Summer is finally here, so get ready to see more convertible cars on our roads.
Aside from a handful of six-figure convertible supercars, there are few affordable new convertibles on the market, save for the evergreen Mazda MX-5, the Mini Convertible and the Fiat 500c.
Therefore, most of the drivers you see on them will be owners of prized second-hand models. But the big splash is coming from the now Chinese-owned MG, which is bucking the trend and launching its exciting new Cyberster roadster to mark its centenary.
With order books open ahead of first deliveries in August, the all-electric two-seater convertible with impressive lifting scissor doors will also be the star of this year’s four-day, almost sold-out Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The annual event in West Sussex (goodwood.com) will take place from July 11-14.
Spotting an opportunity: MG launches its exciting new Cyberster roadster to mark its centenary
MG cars will feature in the central sculpture and both the Cyberster and one of its most famous predecessors, a 1964 1.8-litre Mk1 Roadster, will play prominent roles in the event, including on the famous hill climb. Although it’s not in the league of supercars, even the latest Cyberster, designed at MG’s London studio in Marylebone, doesn’t come cheap.
Prices start from £54,995 for the 340 hp (250 kW) rear-drive single-engine Cyberster Trophy, which runs from 0 to 62 mph in five seconds and has an official range of 316 miles, enough to get you from London to Newcastle.
The 503PS (375kW) flagship GT edition, from £59,995, is more performance-orientated and is the most powerful production model in MG’s 100-year history. A dual motor with all-wheel drive, it goes from 0 to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds with a shorter range of 276 miles.
Its fully electric fabric hood can be opened or closed in 15 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph.
Powered by 77 kWh batteries, both versions have four driving modes (Comfort, Custom, Sport and Track) and come with a reassuring seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty.
All-electric two-seater convertible has spectacular lifting scissor doors
Its fully electric fabric hood can open or close in 15 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph
Prices start from £54,995 for the single-motor, rear-drive 340 hp (250 kW) Cyberster Trophy, which runs from 0 to 62 mph in five seconds and has an official range of 316 miles.
Founded in 1924 by Cecil Kimber, MG was synonymous with affordable sports cars such as the MG Midget, MGB roadster and MGB GT coupe, although the brand is now owned by Chinese automobile giant SAIC, based in Shanghai.
For many years I was the proud owner of an MG Midget looking for Goodwood Green.
Festival of Speed host and founder, the Duke of Richmond, said of this year’s event: “It will be a fitting tribute to the first 100 years of one of Britain’s oldest and most popular manufacturers, which has enjoyed a long association with Goodwood.
Fiat’s Panda gives a great look
Everyone loves a cute Panda and Fiat’s newcomer is the first in a growing family.
Cuddly Panda: Grande Panda five-seater urban retro hatchback supermini is bigger and sleeker than its predecessor
The Grande Panda five-seater urban retro hatchback supermini is larger (3.99m long) and more stylish than its predecessor.
Prices from £15,000 for the petrol hybrid and £22,000 for the electric.
