CONVERTIBLES: Under $150,000

1ST - Volkswagen Eos 2.0TFSI DSG
Segment-smashing $52K retail price for the Eos means you get much of the Euro convertible enjoyment at half the price of the Audi, and just 40 percent of the BMW’s hefty $124K tag. The Eos nudges both competitors aside on resale potential, and is cheaper to insure — but not by as much as the massive price disparity might suggest. One thing that’s hard to reconcile is Volkswagen’s warranty — Audi offers unlimited kilometres; Volkswagen doesn’t. Surely there would be no technical impediment? The whole thing smacks of marketing department smoke and mirrors, so Audi owners can feel just that much more special.

2ND - BMW 335i (auto)
Twin-turbo inline six isn’t cheap but is absolutely brilliant. Dynamics not as sharp as equivalent (and substantially cheaper) 335i Coupe, but it’s still the pick in this category – until price is factored in. It’s an impediment, particularly if all you want is a folding metal roof and Euro badge.



3RD - Audi A4 V6 FSI (auto)
Probably the most elegant convertible here, but it can’t match the BMW on engine outputs (despite equal thirst) or dynamic engagement. Definitely not twice as good as the Eos to drive, but more than twice the price. Lowest potential resale value, too.