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New Mini One Convertible

Published: 17th Jan, 2010

The new shape Mini Convertible was launched in 2009 but until now it was only possible to buy a Cooper, Cooper S or John Cooper Works Convertible. The introduction of a new One Convertible for 2010 provides a much lower entry point for keen fresh air fans.

The MINI One Convertible shares the new 1.6 litre Valvetronic engine of its Hatch and Clubman cousins, and produces the same 98hp and 153 Nm of torque. The new model accelerates from 0-62 mph in 11.3 seconds and goes on to a top speed of 112 mph. It also brings fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions to a new level in the convertible market, recording 49.6 mpg (combined cycle) and 133 g/km respectively.

The open top four-seater features a fabric roof that opens and closes electro-hydraulically at the touch of a button up to 20 mph. Designed as a Convertible from the outset, MINI Convertible offers a torsionally-stiff body that allows it to capitalise on cutting edge chassis technology to release that special MINI go-kart feeling. The MINI One Convertible has a good standard equipment list including air-conditioning and is equipped with all the sophisticated active safety features of the Cooper and S including EPS electromechanical steering, DSC stability control, four airbags and the rear rollover bar behind the rear seats that pops up automatically in the event of a rollover incident.

In addition to the new One Convertible, Cooper and Cooper S models will get minor performance and economy improvements for 2010.

The on-the-road price for MINI One Convertible is £14,995.

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Winter convertible bargains

Published: 17th Jan, 2010

Mazda MX5 RoadsterJanuary is the one of the best months for convertible bargain hunters, with some models now costing up to 17% less than they were in September, according to online used car retailer, Carsite.co.uk.

With the recent whiteout across the UK and sub-zero temperatures chilling Brits to the bones, purchasing a convertible might not be top of many car buyers’ priorities. However, January could be the perfect time to make a drop-top investment for the warmer summer months. Convertible prices have been falling continuously since the end of the summer with examples from Saab and Renault priced at 15-17% less than their September 2009 recommended retail prices.

Carsite’s Alistair Jeff commented; ‘Whilst many are put off buying a convertible in the middle of winter, there actually couldn’t be a better time for buyers after a bargain. Even with standard levels of depreciation on used cars, seasonal demand for convertibles has a far greater impact on price. February and March typically mark the start of the price upturn for convertibles, so if you want an al-fresco driving experience this summer, January is financially a very good time to be shopping around.’

In 2009, they found that summer demand for the Mazda MX5 roadster saw the trade value of some second-hand models increase by more than £1100 between April and July.

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Always keep a Caterham handy

Published: 9th Jan, 2010

Caterham and SunseekerIt’s a dilemma that we all worry about: you pull into Monte Carlo Harbour in your super yacht and you suddenly realise that you’ve left your sportscar in St Tropez. It can happen to the best of us but thankfully luxury yacht builder Sunseeker and sportscar maker Caterham have put together a solution to this common problem.

Sunseeker’s Predator 108 Special Edition is making its world debut at the London International Boat Show with a Caterham parked in the stern garage area which is normally reserved for a small sports boat.

Caterham RoadsterWhile the huge yacht cruiser costs from around £7.1 million, a road-going Caterham Seven starts at just £12,995. Its lightweight design and eye-watering performance could provide the Predator’s owner with as much fun on the roads as the sea, whether in the South of France or Italian isles.

Caterham Cars Managing Director, Ansar Ali, said: “Our two companies have more in common than one might think at first, despite the disparity in vehicle size. The more minimal, performance-focussed approach Sunseeker has adopted for the Predator series may well have been congratulated by Colin Chapman himself and surely any Sunseeker owner would relish the chance to match their experience on the waves with the ultimate drive on the roads.”

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New Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet

Published: 8th Jan, 2010

New Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet

The 2010 Geneva Motor Show will see Renault extend the New Mégane line-up with the addition of a sixth model, the Coupé-Cabriolet. The newcomer will be premiered in Switzerland on the 2 March, as well as at L’Atelier Renault on the Champs Elysées in Paris, on the 5 March.

The New Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet replaces one of the best selling hardtop convertibles of all time. A foldaway glass roof will remain but little more than this is known.

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VW Beetle bows out with a Final Edition

Published: 5th Jan, 2010

VW Beetle Convertible

VW’s ‘new’ Beetle is reaching the end of the road with a special ‘Final Edition’ announced. 1500 of both coupe and convertible will be sold in the US. Under the bonnet it’s the standard US spec: powered by Volkswagen’s 150 horsepower, five cylinder 2.5 litre engine through a Tiptronic automatic gearbox.

It get’s more interesting though, there’s full sports suspension and unique 17″ alloy wheels to improve handling. Cosmetically each Final Edition Beetle comes with two tone Aquarius Blue and Campanella White paint with the cabrio topped off with a matching white roof. Special badging features under the wing mirrors and on the steering wheel. The hatchback version hits showrooms with a base MSRP of $20,240 and the convertible starts at $27,170.

As for a replacement, all we know is that according to VW spokesman Steve Keyes, it will be replaced in 2011 by “something Beetlish”.

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2010 Aston Martin Vantage V8

Published: 20th Dec, 2009

2010 Aston Martin Vantage V8

Aston Martin are preparing a revised Vantage V8 for 2009. Aesthetically there are new ‘magnum silver’ mesh in the vents, DBS-style clear tail lamps and subtly updated body panels.

Under the skin, the engine has been tuned to reduce carbon emissions with the manual-equipped model dropping from 328 g/km to 315 g/km, and the Sportshift model dropping to 300 g/km.

The Aston Martin order books are now open for deliveries of the new Vantage V8 in 2010.

2010 Aston Martin Vantage V8

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