1st - BMW 125i
It's $30K cheaper than the 3 Series convertible packing the same engine, with engaging rear-drive dynamics — and it’ll run on 91RON, while the admittedly cheaper VW Eos demands 95RON PULP.

Frankly though, arguing the toss over the 125i versus the Eos is a process that’ll run out of either steam or logic very fast; they’re that close on value, and not miles apart in the overall dynamics department.

In the end, BMW took a narrow victory (by 0.57 points) on the back of its unlimited-kilometre warranty. VW offers the same three years but with a 100,000km cap.



2nd - Volkswagen EOS 2.0T DSG
Uniquely brilliant at this price point, the Eos’s five-piece folding roof with integral sunroof means the car looks brilliant top up or down, and the value equation is virtually identical to the 125i’s – at a substantially lower entry-level price.



3rd - BMW 325i
You’ll pay $45K more for the folding metal roof on this car, compared to the Eos, but you’ll love it. The styling and engine refinement is breathtaking, and not much is traded off dynamically as a result of going topless (compared with the coupe). It’s a close third.