Choice of New Convertible Models Falls to Lowest Level Since 2005

U.K. buyers in the market for a new convertible car have the fewest models to choose from in almost 20 years, according to a report.

The latest annual Convertibles Report by CarGurus – a leading automotive marketplace in the U.K. to shop, buy, and sell used vehicles – found consumers have the choice of just 22 new convertible models from the U.K.’s 30 most popular manufacturersi. This represents a 41% decline from the 37 models available less than two decades ago.

Today, 18 (60%) of Britain’s 30 most popular car brands no longer offer a convertible model as part of their range, up from 23% in 2005.

Of those 30 brands, Hyundai, Kia, Seat, Skoda, and Dacia have never sold a convertible. By contrast, since 2000, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Mazda, Jaguar, Porsche, and Jeep have continuously offered convertibles in the U.K.

The soft-top Mazda MX-5 has been on sale in the U.K. for over 34 years – making it the longest-running convertible – while the open-top Jeep Wrangler has been available for 27 years.

In the past 12 months, Lexus, and Smart have ceased to offer convertible models in the U.K., ending the sale of the LC 500 and EQ Fortwo Cabrio, respectively. The Audi TT Roadster, on sale in the U.K. since 1999, also stopped production in 2023 after 24 years.

Toyota and Honda have not sold a convertible in the U.K. for over 15 years, with the Toyota MR2 ending production in 2007, and Honda S2000 in 2009. However, MG is now back in the convertible market for the first time since 2011 with its new all-electric Cyberster model.

For U.K. buyers seeking a new convertible EV, there are just four to choose from: the Fiat 500e Convertible, Abarth 500e Cabrio, MG Cyberster, and the MINI Electric Convertible.

Chris Knapman, Editorial Director at CarGurus UK, said: “Despite consumers having fewer new car convertible models to choose from than at any point in nearly 20 years, the used market does present some significant saving opportunities for those looking for the unique thrill of open-top driving this summer and beyond. For less than £15,000, there’s a broad range of options depending on individual preferences.

“To that end, CarGurus has produced a guide to the best convertibles for a range of budgets, from £2,000 to £100,000, to help buyers navigate a much wider array of models on the used market.”