We’ve seen these beauties almost everywhere, be it in movies or on the numerous accounts and pages on Social Media. We’ve probably even dreamt of owning one of these roadsters.
They say, Indian weather and roads do not favour driving around in these cars; and we do agree it’s true, but do we really care? This doesn’t stop the Indian car enthusiasts from embracing a convertible and blending it into his/her lifestyle. Simply because, our love vanquishes the weather, doesn’t it?
And it is a proven fact, since we are witnessing an all-time high sales of Sports Coupes and Convertibles in the country, marked by the entry of some high-end luxury brands like Ferrari, Aston Martin and Maserati in India.
In this article, we bring you the top 8 convertibles, that we feel should be launched in India. If that happens, most of us would start saving for it rightaway!
1. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Engine: 2.0-litre inline-4 cylinder, DOHC 16-valve Atkinson-capable, aluminium block and head, direct fuel injection.
Power: 155 hp
Torque: 200 Nm
Top speed: 207 kmph
0-100 kmph (or 0-62 mph): 7.3 seconds
This is the same car which has created a huge buzz around the internet, since the time it has been launched.
Sporty and lightweight, the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is quite powerful, and obviously, fun to drive. Based on the SKYACTIV technology, the 2.0-litre engine ensures that even after a quarter century, it still feels like a Miata. It was conceived as an idea by Bob Hall, a journalist at Motor Trend magazine and an expert in Japanese cars. Yamamoto, the current chairman of Mazda Motors, who remembered their conversation about a roadster, gave Hall the go-ahead to research the idea further in 1982, thus giving birth to the legendary Mazda Miata.
There’s a reason why it is regarded as the best Roadster in the world. And Indians will only understand that reason when they drive it!
2. Lotus Exige S Roadster
Engine: 3.5-litre V6, Fuel-injected and supercharged with BOSCH Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)
Power: 345 hp
Torque: 400 Nm
Top speed: 233 kmph
0-100 kmph (0-62 mph): 3.9 seconds
What’s it like to drive? “Super fast” – just two words to describe it. The automatic Exige S is almost exactly as quick as the manual version. In fact, the best thing about this car is its easily accessible performance; not many performance cars as low and small can go as fast, and the thrust continues unabated beyond 190 kmph.
3. Range Rover Evoque Convertible:
Since the Evoque Convertible’s official figures haven’t been launched, these are the figures of the Range Rover Evoque which is sold throughout the globe right now.
Engine: 2.2-litre, 4 cylinder, SD4 Diesel (9-Speed Automatic)
Power: 187 hp
Torque: 420 Nm
Top speed: 195 kmph
0-100 kmph (0-62 mph): 8.5 seconds
Land Rover calls it the “Convertible for all seasons”, so most likely it must be made to withstand Indian weather too. This possibility ignites the spark in us to patiently wait for this Rover. The car is apparently designed to possess off-road capabilities too. Set to launch in Europe this year, it’ll still take some time to reach the shores of India; but there is a possibility that it might actually be launched here.
4. Nissan 370Z Roadster
Engine: 3.7-litre V6, DOHC 24-valve, aluminum-alloy engine
Power: 332 hp
Torque: 366 Nm
Top speed: 250 kmph
0-100 kmph (0-62 mph) : 5.8 seconds
The sporty, brusque and confident 370Z, is the latest iteration of a long line of legendary Z-cars that have come and gone [By gone, I mean the production has stopped. But trust me, those cars are still alive today]. The 370Z’s front end flaunts an eye-catching design, thanks to the vertical LED daytime running lights and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights. Out back, the aggressive look continues with wide fenders, a bumper-mounted air diffuser and dual exhaust tips finished in chrome. The Z’s body is made out of high-strength steel but the doors, the hood and the hatch are crafted out of aluminium in order to save weight.
5. BMW 428i Convertible
Engine : 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine.
Power : 240 hp
Torque: 345 Nm
Top speed: 210 kmph
0-100 kmph (0-60 mph): 6.4 seconds
A vehicle with engaging handling and mind boggling performance, yet fuel-efficient engines. The 4-Series Convertible has elegant interiors synced with straightforward controls and spacious seating. This is a much lighter car in comparison with its peers. The 3-Series after being such a huge hit with consumers all over the world, it did pressurize the 4-Series to be able to bestow the car owners with the same satisfaction. And yes, BMW has kept its promise intact. The 4-Series Convertible is definitely an example of Sheer Driving Pleasure of a BMW.
Btw, these figures are specific to the 428i. The 435i has a Straight-Six that makes 300 hp and is a pumped up version of the 428i. Although, we don’t expect BMW to launch the 435i in India.
Once the 428i touches the Indian shores, nothing can stop us from experiencing real ‘Joy’.
6. Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible
Engine : 5.0-litre Ti-VCT V8, with a six-speed manual transmission
Power : 435 hp
Torque: 542 Nm
Top speed: 264 kmph
0-100 kmph (0-62 mph): 4.8 seconds
The legendary American Muscle. The car that has proven its worth since the 20th century! Ford Mustang always stays at the top of a car enthusiast’s list. The iconic car, with its furious stance, is now also available as a convertible, and we pray every single day to the Car Gods for it to be released in the Indian Market.
With the recent photos of the Mustang at the ARAI facility in Maharashtra, and the possibility of the GT Fastback launching in India very soon, there is a hope that Ford might get the Convertible too, for the special and lucky ones in India.
The 2015 Ford Mustang is a real eye candy, and it can hypnotize a human soul within a few seconds, irrespective of the gender and age. The sculpted front seats of the car is outstanding, whether you prefer the car for short or long hauls; the rear chairs are nicely shaped. This is a really powerful car, and it still maintains its relaxed pace when in motion. Each curve has been crafted to match the performance, and this is the reason why most of us Indians want to experience its madness.
7. Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder TSI
Power: 170 hp
Torque: 250 Nm
Top Speed: 193 kmph
0-100kmph (0-62 mph): 9 seconds
This big bug is what the world has desired, since it was first conceived in the designer’s mind. And it sure was a woman’s best friend till the previous generation, but the new Beetle is equipped with some muscle for the guy and some beauty for the girl. The 2015 Beetle Convertible is already on sale in the Western world, but it still remains alien to the land of Maharajas. The current model features three transmission choices— 5-speed and 6-speed manuals and VW’s excellent dual-clutch automatic—and three engine options: a 170-hp 1.8-liter turbocharged four; a 210 hp 2.0-liter turbo four; and a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine.
To be honest, there are no words to describe the Beetle, which has served as a design icon to the automotive industry for ages. We are all aware of its prowess, and we hope that when the folks at Volkswagen India launches the new Beetle here, they also pave way for its Convertible sister to the country.
8. Audi RS5 Cabriolet
Engine: 4.2L V8 FSI Quattro, S tronic engine; 32-valve, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Power: 450 hp
Torque: 430 Nm
Top Speed: 280 kmph
0-100 kmph (0–62 mph): 4.9 seconds
A complete blend of Performance, Comfort and Looks. With so many elements on your plate, you would love to gobble up everything. Traction, power, style, luxury and much more waiting for you. Well, yet not in India, though. And that is the reason you’re seeing this car in the list.
Getting the RS5 Convertible topless, takes just 17 seconds via the one-touch switch (much faster than the women, eh?), and you can do it on the run up to 50 kmph, which is laudable. Air travels up and over the passenger compartment even without the standard, manually deployed wind blocker in place. With such convenient systems and a drive that will pamper you with its German power, this one will be a sight for all car enthusiasts, if it was parked in their garage.
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