Given our tropical climate, getting a convertible is possibly one of the most irrational choices a motorist can make. Cars like these don’t provide much room for more than two passengers, while their boot capacity – which shrinks when the roof is folded away – seriously limits the amount of stuff that can be carried. Singapore’s searing temperatures also restrict topless driving to early morning and late night.
Convertibles have a special lure, however, thanks to their carefree nature and sun-kissed personalities. When it comes to turning heads in traffic, nothing beats a driver with his sunglasses on cruising with the top down. Not even a passing thunderstorm (which happened more than once during our photoshoot for this story) can put a dampener on this level of cool.
One of the dandiest cabriolets around is the Renault Megane CC. With its handsome design and ultra-modern retractable glass roof, this glamorous French number is looking to outshine the competition. Its main strength is a sublime ride, but it also has a gadgety cabin to entertain the people on board.
Taking on its Parisian compatriot is the facelifted Peugeot 308 CC. Its mid-life nip-and-tuck has created a more appealing design, but the car’s claim to fame still lies in its perky engine and sleek folding steel roof.
Our third contender is German, but its asking price is less expensive than expected. The VW is the first “chopped” Golf since the Mark 3 model from nine years ago, and its charms include a speedy soft-top, a spacious cabin and a spirited drivetrain. Its attractive pricing (compared to its rivals here) will also be a draw to buyers.
Each of these convertibles has its own individual approach to topless bliss on the road, but which one of them will come up tops in this open challenge? Read on for the results.
308 CC – Cabin feels the swankiest with its large swathes of chrome, and it offers the best all-round visibility. Practicality is compromised by a lack of storage points (and not a single cupholder in sight). Steering wheel has the nicest grip, while the helm itself offers the weightiest feel. Has the least amount of rear headroom in closed mode, while legroom is only marginally better than in the Megane CC. Only car here with netting behind the front chairs instead of proper pockets.
GOLF CABRIOLET – Views of the outside world are blocked by thick fabric “C-pillars” and narrow windscreens, but ?cockpit’s build standards are the best of the bunch. Numerous stowage areas thoughtfully accommodate odds and ends. D-pad buttons on the steering wheel are the most logical, while the helm itself provides the best steering balance among the trio. Easily accommodates two adults thanks to the cabin packaging, which is the most space-efficient here. Also the most practical for rear occupants thanks to a parcel shelf behind the headrests.
MEGANE CC – Best headroom (with the roof up) plus supple seats equals the most homely interior, which is also the only one with “keyless” entry and ignition as well as an electric parking brake. Steering wheel’s controls are the least organised, but the generous power assistance makes it perfect for city driving. Least ideal for passengers due to the relatively limited space and complicated entry-and-exit, which is caused by the front seats’ tendency to roll backwards when pushed forward.
