Best Convertibles in Australia (2026)

Australia has the weather for convertibles. We just don't buy many of them. Which is a shame, because driving with the top down on a coastal road is one of the best experiences you can have in a car. Here's what's available.

Best Overall: Mazda MX-5 RF, from $42,990

The MX-5 has been the world's best-selling roadster for over 30 years, and the current model is the best one yet. Rear-wheel drive, naturally aspirated engine, manual gearbox option, and a weight under 1,100kg. It's pure driving joy.

The RF (Retractable Fastback) has a folding hardtop that looks great up or down. It's quieter on the highway than the soft-top Roadster and has better wind protection. The trade-off is about 40kg extra weight and a slightly less open-air feel.

Running costs are low. 6.9L/100km, cheap insurance (it's not that powerful), and Mazda's capped-price servicing. The boot is tiny at 127L though. Enough for a weekend bag, not much else.

Best Soft-Top: Mazda MX-5 Roadster, from $39,870

If you want the full wind-in-the-hair convertible experience, the soft-top Roadster is the one. Manual roof takes one hand and less than a second. It's lighter than the RF, so it feels even more agile. The purist's choice.

Most Practical: BMW 4 Series Convertible, from $89,900

If you need a convertible that's also a proper car, the 4 Series is it. Four seats, a usable 385L boot (300L with the roof down), and enough power from the 2.0L turbo to make highway merging effortless. The soft-top folds in 18 seconds at up to 50km/h.

It's not cheap. $90k before options, and BMW options add up fast. Insurance is $2,500+ per year. But it's the only convertible here you could use as your only car without compromising.

Best City Drop-Top: MINI Convertible, from $49,900

The MINI Convertible is genuinely fun around town. Short wheelbase makes it nimble in traffic. The roof opens in 18 seconds and you can crack it at any speed up to 30km/h for a quick sunroof effect without fully converting.

Rear seats exist but they're tight. Boot is 215L with the roof up, which is usable for daily errands. MINI reliability has been mixed, so factor in potentially higher servicing costs after warranty.

Convertible Comparison Table

Convertible Ownership Tips

• Always park in shade or use a car cover. Australian sun destroys soft-top fabric and fades interiors faster than you'd think.
• Soft-top maintenance. Clean the roof with a dedicated fabric cleaner every few months. Apply waterproofing treatment once a year. A neglected soft top starts leaking within 3-4 years.
• Hardtop vs soft-top. Hardtops (MX-5 RF) are better insulated, quieter, and more secure. Soft-tops give a more authentic open-air feel and are usually lighter.
• Insurance is higher. Convertibles cost 10-15% more to insure than the equivalent coupe or sedan due to theft risk and repair costs for the roof mechanism.
• Check for wind buffeting on a test drive. Some convertibles create turbulence inside the cabin at highway speeds that makes conversation impossible. The MX-5 and BMW handle this well. Others don't.

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