Driving a car in the open air in summer: Many Germans associate this with a feeling of freedom. And that doesn't have to be expensive.
Driving a convertible has become a luxury again. After the topless flood of the millennium has silted up for some time, there are firstly only a few models and secondly almost only expensive ones. We found five exceptions, the base of which remain below 30.000 euros.
Fiat 500 C
For many years the Smart Fortwo was the cheapest convertible in Germany. Since the city runabout is only electric, the Fiat 500, with its current starting price of 19.090 euros, has overtaken it. The Italians do not have their entire upper part disappearing, but at least the fabric roof can be pushed back like a roller blind. The fact that the roof pillars remain in place hardly spoils the charm of the retro car. For the drive there is a 1,0-liter three-cylinder with a slim 51 kW / 71 PS, which is quite sufficient for relaxed cruising on the boulevard or panoramic country road. A technically and visually independent electric version (87 kW / 118 PS, range: up to 320 kilometers) has recently been available, which is significantly more expensive at at least 30.650 euros.
Smart Fortwo EQ
Those who want to drive open electrically, drive cheaper with Daimler's two-seater. 21.630 euros are currently called, but the electric Smart with 60 kW / 81 PS and a range of 160 kilometers (NEDC) is actually a pure city car. Anyone who wants a chic look and faster charging technology also pays heavily on top. The short and crisp dimensions, the quick start and a friendly ambience compensate for the price-performance imbalance to some extent. And the flexible roof, which can be completely dismantled if necessary, puts you in a good mood in the urban summer anyway.
Mini convertible
The open mini is one of the classic fun convertibles. This spring comes freshly revamped and with new colors and design applications to the retailer. At 24.900 euros, the small car is anything but a bargain, but it has been one of the residual value masters of all classes for years. On the one hand, this is probably due to its classic design, which can be further refined with all sorts of accessories and ornaments if desired. On the other hand, in spite of the recently increased dimensions, it is still nimble handling. In the basic "One" model, a lively 1,5-liter petrol engine with 75 kW / 102 PS does its job, but the four-seater only shows its true strengths in the "Cooper" versions with at least 100 kW / 136 PS. 27.200 euros are then due.
VW T-Roc Convertible
No Golf Cabrio, no open Beetle and certainly no more Eos - VW has crushed its sizable fleet of sun worshipers in a very short time. And is pursuing a completely new approach with the T-Roc Cabrio. The topless crossover currently has no direct competitor in Germany. The unique position in combination with the well-known Wolfsburg virtues in terms of operation, comfort and safety is primarily intended to attract customers who do not buy an SUV just for the space it offers. Because that is smaller than the closed version. There is a choice of two petrol engines, a 1,0-liter three-cylinder with 85 kW / 115 hp and a 110 kW / 150 hp 1,5-liter four-cylinder. Prices start at 28.165 euros.
Mazda MX-5
Convertibles are fun per se. The open-air feeling is topped by the Mazda MX-5. The roadster combines fresh air with nimble handling, thanks to its crisp dimensions and low weight, a manageable 97 kW / 132 hp from 1,5 liters of turbocharged displacement are sufficient. The equipment is no longer spartan, but basically puristic, which means that the two-seater ends up below the 30.000 euro mark - if only by exactly 10 euros. The price can also be increased without any problems - for example if you choose the larger engine or the retractable hardtop. This replaces the classic fabric top and makes the MX-5 completely winterproof.