RAY MASSEY: Get set to see extra convertible vehicles on our roads
- Most drivers that you see in them will be owners of cherished second-hand models
Summer is finally here, so get set to see more convertible cars on our roads.
Other than a clutch of six-figure open-top supercars, there are few affordable new cabriolets on the market, save for the evergreen Mazda MX-5, Mini Convertible and Fiat 500c.
So most drivers that you see in them will be owners of cherished second-hand models.
Spotting an opening: MG is launching its exciting new Cyberster roadster to mark its centenary
But the big splash comes from MG — now Chinese owned — which is bucking the trend and launching its exciting new Cyberster roadster to mark its centenary.
With order books now open ahead of first deliveries in August, the two-seater all-electric convertible with dramatic uplifting scissor doors is also to be the star of this year’s near-sell-out four-day Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The annual event in West Sussex (goodwood.com) runs from July 11 to July 14.
MG cars will feature on 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 at the event, including on the famous hill climb.
Though not in the supercar league, even the latest Cyberster — designed at MG’s London studio in Marylebone — is not cheap.
Prices start from £54,995 for the 340 hp (250 kW) single motor rear-wheel drive Cyberster Trophy which sprints from 0 to 62 mph in five seconds and has an official range of 316 miles — enough to get from London to Newcastle.
The flagship 503 PS (375 kW) GT edition, from £59,995, is more performance-oriented — and the most powerful production model in MG’s 100-year history.
A dual-motor 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 drive modes — comfort, custom, sport and track — and come with a reassuring seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty.
The two-seater all-electric convertible has dramatic uplifting scissor doors
Its fully electric fabric hood can be opened or closed in 15 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph
Prices start from £54,995 for the 340 hp (250 kW) single motor rear-wheel drive Cyberster Trophy which sprints from 0 to 62 mph in five seconds and has an official range of 316 miles
Founded in 1924 by Cecil Kimber, MG was a byword for affordable sports cars such as the MG Midget, MGB roadster and MGB GT coupe, although the marque is now owned by Shanghai-based Chinese car giant SAIC.
For many years I was the proud owner of an MG Midget in fetching Goodwood Green.
Festival of Speed host and founder the Duke of Richmond said of this year’s event: ‘It’s set to 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 goes for a big look
Everyone loves a cuddly Panda and the new arrival from Fiat is first in a growing family.
Cuddly Panda: The Grande Panda retro urban five-seater supermini hatchback is bigger and sharper than its predecessor
The Grande Panda retro urban five-seater supermini hatchback is bigger (3.99 m long) and sharper than its predecessor.
Prices from £15,000 for hybrid petrol and £22,000 for electric.
