Popular cars could disappear from UK roads within years as drivers turn backs

Fresh research shows that just one in 170 new cars are convertibles as British drivers opt for larger SUVs for their families.

Popular cars could disappear from UK roads within years as drivers avoid high costs. Fresh research shows that just one in 170 new cars are convertibles as British drivers opt for larger SUVs for their families.

Sales of convertibles in the UK have dropped 66 per cent since 2019, with just 0.6 per cent of cars being open-tops nowadays. Paul Barker, editor of Auto Express, said: “Convertibles haven’t suddenly lost their appeal – but for many buyers they’ve become harder to justify and even harder to afford.

“Rising prices, shrinking choice and changing priorities mean the drop-top is no longer the go-to dream car it once was.”

Mr Barker continued, saying: “Mainstream convertibles have all but disappeared. Where we once had Golf, Focus and Megane cabriolets – and until last year, the BMW Z4 – buyers are now faced with premium sports cars and luxury models instead.

“The ‘death’ of the BMW Z4 particularly is emblematic of the apparent demise of the affordable convertible.”

Chris Knapman, CarGurus UK editorial director, said: “Thankfully, the new models that are still available in soft top form are of a very high calibre and cover a fairly broad range, from the electric Fiat 500e C city car through to more traditional sports cars such as the Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

“Plus, of course, the used car market remains a rich ground for soft top motoring, with our top picks such as the Mazda MX-5 starting from less than £5,000.”

Mr Barker concluded: “Convertibles aren’t dead, but the affordable, everyday ones are certainly dying out, with the MX-5 one of the very few affordable convertible models still on sale today.

“For many drivers, the only realistic way to enjoy roof-down motoring in the future may be through the used car market.”

Knapman commented: “Our latest annual Convertibles Report highlights more than just a drop in new car model selection. It reflects a wider shift in the automotive landscape towards SUVs.

“As evidence of this, note that while the number of new convertibles on sale has fallen by 45 per cent since 2020, the number of new SUVs and crossovers has grown by a staggering 543 per cent.”