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Cape Town - There is an Afrikaans folk song that goes “Dis heerlike lente! Die winter’s verby!” (It’s wonderful spring time, the winter has passed).
I’ll admit, it does not have the same effect when you translate it, but the essence remains: spring is here and it’s time to enjoy the sun again!
And what better way for consumers to enjoy warmer weather than driving a car with the top down; soaking up the fresh air and allowing the wind to comb through your hair… Aah, bliss.
With the first day of spring just around the corner, we list a number of convertibles that we think will do the trick this summer!
Our criteria is simple: it needs to cost less than R200 000, have a maximum of 100 000km on the speedometer, and not be older than the 2010 model-year.
Listing from the lowest to the highest priced, here is our pick!
The criteria for our search.
1 2013 Peugeot 207 CC 1.6T Sport 2 - R159 990
Three-years-old, 35 500km, full service history and one owner… Is this the steal of the bunch?
Not only is it the cheapest, but comes equipped with heated front seats, all-round electric windows and ISOFIX mountings. It has an electric-folding hardtop and a maintenance plan that is valid until 60 000km.
It’s 1.6-litre turbocharged engine produces 115kW/240Nm and maxes out at 215km/h.
Image: AutoTrader
2 2014 Fiat 500 500S 1.4 - R169 950
This little Fiat is no bigger than a shoe box, but it does have a lot of that ‘cutsie’ appeal. Out of our pick it has the lowest mileage (26 700km), as well as a full service history.
For the money prospective buyers will get a six-speed manual gearbox that channels the 1.4-litre engine’s power (74kW/131Nm) to the front wheels. This car also does not have a ‘normal’ stowaway roof, but instead features a retractable cloth that fits nicely behind the rear seats.
Image: AutoTrader
3 2013 Citroen DS3 Cabrio THP 155 Sport - R175 900
This sporty little Citroen may only use a 1.6-litre turbo engine, but its 115kW/240Nm is not afraid to lay a punch into the road.
With features that include a multimedia system and heated seats, this is car is a good excuse to get up early and watch the sunrise from your favourite mountain top.
And as a little bonus, this Citroen oozes with French flair and looks striking in its Bumble Bee yellow. Oh, and it only has 33 750km on the clock!
Image: AutoTrader
For some reason the Mini Cooper has always had a strong following in SA and there is no reason to ponder on this car’s credentials.
With 42 000km covered and a full service history, the previous owner of this car made sure it stayed in a good condition. And its electric-folding soft-roof is one of the best aspects of this car. Why? Because it opens up for one of the best open-top experiences.
With 135kW/240Nm from its turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, this little Coop’ will provide brisk performance in an enjoyable manner. And that’s one of the main reasons you’d actually consider this car.
Image: AutoTrader
5 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 1.4 TSI Comfortline Auto - R199 950
Featuring Volkswagen’s seven-speed DSG gearbox, this Golf is sure to be a winner when enjoying the drive is what you’re after. Its 1.4-litre pushes out a shameful 90kW/200Nm, but it only underlines the car’s cruising abilities.
Gadgets and features include cruise control, electric side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, and a few airbags for protection.
Given VW’s sturdy reputation in SA, this 87 000km-old is one of the safest buys from a consumer’s point of view.
Image: AutoTrader
6 2010 Audi A3 1.8T Ambition Auto - R199 990
Featuring Audi’s familiar (118kW/250Nm) 1.8-litre engine, this A3 Cabriolet is good for some decent performance. 0-100km/h takes around eight seconds, whilst returning only 7.6 litres/100km.
With only 65 000km on the clock and a full service history, this car is sure to give its owner peace of mind.
The vehicle features remote central locking, a multi-function steering wheel, paddle shifters behind the steering wheel and dual climate control, to name but a few.
Image: AutoTrader
If your budget can stretch beyond R200 000, consider one of these:
2010 BMW 1 Series 135i convertible auto for sale - R264 950
Image: AutoTrader
2012 AC Cobra V8 for sale - R 269 995
