4. Hardtop Convertibles

2007 Volkswagen Eos

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Now, the finely outfitted new Volkswagen Eos brings a hardtop to a vehicle with humble roots, descended from the old and beloved ragtop Rabbit. Other mainstream models are following suit. The 2008 Chrysler Sebring, the convertible mainstay of rental car agencies, now offers an optional hardtop in a car with a starting price of about $26,000. Pontiac’s new G6 Convertible has one. And Mazda added a convertible hardtop to its affordable little MX-5 Miata.

Hardtops are replacing soft, cloth tops for most manufacturers. Even BMW, which has clung to soft-tops on the Z4 and other models, offers a hardtop on the new 3 Series Convertible. Likewise Volvo’s C70.

The genius of engineers at Karmann ASC and other companies makes this possible. These firms supply the roof mechanisms and technology for major manufacturers. Volkswagen’s Eos even has an opening sunroof inside the folding hardtop. “The soft-top will eventually go away completely,” says J.D. Power’s Neal Oddes. “Even on vehicles of the Mazda Miata type.”

Not everyone agrees with that. At least a couple of automakers are sticking to traditional fabric convertible tops: Audi is one and Bentley another. Executives at both companies say that soft-tops are essential to the convertible mystique and they will always have a place in the auto industry.

Some of the advantages of soft-tops are that they allow for a lower center of gravity with less mass on top of the vehicle and don’t consume as much trunk space when stowed. Plus, they make a design statement: Even when raised, soft-tops project to the world that you’re driving a convertible, whereas the new folding hardtops don’t necessarily do that.