
Hardtop convertibles include the following models: BMW Z4 Roadster: This car was produced between 2015 and 2016 as a hardtop convertible. Although it has been discontinued for a long time, it can still frequently be seen on the roads. The car was reintroduced in 2019, meeting the demands of some enthusiasts and giving a sense of a hero's return. Mazda Miata-RF: A standout in the affordable hardtop convertible segment, it abandons the traditional flat-bottom roadster look of the Miata, making it one of the most eye-catching Miatas in history. Its design is reminiscent of the 1970s Corvette's diving fastback style, and it features a rear window that helps reduce wind buffeting. Lexus IS250C: This is a limited-edition car with only 50 units produced. It comes with a unique black and red semi-aniline leather interior that fully captures the attention of passersby when driving with the top down. Due to the trunk needing to accommodate the hardtop, the IS250C has only 250L of trunk space, but it is sufficient for personal luggage.

To be honest, I'm particularly fond of hardtop convertible designs - that mechanical sensation during roof operation is especially cool. Currently, there aren't too many hardtop convertibles available on the market. The BMW 4 Series two-door hardtop convertible is quite representative, offering exceptional stability when driving. Mercedes-Benz also has the SLC and C-Class convertible versions, both featuring impressively fast roof operation speeds. I'm quite fascinated by the Mazda MX-5 RF - its unique small rear window lifting mechanism gives it much more character than traditional soft tops. Speaking of classics, the older Porsche 911 Targa models could actually be considered semi-hardtop designs. However, it's true that pure hardtop convertible new cars are becoming increasingly rare these days, mainly due to their complex structures and higher costs.

The selection range for hardtop convertibles is significantly smaller compared to soft tops. I've looked into the few mainstream models still available on the market. The BMW 4 Series Convertible is a popular choice, with its roof that can open or close in just over 3 seconds, even while driving. Mercedes-Benz used to offer hardtop versions of the E-Class and C-Class, though the new C-Class seems to have temporarily discontinued this option. The Audi A5 Cabriolet is quite common on the roads, easily recognizable by its fastback silhouette. The Mazda MX-5 RF is a favorite among compact car enthusiasts, with its Targa-style design being particularly practical on rainy days. But honestly, all these cars see reduced trunk space when the roof is down, so it's something to consider carefully for long-term use.

When it comes to current hardtop convertibles on the market, the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 are definitely top choices. I personally test drove the new 4 Series convertible, and the sound insulation is noticeably better than soft tops. Although Mercedes-Benz hasn't updated the C-Class with a hardtop version yet, the E-Class convertibles in the used car market are quite attractive. For those who particularly love small sports cars, the Mazda MX-5 RF is worth considering - it's incredibly fun to drive and can be had for around 300,000 RMB. Just a heads-up: these cars are significantly heavier than their hardtop counterparts, and repairing the convertible mechanisms can be more expensive.


