Open Top Motoring: The convertible market in Ireland not surprisingly considering our climate, has traditionally been small. However, by the end of April this year 1,310 convertibles or coupé/convertibles were sold here out of a total market of 105,290 cars, so it is still significant.
The convertible market should see sustained interest as summer tempts motorists to get their top off and enjoy the wind-in-the-hair motoring fantasy that goes with driving a convertible. Although soft tops were the only option for convertible motoring, a new breed of hard-top convertibles has emerged.
Not surprisingly given the huge advantage that a hard-top offers in terms of protection from the elements, noise, vandalism and in the event of an accident, the popularity of the coupé/convertible in Ireland has grown dramatically as a result.
Although coupé convertibles have their disadvantages - reduced luggage capacity, cramped rear passenger space and the significant weight of the motors needed to lift and drop the metal roof - they are set to remain the dominant choice for open-top motoring.
Opel's new Tigra, which was introduced late last year in time for the start of the 2005 rush, has sold well. Sales remained solid through April, with 22 sold that month, and 156 sold in the first four months of 2005.
The other successful two-seater coupé/cabriolet, Mercedes's SLK, which comes with the option of a frugal and insurance friendly 1.8-litre engine, has also performed well. Not surprisingly for a car that was also launched in time for the New Year car buying rush, this second generation SLK has found favour among more than just the hairdressing set that flocked to buy its predecessor. Just four months in, there are now 125 SLKs gliding down Ireland's roads. Its sibling, the CLK, also remains popular with over 90 new buyers willing to pay over €63,000 for open-top driving Mercedes-style.
However, the real success stories have been the four-seat coupé/cabriolet modes from the mainstream manufacturers. Renault's Megane Cabrio has found 350 new buyers so far this year, while Peugeot's successful 206cc remains extremely popular with 167 buyers.
It is clear that the practicality of a four-seat car that offers the option of hard-top or open-top motoring is the embodiment of the driving aspirations of a significant set of Ireland's motorists.
At the other end of the sales scale, Audi's A4 Cabrio has failed to find more than a handful of buyers this year, its €49,000-plus price tag clearly not helping. Indeed, BMW's 3-Series Convertible, which is due for replacement shortly, has performed much stronger, with over 60 buyers opting for this ageing BMW.
Considering its prohibitive price (€105,000 to €119,000), BMW's 6-Series Convertible is one of the best performing of the super convertibles with 10 buyers willing to pay for the privilege.
Indeed, BMW is enjoying something of a bonanza in the convertible market as its Z4 is still attracting widespread attention with 24 of them managing to find new homes so far this year and its relatively new Mini convertible still selling well. For those not tempted by the Germans, Chrysler recently launched its exclusive Crossfire Roadster, at a shade under €60,000 it is not cheap, but with such a distinctive American style and a 3.2-litre engine, it offers a unique open-top experience.
Finally for those looking for a piece of motoring history, there's the MGTF. As it is no longer in production and there are only a handful left on the forecourts, for those willing to take the risk and who can barter hard, there may be a deal to be had at a Rover dealership.
For those willing to wait, the end of the year sees the arrival of the most successful convertible of all time - the Mazda MX5. This latest incarnation will no doubt top the sales charts in the category in 2006. Also in time for next summer the new Colt convertible will arrive, while the following year sees the new 3-Series and the VW Golf cabriolet (with a new folding steel roof) hit our shores.