530,000 – 4,000,000 rub.
BMW Z4
- Engine: 2.0 (184-245 hp), 3.0 (306-340 hp)
- Price: 2,600,000 – 3,660,000 rub.
Mercedes-Benz SLC
- Engine: 2.0 (184-245 hp), 3.0 (367 hp)
- Price: 2,970,000 – 4,390,000 rub.
BMW 4-Series
- Engine: 2.0 (184-249 hp), 3.0 (326-431 hp)
- Price: 2,770,000 – 4,500,000 rub.
Porsche 718 Boxster
- Engine: 2.0 (300-350 hp)
- Price: 3,688,000 – 4,424,000 rub.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- Engine: 2.0 (211 hp), 3.5 (250 hp)
- Price: 3,840,000 – 4,060,000 rub.
Range Rover Evoque
- Engine: 2.0 (240 hp)
- Price: 4,223,000 rub.
Ivan Ananyev
Photo: manufacturing companies
