Top Performing Convertibles of 2016: Elegance, Thrill, and Entertainment
In the realm of luxury convertibles, 2016 saw the debut of some impressive models, each offering a unique blend of performance, style, and comfort. This article takes a closer look at six of the most noteworthy contenders: the Porsche Boxster, Porsche 911, Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, MINI Cooper, and Mazda MX-5 Miata.
---
## Price Overview
Prices for these luxury convertibles vary significantly, with the Porsche Boxster ranging from £22,500 to £50,000 in the used market, while the new MSRP at launch was approximately £44,000 to £55,000. The Porsche 911, with its iconic badge and higher performance, carries a significantly higher price tag. The Chevrolet Camaro, offering muscle car performance and aggressive styling, is priced between £25,000 and £45,000 in the used market, while the new MSRP ranged from £36,000 to £45,000. The Ford Mustang, a classic muscle car, can be found in the used market for around £20,000 to £40,000, with a new MSRP of £32,000 to £40,000. The MINI Cooper starts at £20,700, while the Mazda MX-5 Miata has a starting price of £24,915.
---
## Features & Luxury
Each of these convertibles boasts its own unique features and interior design. The Porsche Boxster and 911 offer advanced infotainment, premium leather, dual-zone climate control, premium audio, and extensive customization. The Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang feature large touchscreens, leather, ambient lighting, and safety tech. The MINI Cooper offers a fun, customizable digital dashboard, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata focuses on driver-centric ergonomics.
---
## Performance & Handling
The 2016 Porsche Boxster, with its mid-engine balance, razor-sharp steering, and thrilling dynamics, is universally praised for its handling. The Porsche 911, with its iconic rear-engine balance, delivers a sublime ride and handling. The Chevrolet Camaro offers sharp handling and muscle-car thunder, while the Ford Mustang provides great sound and improved handling. The MINI Cooper offers go-kart handling, and the Mazda MX-5 Miata is renowned for its ultralight weight, telepathic steering, and pure roadster joy.
---
## Expert Reviews & Appeals
The Porsche Boxster is universally praised for its everyday usability, quality interior, and surprising practicality for a two-seater. The Porsche 911, the gold standard for sports cars, delivers on every count, though not as sharp as the Boxster for pure driving fun. The Chevrolet Camaro offers serious performance and aggressive looks, with a cockpit aimed at drivers. The Ford Mustang provides improved handling and ride with V8 muscle, but still lacks the precision of the Porsches or Miata. The MINI Cooper is quirky, fun, and customizable, but not a true sports car. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the essence of a lightweight, affordable roadster, offering unmatched fun for the price, but with minimal luxury features.
---
## Summary Table
| Model | Price (used) | Best For | Luxo-Sport Score | Fun Factor | Practicality | Verdict | |---------------|----------------|------------------------------|------------------|------------|--------------|----------------------------------| | Boxster (981) | £22.5k–£50k[1] | Driving purists, daily use | 9/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | Best all-round sports roadster[2]| | 911 | Higher | Prestige, all-rounder | 10/10 | 9/10 | 7/10 | Benchmark, but pricier | | Camaro | £25k–£45k | Muscle fans, style lovers | 7/10 | 8/10 | 6/10 | Loud, fast, less refined | | Mustang | £20k–£40k | Affordable muscle, sound | 6/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | Improved, but not a precision tool| | MINI Cooper | £18k–£30k | Urban fun, quirkiness | 6/10 | 7/10 | 7/10 | Fun in the city, not a true sport| | MX-5 Miata | £15k–£25k | Budget thrills, pure fun | 4/10 | 10/10 | 5/10 | Ultimate value, no luxury |
---
## Conclusion
The 2016 Porsche Boxster, with its unrivaled blend of performance, handling, everyday usability, and style, remains the expert’s pick for those seeking the best luxury convertible experience of 2016. It delivers nearly all the 911’s driving thrills at a lower price, and outclasses all rivals in balance, precision, and roadster charm. The Porsche 911, with its more power, more prestige, but also significantly more expensive, offers ultimate prestige and performance. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, with its unmatched fun for the money, but lacking luxury, offers the best affordable thrills. The Chevrolet Camaro, with its great performance and presence, but less refined for daily driving, offers the best muscle convertible. The MINI Cooper, with its quirky, customizable, and surprisingly capable interior, offers the best urban fun. The Ford Mustang, with its improved handling and V8 muscle, offers the best classic muscle, but still lacks the precision of the Porsches or Miata.
[1] [Car and Driver](https://www.caranddriver.com/porsche/boxster) [2] [Autocar](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/porsche/boxster-2016)
In the realm of home-and-garden, one might envision a lavishly designed outdoor space, complete with an immaculate lawn, colorful flower beds, and a charming gazebo. This oasis could serve as the perfect backdrop for leisurely garden parties, accompanied by the soothing melodies of a fine electric-vehicle-powered sound system.
In contrast, for those with a passion for car-maintenance, a spacious, well-lit garage could be transformed into a practical workshop, equipped with the latest tools needed to care for their luxury electric vehicles. This haven would allow owners to polish, tune, and maintain their prized possessions, ensuring they always perform at their best on the road.
