Best 2010 Convertibles

Nov 05, 2009

Special to the Star

All of these two-doors share the ability to convert from closed to open-air motoring at the push of a button.

In new-car showrooms, however, shoppers will split this quartet into two distinct camps: the 2+2 Audi A5 and Lexus IS, and the two-seat BMW Z4 and Nissan 370Z.

Audi A5 Cabriolet

(631 points)

Bucking the trend, Audi went "old school" by eschewing a retractable metal hardtop for its new A5 Cabriolet.

Going the ragtop route gains more space in the trunk than a folding metal roof, Audi says, yet the Lexus rival has more room for junk in its trunk.

To help its front occupants keep cozy, the A5's seats are both heated and cooled.

There's also a head-restraint vent to heat your neck if you have the top down on cool days.

New this year is the Cab's 211 hp 2.0-litre turbo four-banger. Mated to a mandatory six-speed auto box and all-wheel-drive, it's marginally more fuel-efficient than the Lexus.

However, it's nearly two seconds slower from 0-to-100 km/h at 8.5 seconds.

Price as tested: $56,300

Nissan 370Z Roadster

(629 points)

The new-for-2010 370Z Coupe is already one of the best performance buys. And the complementary Roadster follows suit.

The Nissan 370Z's cloth top is nicely lined and quells wind noise well.

Compared to the last Zed roadster, you sit higher for a better view of the road.

Having said that, when the top is up, the car's wide C-pillars and tall rear-cowl line mean rear visibility is poor.

Accurate and meaty steering, lots of lateral grip and a balanced rear-drive chassis mean the Nissan is a solid driver's roadster.

Nissan Canada sold more rag- than tin-top examples of the last Zed. And the new-for-2010 model should see that trend continue.

Price as tested: $54,998

Lexus IS 350C

(610 points)

The IS is the Lexus brand's BMW 3-series wannabe. So just as there is a 3-series retractable hardtop convertible, there is now an IS with a folding metal roof.

Less austere than the Audi, the Lexus offers up the typically rich-looking wood and leather interior. And with more leg- and hip-room than the A5 for all four occupants, the IS 350C offers more space for a couple of your DINK (Double Income No Kids) friends to ride along.

Quiet, composed and well finished, the IS C is no hot-rod Lexus, like its 400 hp IS-F sibling.

Buyers tip: The equally refined – if not as quick – $52,100 IS 250C sports a 204 hp 2.5-litre V6.

Price as tested: $60,400

BMW Z4

(Disqualified)

Although the BMW roadster is available with an optional, much more expensive seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox from the M3 sports sedan, the Z4s BMW Canada entered in this year's competition were disqualified for showing up with six-speed manual transmissions while the other convertibles arrived with slushboxes.

As it is in other BMWs, the Z4's 300 hp twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-size is smooth throughout its rev range and matches the Nissan in getting from naught to 100 km/h in under six seconds.

But it's more of a long-distance cruiser.

Price as tested: $62,200

Toronto Star