Zafiro
Supreme Roadmaster
If you want a stylish convertible for all seasons, any one of our three will deliver.
Come rain or shine, these prestige drop-tops effortlessly mix fresh air fun with comfort, luxury and refinement.
There has to be a winner, though – and the Lexus is first to fall by the wayside.
There’s much to like about the Japanese car, including its beautiful build quality and refinement.
Standard equipment is generous, too, even in the £34,550 entry-level SE-I.
However, we couldn’t overlook the IS 250C’s awkward styling, off-the-pace powerplant, sluggish gearbox and uninspiring chassis.
You won’t feel let down by the performance of the turbocharged Audi, while its sleek design is eye-catching.
It’s also practical, and represents decent value for money. What counts against it in this test are its poor dynamics – in particular, the apparent weakness of its bodyshell.
In the final analysis, neither of our newcomers can match the all-round talents of the 3-Series.
It’s stylish, beautifully built, great to drive and incredibly refined with its hood down. The BMW is the convertible that demands the fewest compromises – and it remains our class champion.
1ST:
BMW 325i Convertible
The excellent 3-Series Convertible holds on to its crown.
Its folding metal hard-top is a technical masterpiece, and on the road the car really impresses.
It’s a safe place for your money, too.
Our only criticisms are the small boot and high CO2 emissions.
2nd:
Audi A5 Cabrio 2.0 TFSI S line
Style-conscious buyers need look no further.
The handsome Audi’s traditional fabric hood matches the refinement of its metal-topped rivals, and its 2.0 TFSI engine is another plus.
The disappointing driving experience lets it down.
3rd:
Lexus IS 250C SE-L
For cruising in relaxed comfort, the refined and beautifully finished Lexus fits the bill. But compared with its rivals here, it looks slightly frumpy, delivers lacklustre performance and has compromised rear seats.
BMW 325i
BMW 325i Convertible | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express
Audi A5
Audi A5 Cabrio 2.0 TFSI S line | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express
LExus
Lexus IS 250C SE-L | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express
Come rain or shine, these prestige drop-tops effortlessly mix fresh air fun with comfort, luxury and refinement.
There has to be a winner, though – and the Lexus is first to fall by the wayside.
There’s much to like about the Japanese car, including its beautiful build quality and refinement.
Standard equipment is generous, too, even in the £34,550 entry-level SE-I.
However, we couldn’t overlook the IS 250C’s awkward styling, off-the-pace powerplant, sluggish gearbox and uninspiring chassis.
You won’t feel let down by the performance of the turbocharged Audi, while its sleek design is eye-catching.
It’s also practical, and represents decent value for money. What counts against it in this test are its poor dynamics – in particular, the apparent weakness of its bodyshell.
In the final analysis, neither of our newcomers can match the all-round talents of the 3-Series.
It’s stylish, beautifully built, great to drive and incredibly refined with its hood down. The BMW is the convertible that demands the fewest compromises – and it remains our class champion.
1ST:
BMW 325i Convertible
The excellent 3-Series Convertible holds on to its crown.
Its folding metal hard-top is a technical masterpiece, and on the road the car really impresses.
It’s a safe place for your money, too.
Our only criticisms are the small boot and high CO2 emissions.
2nd:
Audi A5 Cabrio 2.0 TFSI S line
Style-conscious buyers need look no further.
The handsome Audi’s traditional fabric hood matches the refinement of its metal-topped rivals, and its 2.0 TFSI engine is another plus.
The disappointing driving experience lets it down.
3rd:
Lexus IS 250C SE-L
For cruising in relaxed comfort, the refined and beautifully finished Lexus fits the bill. But compared with its rivals here, it looks slightly frumpy, delivers lacklustre performance and has compromised rear seats.
BMW 325i
BMW 325i Convertible | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express
Audi A5
Audi A5 Cabrio 2.0 TFSI S line | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express
LExus
Lexus IS 250C SE-L | Car Group Tests | Car Reviews | Auto Express
