Best 4-seat convertibles: 12 Cars you will like!

Convertible cars provide a unique sense of freedom on the open road. However, two-seater models may not always meet the practical needs of everyday life or growing families. That’s where four-seater convertibles step in, offering both the thrill of open-top driving and the convenience of accommodating friends and family.

But not all four-seater convertibles are created equal; some provide genuine rear seat space, ensuring comfort for all passengers. Here are the best four-seat convertibles that combine style with practicality and ample space.

Picture yourself behind the wheel of a convertible and wind in your hair. Carplus can make that vision a reality with our flexible car finance options. Let the adventure begin!

1. Mini Convertible

Mini offers a small and fun four-seat convertible that’s surprisingly affordable. It might not have the most spacious interior, but it’s all about the joy of driving.

It comes with various engine options similar to the regular Mini hatchback. But because it has to carry a bit more weight with a convertible roof, it’s not as quick. The basic 1.6-litre petrol engine with 98bhp is decent. But if you want more fun, the Cooper with a 118bhp engine is a better choice. The John Cooper Works version is even more powerful with 230bhp.

The best part is that it’s comfortable with the soft top up and even more fun with it down. Just keep in mind that the back seats are small, and there’s not much trunk space when the roof is folded.

2. Audi A3 Cabriolet

Among four-seat convertibles, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is a cosy little cruiser, fit for a comfortable ride rather than thrilling speed. It comes with a range of petrol and diesel engines, including 1.5 and 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines and 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel engines. Both can come in Sport and S line trims, with the high-performance S3 having its own unique specifications.

Based on the MQB chassis used in many VW Group small cars, it provides a smooth and precise ride. And when it comes to practicality, this convertible does a decent job.

In the front, there’s ample headroom, even with the canvas top up. So you won’t feel cramped. However, space is limited for two adults in the back, both in terms of headroom and legroom. Taller rear passengers will find them particularly snug.

3. Fiat 500C

The Fiat 500C offers a nostalgic open-air experience reminiscent of the original Fiat 500 from the late 1950s. Its design exudes classic Fiat style. It features ample chrome trim around the main badge and lights, which captures the essence of yesteryears.

Powering the 500C are 1.2 and 0.9-litre TwinAir petrol engines. These provide 69bhp and 85bhp, respectively, and offer an enjoyable drive with a distinctive engine growl. Models equipped with the new 1.0-litre mild-hybrid engine feel less strained compared to the older 1.2 engine. But they are not particularly fast. The electric version of the 500C is arguably the most enjoyable to drive.

Cabin space is limited for 4-seat convertibles. There is enough room for the driver to find comfort relatively easily. Still, other passengers won’t have much headroom to spare.

4. Ford Mustang Convertible

The Ford Mustang is a captivating four-seat convertible that embodies the essence of American muscle cars. It combines speed, audacious looks, and a thrilling exhaust note.

Initially, Mustang buyers could choose between a 286bhp 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine and a traditional 5.0-litre V8 with 410bhp. Over time, the four-cylinder option was phased out in the UK. And the V8 was upgraded to an even more impressive 444bhp.

The Mustang Convertible excels in straight-line speed. But its performance suffers in corners due to its relatively soft suspension and limited structural stiffness. It’s better suited for relaxed cruising than sharp cornering. So, not a sports car.

Inside, the interior presents luxury features, retro touches, and classic Mustang styling. That said, some cheaper materials and exposed roof mechanism components may catch your eye. Surprisingly, rear seats can accommodate adults in a pinch.

5. Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler presents the class of rugged four-seat convertibles with four-wheel drive and a strong lineage tracing back to World War II Willy’s Jeep. Its classic looks make it an attractive option for those seeking a compact off-roader.

However, this off-roading prowess comes at a price. The soft top, while adding to its charm, doesn’t provide much insulation. So, driving it year-round requires resilience. It offers a few engine choices with up to 174 bhp, which is adequate but can be noisy and coarse at the top speed.

Off-road, the Wrangler shines with its soft suspension setup and ample ground clearance. But on regular roads, it delivers a choppy ride, imprecise steering, and a subpar gearbox. Overall, keep in mind that the Wrangler is not ideal for highway driving.

The cabin is ultra-basic and designed for easy cleaning after muddy adventures. While the front-seat passengers have more room, rear-seat passengers won’t find much room to stretch out.

6. Volkswagen Beetle

The Volkswagen Beetle is still on the market with its iconic bug shape, reminiscent of the original Beetle Convertible from 1949. Underneath, it’s a modern marvel.

You have seven engine choices with the Beetle Cabriolet, ranging from a 1.2-litre TSI petrol with 103bhp to a 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 138bhp. There are also low-emission and BlueMotion Technology versions available.

The fabric roof opens in just 9.5 seconds and closes in 11 seconds with a simple button press. Unlike older Beetle convertibles, it lies flat when down for an unobstructed rear view. You can even open or close the roof while driving at low speeds.

The Beetle Cabriolet is reasonably practical, comfortably seating four adults. VW has improved rear seat space so taller passengers won’t have their heads brushing the roof. The boot space is decent and features a 50:50 split-folding rear bench seat.

7. Audi A5

The Audi A5 Cabriolet is a top choice four-seater, perfect for all the family needs. It combines a sleek design, enjoyable driving experience, and manageable running costs. The fabric roof adds a touch of retro charm and doesn’t eat up much storage space.

The Audi A5 has many engine choices, from small 1.8-litre turbos to more substantial 2.0-litre turbos and 3.0-litre V6s. You can also get a 2.0-litre diesel and choose between front-wheel and four-wheel drive.

From the outside, the Audi A5 Cabriolet looks sharp, with a simple shape that’s dominated by a large Audi grille.

Like many four-seat convertibles, the A5 Cabriolet offers ample room for two up front. But what sets it apart is that even rear passengers won’t feel cramped. The boot is genuinely large and could rival a small saloon’s.

8. BMW 4 Series Convertible

The BMW 4 Series is the epitome of a four-seat convertible that combines the thrill of open-air driving with BMW’s renowned driving dynamics. It has an attractive design and offers a genuine experience of driving in sport mode. In short, it lives up to BMW’s reputation.

You can pick from a variety of potent petrol and diesel engines for the BMW 4 Series Convertible. They provide nothing short of impressive performance, thanks to BMW’s excellent engineering. Most models have rear-wheel drive, but some also offer four-wheel drive as an option.

One standout feature of the 4 Series Convertible is its folding metal roof for enhanced security and better noise insulation. However, this folding roof adds complexity and cost to the car. Plus, it increases the vehicle’s weight and the potential for expensive repairs in case of damage.

9. Suzuki Jimny

The Suzuki Jimny is an interesting choice among compact 4-seater convertibles. In contrast to most other models on this list, ​​it essentially has a fixed roof on rails that you can easily fold over or under.

The Jimny’s ride might not be the smoothest. But its small size, upright windshield, and raised ride height provide great visibility and a fun driving experience. It’s equipped with a small 1.3-litre petrol engine that might not be as powerful as some rivals. Still, it can handle challenging off-road situations and tow trailers on regular roads.

Inside, the interior is simple and durable, with a lot of hard plastics. The rear seats are a bit cramped for small families, and the boot is pretty much non-existent. All of that shouldn’t discourage you, though, if you’re after an off-road car in a convertible form that is affordable and comes well-equipped as standard.

10. Volkswagen EOS

Unlike most four-seat convertibles listed here, the Volkswagen EOS has a cleverly designed metal folding roof. It’s made from a combination of steel and glass and even includes a sunroof. This feature brings an abundance of natural light and an airy ambience to the cabin, even when the roof is up during rainy weather.

Engine-wise, there is a fuel-efficient yet powerful diesel option and the 2.0-litre turbo engine found in the 2005 Golf GTI. For budget-conscious buyers, VW introduced the Bluemotion Technology in 2010.

The EOS is practical too, as it can function as a family car with four seats, full-sized even when it comes to the rear legroom. Sure, the boot space diminishes with the roof down. But it has a decent boot when you just use the sunroof.

11. Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty and fun-to-drive four-seater convertible-slash-coupe. One notable feature is its sleek styling, which gives the impression of a high-performance vehicle. The look is especially impressive when equipped with a rear wing and 18-inch alloys.

The Eclipse does not offer diesel engines. On the upside, it compensates with a 162-hp I-4 engine, particularly in the GS and GS Sport models. The car’s chassis and four-wheel independent suspension contribute to its fun handling. Though not the fastest car in its class, the Eclipse offers decent fuel economy.

Despite its somewhat dated exterior design, the Eclipse still manages to turn heads with its sporty look. As a bonus feature, there are heated seats across all models except the GS. The rear seats aren’t special but fine enough.

12. DS3 Cabrio

The DS3 Cabrio is designed for those who are unsure if they want a traditional convertible. Rather than a roof that completely disappears, the DS3 Cabrio is more of a coupe version with a full-length sunroof. There are three roof configurations: fully retracted, partly retracted, and closed. It takes just 16 seconds to transition from a closed cabin to an open-top, even at 70 mph.

The range starts from the 80bhp 1.2-litre PureTech 82 to the popular PureTech 110. The line-up tops off with a four-cylinder 1.6-litre THP 165 engine for a spirited performance.

It’s worth noting that the DS3 Cabrio’s rear-seat passengers will feel rather uncomfortable during extended rides. On the bright side, you won’t hear any complaints from your suitcases as there’s enough space there.

Final words: Top four-seat convertibles in the UK

Driving most convertibles during the sunny months in Britain is a treat, but a great convertible is enjoyable all year long. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those select UK drivers who appreciate it, the experience is truly fantastic.

Having four seats in a convertible makes it practical for families and those who like to bring friends along for the ride. While we’ve shared only 12 of the best 4-seater convertibles, there are more convertibles available in the used car market.

And remember, Carplus offers a wide range of used cars to explore. Whether it’s a convertible or another type of vehicle you’re looking for, check out our tool to find your ideal ride!