German Car Zone

Prestige convertibles: Alfa Romeo Spider v Audi A4 v BMW 325Ci v Mercedes-Benz CLK v Saab 9-3 v Volvo C70 - drive.com.au



Open range


Is this a sign of the health of the economy? Or is it because of the long, dry spell and the seemingly endless blue-sky days?
Sales of sports cars and convertibles in the $80,000-plus price bracket have increased by 73 per cent in the first four months of this year compared with the same period last year. With this much choice it's easy to see why. Volvo and BMW have released new models in recent months (each now with a folding metal roof) while the sleek Alfa Romeo Spider is standing out more in the traffic now supply has improved.
With that in mind we thought it was time to get reacquainted with the top-end of the top-down brigade. Well, any excuse really.
What we have here are six of the best convertibles from Europe. Each model is unique in its own way but they all share a love for sun and a sub-$100,000 starting price.
All but one seat four and all are well equipped with at least four airbags, stability control and some form of rollover protection and a one-touch electric roof with glass rear window. Only the Alfa is a two-seater, which we've thrown in for its newness and price and to see how the new models compare with the older Saab, Mercedes-Benz and Audi.
Comfort, a touch of sports performance and the ability to carry rear passengers is what four-seat convertibles are about. So with four on board during our tests, we've put rear passenger comfort into this comparison, along with low- and high-speed ride quality, comparative performance, equipment and price. Of course being convertibles, there's also the test of wind noise and turbulence with the roofs up and down.

How they compare



Alfa Romeo Spider
Price: $69,990

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Audi A4
Price: $83,400

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BMW 325Ci
Price: $97,500

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Mercedes-Benz CLK
Price: $99,400

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Saab 9-3 Aero
Price: $93,300

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Volvo C70 T5
Price: $79,950

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Prices and details correct at publication.



The verdict


Given that these cars have such individual personalities, it is understandable each will appeal to different buyers for different reasons. Some security-conscious buyers, for example, simply won't consider a convertible without a folding metal roof. Others will be wooed by style and price and easily fall in love with the Alfa Romeo. With that in mind, ranking this sextet is not as straightforward as it is with more mundane transport. Nevertheless, this is how we see it.

In many ways the Alfa Romeo Spider is in a class of its own (especially given that it is a two-seater). In this company it is always going to be compromised for not being able to accommodate four adults (though as many buyers may prefer it that way). Its price and fun-to-drive attitude are strongly in its favour but it is first off our list purely on practical grounds.

The recent updates to the Saab 9-3 convertible have been worthwhile but even the sharp new colour scheme can't hide its ageing underpinnings. Performance is rapid but the rest of the car doesn't feel up to it. There is no doubt it looks great but there is still lots of room for improvements in the quality of materials and switchgear, especially in the cabin. It is next off the judges' lists.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK is a pleasant surprise. Despite being one of the oldest models in the test (a new CLK is about two years away) the CLK stands up well against the newer competition. It is comfortable to drive and has a roomy boot. Its only downsides are its tight back seat and relatively high price.

Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, is that the just-released BMW 3 Series doesn't win this test. It is a step forward compared with the old model in every way except ergonomics (the cabin controls can infuriate) and ride comfort.
The BMW has by far the best handling but the stiff sidewalls of the run-flat tyres have created a compromise to comfort that, we predict, buyers will not tolerate happily. And, as with the Mercedes, the BMW is penalised by price.

That leaves the Volvo C70 and Audi A4 - and a choice between those who prefer the Volvo's folding metal roof or the Audi's soft-top with a large boot and a full-sized spare.
The Volvo C70 is well-priced, well-equipped and a huge improvement over its predecessor. It has the most impressive safety record, too. Our only reservations are minor quality niggles, steering tug in bumpy corners and its blustery interior when the roof is down.

The Audi A4 is not perfect either (the delay in acceleration from rest can take time to get used to) but it is the most comfortable in every other regard. It provides the best ride for all occupants and has a balanced compromise between performance, equipment and, importantly, price.