It’s better having no convertible than one of these.
Convertibles are polarising by nature. When compared against their fixed-roof counterparts, convertibles can be seen as less reliable, more expensive, less safe, heavier and in some cases, uglier. On the other hand, one could argue that convertibles are more fun, cooler, and in some cases, better looking.
We could debate all the aspects of convertibles all day but today, we’re going to focus on one particular trait. Aesthetic. Some convertibles just shouldn’t exist
Range Rover Evoque Convertible
Just when we came to accept the baby Range Rover for what it was, they decided to release the ultimate(ly bad) Range Rover Evoque Convertible to the line up. Comparable to a Barbie doll accessory, a bathtub on stilts or the full-size version of the kids mini Range Rover ride-on toy, this convertible’s aesthetics are polarising to say the least.
It’s big and it’s a statement and to many, it’s not a good statement. The good news is that depreciation hit this one hard (unsurprisingly) with barely-used 2018 models available for around £33k, rather than the new price tag of £48,000.
Mitsubishi Colt CZC
A collaboration between Mitsubishi, a renowned Japanese manufacturer, and Pininfarina, a boutique Italian car design firm and coachbuilder for Ferrari and Maserati, somehow resulted in what is one of the ugliest hardtop convertibles ever made.
Browsing used car sites, you’ll see these little ‘beauties’ pop up frequently at very low prices…and that’s for a reason. Something about the harmless, friendly, rounded face at the front and the aggressive-looking, Japanese-styled rear just doesn’t mix and somehow fails to look good with the roof up and down.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Want to be cool like Michael Scott from The Office? Simple. Buy a PT Cruiser Convertible. They’re also great if you want something even more ghastly than the standard fixed-roof PT Cruiser, you know, just to really drive home that shock factor whenever you drive past people.
Although they’re extremely scarce in the UK, the chances of you owning one aren’t 0 so please, when looking for a convertible to buy, avoid this one at all costs.
Ford Focus CC
Ever wondered what the Mk II Ford Focus would look like as a coupe? No? Well whether you like it or not, now you know thanks to us subjecting you to this lovely photo of the Ford Focus CC (coupe cabriolet).
The Focus CC is another product of collaboration with Pininfarina, just like the Mitsubishi Colt CZC. Also like the Colt CZC, the Focus CC carries the same style and grace as a pair of Crocs. How Pininfarina managed to drop the ball twice on two similar projects in a relatively short period of time is a mystery.
Audi A3 Cabriolet (2008-2012)
Despite its badge having perceived poshness, the A3 Cabriolet looks like a Vauxhall Astra Convertible. The A3 is a mighty fine premium hatchback, an awkward-looking saloon and as a convertible, it’s at the most awkward-looking it can possibly be.
With the roof down, the A3 Cabriolet no doubt looks rather fantastic but seeming as that’ll only be the case for about 4 days of a typical British year, you’ll be stuck driving around in the weird-looking roof up configuration. If you want a convertible Audi, go for the A4 Cabriolet instead.
Let us know which convertibles you find particularly atrocious, in the comments.
If you enjoyed this, you may also like: ‘What Are Diamond-Cut Wheels and Why Do They Corrode?’
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