Convertibles make a cool comeback
Ford Mustang Convertible
In the past, a convertible was either a luxury vehicle or a secondary car. It was just for a lucky few and wasn’t practical enough for everyday use.
These days, the introduction of hardtops, a more diverse product lineup and a price range as low as 30 million won ($24,097) have all combined to make the purchase of the once coveted car more affordable and attractive.
Sadly, none of the five Korean automakers currently make convertibles. Once upon a time in 1996 Kia had the Elan. Until last year, GM Daewoo sold GM’s two-seat roadster the G2X. But low sales have kept both cars out of the market.
On the low end there is the New Mini Cooper Convertible from BMW. The car is sportier in appearance than its predecessor and, despite its small stature, is equipped with a 120-horsepower engine that can reach 100 kilometers per hour in 11.1 seconds. Meanwhile, the 175-horsepower engine of the Mini Cooper S can go up to 100 kilometers in just 7.7 seconds.
The Mini Cooper Convertible retails at 39.3 million won while the S goes for 44 million won.
Peugeot’s 207 CC hardtop convertible has a 120-horsepower engine and can go as fast as 195 kilometers per hour. The two-seater is a best seller in Korea with 355 units sold last year and is priced at 36 million won.
In the mid-price range, Ford’s Mustang Convertible retails for 42 million won and has an even more powerful engine: 213 horsepower right at your fingertips.
The sleek design of the Audi TT makes it popular among women. It retails for 61.8 million won.
On the high end is the Jaguar XKR. It has an aluminum monocoque body and a 4.2 liter supercharger, 420-horsepower engine. The price? 177.6 million won.
Mercedes-Benz SL63AMG is another high-end model currently selling for 189.9 million won. The convertible has a 6,300 cc engine and a new speed shift multi-clutch seven-speed sports transmission. It can reach 100 kilometers in just 4.6 seconds.
Bentley Continental GTC, retailing at nearly 300 million won, saw just two vehicles sold last year. The Continental GTC commands a 560-horsepower engine, the most powerful in the history of Bentley, which started in 1920, and reaches 100 kilometers per hour in under five seconds.
Porche’s 911 Turbo Cabriolet is gaining popularity in the local market, with 11 units sold last year.
The most expensive convertible on the market is Rolls-Royce’s Drophead Coupe. With a price somewhere over 700 million won, the company has failed to sell even one unit here so far.
By Lee Ho-jeong [ojlee82@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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