Open air or topless motoring is big business. The MG TF is but one example of the species. You have to accept that all of them come with compromises you would not accept from a conventional car.
Putting aside the obvious refinement and security issues that arise from a roof made of canvas rather than steel, a convertible based on a saloon or coupé will be inferior in every dynamic measure. That means it will accelerate more slowly to a lower top speed while using more fuel and emitting more CO2. Of course, it's a situation where the heart rules the head. There's something posh, superior, about sweeping by in in sports car or convertible heaven when the sun is shining, or even when it isn't. The still small voice of reason, arguing for practicality on all things to do with four wheels, doesn't count.
So you want to buy in spite having read the aforementioned. Closest challenger to the MGTF is the Mazda MX-5on Irish sale in 1.6 litre form at €28,460. Less expensive and just as alluring in looks is the Peugeot 206CC, the letters meaning coupé cabriolet. There are two engine options, 1.6 and 2.0 litres with ex-works prices of €22,510 and €25,095.
The Mazda is a trifle more fun and a real driver's car, but the Peugeot's folding steel roof is clever and eliminates many of the traditional drawbacks of convertibles.
But if what you are really after is a true cabriolet, rather than an open sports car, it is BMW that offers the most convincing product. We aren't thinking of the American-built Z3 but the better-engineered and much more practical 3-series convertible. You will need a whopping €45,750 just to get on the ladder: that buys a swift and stylish 318Ci.
If you are prepared to pay just a little more, something approaching the ultimate style statement is within reach. The day the Audi TTappeared, it made the best-lookming convertible of the era, the Mercedes SLK, look old and unimaginative.Chopping the top off the TT has affected both its looks and its handling, but it's still the mosty desirable convertible you can buy for less than €60,000. It's available with two engine specifications in roadster form, both 1.8 with either 190 or 225 bhp and of course, quattro or four-wheel-drive.Ex-works prices are €51,600 and €56,660.
The absolute ultimate to the ranks of open-air motoring has to be the recently-launched Mercedes SL. It brings great style, huge performance and unrivalled practicality to the class . It comes with a 5.0 litre V8 engine producing 308 bhp.
The price may seem a bit intimidating at €145,235 ex-works. Actually that isn't the problem, because demand far exceeds supply. Put the order is now and you'll be lucky to get delivery before Christmas of next year.