2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible



2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata Convertible

Introduction

The 2012 Mazda Miata shows you don't need to invest in a high-dollar sports car to enjoy spirited performance. When the Mazda Miata debuted more than 20 years ago, it quickly established itself as a driver's car that was affordable to buy and inexpensive to own. The little roadster is now in its third generation, and it remains as appealing as it was back when it was first launched.

One of the Miata's hallmarks is its steering, which excels at being communicative and responsive to input. Handling is a joy; the car's sharp reflexes and composed demeanor in turns make sinuous canyon roads a very special treat. Add to the mix an engine that loves to rev and what you get is a recipe for visceral driving excitement. It's also easy to live with, from a soft top that's easy to operate to a ride that's comfortable enough for daily commuting. This small sports car's only significant downside is a trunk that's too small to provide meaningful utility.

2012 FIAT 500 Convertible



2012 FIAT 500 Convertible

Introduction

There was once a car so small it made the Mini seem like a Big. That car was the Fiat 500, or Cinquecento en Italiano, and it left such an indelible impression during its 18-year lifespan that Fiat performed a Mini-like resurrection to it three years ago. Now, with Fiat purchasing Chrysler last year, the 500 was chosen to be the model that reintroduces the Fiat brand to North America.

While the original 500 was the size of a Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, the 2012 Fiat 500 looks far more like a regular car -- albeit a tiny one. Compared to a Mini Cooper, it is 7 inches shorter in overall length and 2 inches narrower. However, it is also more than 4 inches taller, allowing for an elevated seating position that not only increases visibility but creates more interior legroom.

2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Convertible



2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Convertible

Introduction

That's not to say the Aston Martin Vantage is talentless -- far from it -- but this isn't a car you buy based on the merits presented in a spec sheet or generated at a test track. It's about a car that'll make you place a chair in your garage just to stare at it. It's about a car that still draws admiring glances even after six years on the market. It's about a car built in limited numbers to your exact specification. It's about a car with a cabin lined in sumptuous leather that makes you feel as if you're driving something truly special. And truth be told, you are.

Being beautiful can get you far in life. It can get you a free drink at a bar or your family a reality show on E! For the 2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage, being beautiful can also help you get noticed when a variety of less expensive rivals boast more thrilling performance and sharper handling.

For 2012, the Vantage gets a little more special. The automated manual transmission, quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tires from the last year's new Vantage S model are now standard across the board and make for a sharper driver's car. For extra power and more aggressive suspension tuning, you still have to step up to the Vantage S or the V12 Vantage (discussed in a separate review). Other changes this year include a subtle styling update you'd be lucky to notice and a new, much improved navigation system.

2012 Volvo C70 Convertible



2012 Volvo C70 Convertible

Introduction

Mostly, the Volvo C70 has a level of practicality traditional soft-topped convertibles can't match. Besides being able to go from al fresco motoring to buttoned-up comfort at the press of a button, the three-piece retractable hardtop adds a level of security and quietness that makes this more than just another warm-weather toy.

If you're looking for an upscale convertible that's long on style but don't want to sacrifice substance -- things like comfort, safety and year-round practicality -- we think you'll like the 2012 Volvo C70. On the style front, the midsize C70 is handsome inside and out, albeit in an understated way. And while its retractable-hardtop design isn't as rare as it was when the car debuted back in 2006, it still brings about some nice attributes.

2012 Ferrari California Convertible



2012 Ferrari California Convertible

 Introduction

As anyone who has traveled through it can attest, the state of California has (at least) a couple of distinct personalities. Fittingly enough, so does a Ferrari that goes by the same name. Thanks to its retractable hardtop and refined yet powerful performance, the 2012 Ferrari California can provide the comfort and security of a grand touring coupe or the sunny exposure and more thrilling experience of an exotic roadster. Although Ferrari has produced a number of front-engine GT cars, this California is the first Ferrari to sport a V8 (as opposed to the more typical V12) up front, and it's also the company's first convertible to offer the considerable advantages of a retractable hardtop.

That folding metal top gives a strong clue as to the Ferrari's intended buyer. The company figures that most buyers of the California will deem comfort and practicality more important than raw-edged, high-speed thrills. In exchange for its considerably heavier weight (as opposed to a soft cloth top), the retractable hardtop provides a quieter top-up interior as well as better isolation from severe weather and greater security. Unfortunately, the space needed to house the hideaway top results in rather bulky and awkward rear-end styling.

2012 Chrysler 200



2012 Chrysler 200 Convertible

 Introduction

An uphill battle is generally not a recipe for victory, and the 2012 Chrysler 200 sedan has one on its hands, since it competes with some excellent midsize four-doors. Chrysler's thorough overhaul last year brought major improvements, particularly in regard to handling, interior quality, power and even image (the name change from Sebring to 200). But while the 2012 200 sedan is better equipped for battle, it's still ultimately outgunned.

The new 200 improves on the sloppy driving dynamics and crummy interior of its bland predecessor; it's pleasant to drive and features strong interior materials that few in the class can better. The available 283-horsepower V6 engine also boasts the most power in the class while returning respectable fuel economy. Another plus is sheet metal that's more stylish than that of the previous generation.

2012 Volkswagen Eos Convertible



2012 Volkswagen Eos Convertible

 Introduction

The Volkswagen Eos tends to be forgotten among the convertible ranks despite its many advantages. Besides its innovative roof, the Eos has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine (shared with the GTI, among others) that delivers punchy power and high fuel economy, and a quick-shifting DSG automated manual transmission. The impeccable cabin is built to a standard that exceeds similarly priced convertibles, and offers abundant standard features that help justify its price premium over other competitors like the Chrysler 200, Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper.

The 2012 Volkswagen Eos was the ancient Greek goddess of the dawn, known for her daily ritual of opening heaven's gates to welcome the sun. The 2012 Volkswagen Eos does much the same thing with its retractable hardtop convertible roof or unique built-in sunroof. Yet unlike its goddess namesake, the VW Eos doesn't get a lot of respect -- and we're not talking about offerings of wine and goat meat.

2012 BMW M6 Convertible



2012 BMW M6 Convertible

 Introduction

In a marked difference from the M6's previous, high-strung V10 engine, the new 2012 BMW M6 gains a twin-turbo V8. Shared with the new M5, the V8 starts unleashing its torque -- up more than 30 percent from the V10 -- from around 1,500 rpm. From there, expect peak power ratings of about 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque.

Based on the latest 6 Series, the 2012 BMW M6 Convertible stretches about 3 inches, and the space between its rear wheels grows nearly as wide. This growth spurt promises an even roomier cabin, for which rear-seat riders will likely give thanks. Outside, the M6 looks sharper than its predecessor, with a deeper front airdam and large ducts for engine and brake cooling, wider front fenders and door sills, and quad exhaust pipes.

2012 Audi R8 Convertible



2012 Audi R8 Convertible

 Introduction

First and foremost, the 2012 Audi R8 is pretty easy to drive. Aided by precise steering, a decent ride quality, good outward visibility and comfortable seats, the R8 is a supercar you could drive every day if you wanted. It also comes with all-wheel drive, giving it an advantage in terms of traction. While its effortless nature can make it seem a bit less involving than rear-wheel-drive competitors, there's something to be said for the reassurance of having AWD when the roads are wet.

Supercars are a rare breed. They have the ability to turn the heads of the most jaded of automotive enthusiasts and seemingly defy the laws of physics. The 2012 Audi R8 Convertible certainly accomplishes both, but it distinguishes itself from some past and present supercars by providing excellent performance without the sacrifices that other ultrahigh-performance cars require.

2012 Aston Martin Virage Convertible



2012 Aston Martin Virage Convertible

 Introduction

At its core, the Aston Martin Virage is built from the most current, most evolved version of the "VH" platform architecture that began in the DB9 and has since expanded to include every Aston Martin presently sold. Introduced at the close of last year, the V12-powered Virage promotes Aston Martin's design language evolution as well. The sparingly sculpted body is unmistakably Aston Martin, but with a sharper, more contemporary flair that was intended to take the company into the next generation.

The 2012 Aston Martin Virage quite literally fills in the gap between the merely splendid DB9 and the exotic DBS in terms of aggressive styling, engine output, suspension calibration and price. From the layman's perspective, there's not a whole lot of differentiation here, and indeed it'll be tough for even Aston Martin aficionados to tell the Virage apart from its siblings at a glance. But considered solely on merit, there's a lot right about the Virage.

2012 Audi A5 Convertible



2012 Audi A5 Convertible

 Introduction

Sun-loving shoppers would do well to consider the 2012 Audi A5 convertible. Similar to the engine offering, the A5 takes a road less traveled, since it comes with a conventional soft top in a segment of cars where retractable hardtops are pretty much the norm. This means the A5 convertible's roof can't provide the same security and top-up styling as those cars, but in contrast it's lighter, less complicated and takes up less trunk space when lowered.

Objects of desire can sometimes be tricky. It's all too easy to be lured in by a sleek and sexy body, only to be disappointed as its true nature reveals itself. Thankfully, there's a lot more to the 2012 Audi A5 than just attractive bodywork.

2012 Aston Martin DB9 Convertible Review



2012 Aston Martin DB9 Convertible

 Introduction

The Aston Martin DB9 is no longer available with a manual transmission. The previously antiquated navigation system has been replaced by an improved Garmin-powered unit. Finally, there are two new special editions for 2012 known as the Luxury and the Sport.

Unfortunately, a manual transmission is no longer offered on the DB9. While it was a rare choice among owners, when a car company specializes in allowing customers to specialize their cars, it seems odd that it would eliminate the manual for those who'd want one. If you really want to row your own gears, you'll have to step down to a Vantage or up to a DBS.

That's not to say the DB9 is all show and no go. It brings to the table the same lightweight yet structurally rigid all-aluminum platform that underpins every Aston Martin. Though it dates back to 2004, this platform has continuously been updated over the years. For instance, the DB9 convertible (Volante) was significantly strengthened to eliminate the shuttering and jiggling that used to occur when traveling on broken pavement. Just last year, the two-mode adaptive suspension from the DBS was added to simultaneously improve the DB9's handling and already compliant ride.