Brits buy the most convertibles in Europe – but what’s it really like to own one in the UK weather and should YOU splash the cash?
We spend a month with an Audi TT Roadster in the British climate to see if a convertible really makes sense
DOES a convertible in the UK really make sense? Wind, pollution as well as frequent and often unpredictable rain showers: you'd think the case is stacked up against a drop top.
But that doesn't seem to bother British buyers who continue to part with their hard earned cash for a taste of the open air lifestyle.
Alongside the giant that is the German car market, the UK is king of the convertible.
Drop tops are so popular most manufacturers offer some type of open air model whether it's a folding hard top or a roll-back canvas roof.
From convertible superminis to drop top SUVs - there's something for all tastes and budgets on the UK market.
So what's it actually like to own one in the UK weather? Do you get enough use out of it or is it a luxury too far?
We spent a month with a £45,000 Audi TT Roadster to find out whether you should add a convertible to your shopping list.
Our ownership of the TT included the full range of British weather from the week-long heatwave where it was too hot to think through to thunderstorms that left us wondering if it was really summer at all.
Throughout it all, the Audi TT equipped itself well - the 2.0-litre petrol engine was quick yet efficient and it managed a 500-mile round trip to North Yorkshire on just over a tank of fuel.
The dynamic driving controls make it easy to switch between comfort on the motorway and performance on country lanes with a delightful exhaust burble audible in the sportiest mode.
Inside, Audi's Virtual Cockpit which brings up mapping in your eyeline behind the wheel rather than on a central screen was a joy to live with and the bucket seats with multi-directional adjustments were comfortable if a little firm.
And with the soft top roof up, you wouldn't really notice it was a convertible at all - only at high speed on the motorway was extra wind noise a little noticeable.
Putting the roof down is done with minimal fuss in around 10 seconds. A simple flick of the switch and the canvas topped mechanism folds seamlessly away behind you.
And in this two-seater model practicality isn't even damaged as boot space remains unchanged with the roof up or down - you're able to fit a full set of golf clubs in with ease.
An extra button allows you to put up a wind deflector behind your head so you're not buffeted by the breeze.
And if you're still a little chilly, heaters in the headrest help keep your neck toasty - although this is a £1,000 upgrade on our TT Roadster.
Not much to complain about so far then.
However, there are a couple of considerations you need to consider before rushing to a showroom.
If your journey includes any length of time on a motorway and you want to turn up at your destination without looking like a mess, having the roof down is madness.
No matter how much the windscreen, windows and deflector help, tearing along at 70mph in an open top sports car is windy and you'll need a decent sound system to hear the radio - fortunately the Bang & Olufsen option here did a fantastic job.
If the sun isn't out you'll need the heaters on which, if we're honest, kind of defeats the point of having a convertible.
And if the sun is out, there's a real chance of giving yourself sunstroke on a longer journey.
One trip out of central London to Essex on one of the hottest days of the year with the roof down and air con off was nothing short of unbearable at times thanks to the blistering temperatures.
And talking of driving through central London, having the roof down in built up areas feels vulnerable.
Driving in a regular car you feel safe and untouchable but with the top off, you're exposed to sounds, smells and passers-by - not to mention the pollution that lurks in the air.
Having said that, there were times when having the roof down made driving a joy and the thought of a roof seemed unnecessary and claustrophobic.
In warm but not blistering temperatures, out on a country road, with the speedo somewhere between 40mph and 50mph and the TT in dynamic mode, it was hard not to have a smile on your face.
And that's the appeal of a convertible and why Brits love them so much - they offer an escape and bring joy to driving.
And in a world of speed limits, rules, regulations, congestion charging and diesel bans that shouldn't be overlooked.
Long live the convertible and long may the UK's love affair with these models continue.
