UK Convertible Car Selection Drops To Two-Decade Low, Report Shows

Published: Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 15:06 [IST]

U.K. buyers seeking new convertible cars have the fewest options in nearly two decades, according to CarGurus' latest annual Convertibles Report. The report reveals that only 22 new convertible models are available from the U.K.'s 30 most popular manufacturers, marking a 41% decline since 2005.

Chris Knapman, Editorial Director at CarGurus UK, stated: "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."

The report highlights that 60% of Britain's top car brands no longer offer new convertible models. This is a significant increase from 23% in 2005. Brands like Hyundai, Kia, Seat, Skoda, and Dacia have never sold convertibles in the U.K., while others like Lexus and Smart have recently ceased offering them.

In contrast, brands such as Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Mazda, Jaguar, Porsche, and Jeep have consistently offered convertibles since 2000. The Mazda MX-5 has been available for over 34 years, making it the longest-running convertible model in the U.K.

For those interested in electric vehicles (EVs), there are only four convertible EV models currently on sale: Fiat 500e Convertible, Abarth 500e Cabrio, MG Cyberster, and MINI Electric Convertible. MG has re-entered the market with its all-electric Cyberster model after a 13-year hiatus.

The Audi TT Roadster ended its production run in 2023 after being on sale for 24 years. Similarly, Toyota and Honda haven't sold convertibles in the U.K. for over 15 years.

Best-Value Used Convertibles

CarGurus also identified the best-value used convertibles under £15k based on their data:

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The table lists models like the Audi A3 Cabriolet and Mercedes SLK among others with significant price variances over the past year.

Historical Trends in Convertible Availability

The availability of new convertible models has fluctuated over the years. In 2005 there were 37 models available which dropped to just 22 by 2024. Brands like Ford and Volkswagen have maintained a consistent presence with models like Mustang and T-Roc respectively.

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This table shows how various brands have changed their offerings over time.

The decline in new convertible options contrasts with a robust used market where buyers can find good deals. CarGurus offers guides to help navigate these choices across different budgets.

The CarGurus platform continues to be a leading automotive marketplace in the U.K., Canada, and U.S., providing consumers with confidence to buy or sell vehicles through transparent pricing and effective marketing tools.