Once the go-to car for sunny summer drives, the convertible is rapidly disappearing from UK roads, and no, it’s not just because of the weather.
Back in the day (well, 2000), you could choose from over 30 different drop-top models from the UK’s biggest car brands. Today, that number has almost halved. According to the latest CarGurus Convertibles Report, there are now just 16 convertible models available from the UK’s top 30 manufacturers. That’s a 20-year low, and it’s only getting worse.
Wait, didn’t Brits used to love convertibles?
Weirdly, yes. Even though the UK isn’t exactly known for blue skies, Brits bought more convertibles than drivers in much hotter European countries for years. But times have changed. Fast.
Since 2020 alone, the number of convertibles on sale has dropped by 45 per cent. Just this past year, six models vanished - that’s a 28 per cent cut in 12 months. Audi, for example, has completely ditched its soft-top range, waving goodbye to the TT and R8 Spyder.
Now, just 10 brands still sell convertibles in the UK. These include premium names like BMW, Porsche and Mercedes, fun-focused options from Ford, MG, Mazda, Mini and Fiat, plus Jeep and Volkswagen. And only five brands, BMW, Mazda, Mercedes, Porsche and VW, have stuck with convertibles consistently for the past 25 years.
So, what happened?
The short answer: SUVs took over.
SUVs have exploded in popularity, and car makers are simply chasing what sells. Since 2020, while convertible options have nearly halved, SUV and crossover models have increased by a massive 543 per cent.
Today, over half of all new cars in UK showrooms are SUVs. That’s more than 190 different SUV or crossover models. Whether it's the stylish Nissan Qashqai or the luxury Mercedes GLC, this chunkier, taller car shape has become the default for many drivers.
They’re roomy, practical, and give you that high-up driving position people love. So it’s no wonder manufacturers are doubling down on them, even if it means less space (literally and financially) for soft tops.
But there’s more: panoramic roofs
Modern drivers still want sunlight and open-air vibes, but now they’re getting it via panoramic sunroofs.
These massive glass roofs give you the light and airy feel of a convertible without sacrificing comfort or aerodynamics, which is a big deal for EVs. And they’re booming in popularity. The global market for panoramic roofs is expected to triple by 2034, from $16.4 billion in 2024 to almost $49 billion.
Models from Tesla, Mercedes, BMW, Kia and even budget EVs like the MG ZS EV or Leapmotor T03 are embracing panoramic roofs. Some, like the new Renault Scenic, even let you adjust the roof tint with your voice.
All of this makes convertibles feel kind of outdated, especially when you add in features like noise cancelling, sun dimming, and better insulation.
Are convertibles totally dead?
Not quite. You can still get a few high-quality models, from the Mazda MX-5 (which you can grab used for under £5k) to the electric Fiat 500e Convertible and the upcoming MG Cyberster.
But unless there's a serious shift in car culture or fuel prices, convertibles are likely to keep fading away, casualties of practicality, tech trends, and our obsession with SUVs.
So if you’ve ever dreamt of that wind-in-your-hair feeling, maybe now’s the time to grab a soft-top before they’re gone for good.
