Convertible Archives - Page 2 of 2 - wheelsforwomen.ie

Ford Mustang Convertible

Oct11

0

Ford Mustang Convertible

Posted by Suzanne Keane on Oct 11, 2016

Ford Mustang Convertible

We’ve already sampled the Ford Mustang V8 GT Fastback coupé so can the convertible version with the smaller 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine be just as much fun asks Suzanne Keane What is it? When it comes to iconic muscle cars the Ford Mustang has to be top of the list – this year it became available in right hand drive and along with the usual V8 engine a more “practical” 2.3L Ecoboost version is available. Styling? If attracting attention is your goal you can’t go too far wrong with a bright red Ford Mustang convertible. Everyone will stop and stare as you pass and just a knowledgeable few will ever know that it’s not the V8 model with only very subtle differences between them on the outside – The V8 version has “5.0” badges on the wings and a GT badge on the tail while the 2.3 Mustang has a pony logo instead! Under the Bonnet? While it may be the “slow” and “green” Mustang a 2.3L EcoBoost engine is not to be sniffed at! It may be a heavy car but with 300+ bhp and a 0-100kmph time of under 6 seconds you won’t be left standing at the traffic lights. What about inside? Slide yourself into the driver’s seat and you’ll find some retro looking toggle switches an old style steering wheel mixed with familiar Ford controls and touchscreen Sync system. It may be a 4 seater but anyone sitting in the back won’t have much legroom. Bootspace is adequate and I did manage to fit a Maxi-Cosi buggy in there at one point – plenty of room for your road trip luggage in this one. However, with the roof down it can be uncomfortable at any kind of speed and you may be better off with a hardtop version! On the Road? On the road it’s impossible to forget that the Mustang is a big, wide and heavy car but as the suspension has been set up for European conditions it’s much more predictable on bends than previous versions – although it did feel a little twitchy at the bank on wet roads. There are 4 driving modes available and you can also select steering modes independently of this. Unsurprisingly the new Mustang is rear wheel drive and is available as either a 6 speed manual or automatic. And Safety?...

Read more

First Drive: Mazda MX-5

Sep01

1

First Drive: Mazda MX-5

Posted by Geraldine Herbert on Sep 1, 2015

First Drive: Mazda MX-5

When an invite popped into my inbox to drive the new Mazda MX-5 convertible in Barcelona I had donned the Grace Kelly scarf and the oversized shades before I had time to hit the return button writes Geraldine Herbert What is it? In our unquenchable thirst for sunshine and the open road, convertibles are the epitome of cool and since the first generation’s arrival in 1989 the MX-5 has attracted a loyal following for its smart styling, beguiling character and affordable cost and it has become the world’s best selling sports car. The new fourth generation MX-5 is the lightest version since the iconic original weighing nearly 100kg lighter and is shorter, lower and wider. First impressions of the new Mazda-MX5? With its sharper and aggressive silhouette, large gaping grille and slim headlamp clusters it’s a really striking car and a serious head-turner. Even with the roof closed its elegant modern lines garners attention from all directions and let’s be honest, isn’t everyone who opts for a convertible an attention seeker at heart? What about the interior? Inside you’ll find MZD Connect, Mazda’s advanced infotainment system, with a seven-inch touch screen operated by a centrally located commander control. Quality throughout is much improved and it is far more comfortable to sit in for long journeys than before, although, taller passengers may find space a little restrictive. The boot can handle a couple of small carry-on luggage bags so you’ll need to travel light and it is 20 litres smaller than the previous one. It is however well shaped so it’s a little more usable than you might expect. Mazda MX-5 on road? On the road it handles beautifully and is perfectly balanced with sharply honed steering. A really nice feature is the new short-throw sporty manual gearbox that is fantastically slick. The 96kW (129bhp) model is sufficiently potent and the mountainous roads around Barcelona were negotiated with reassuring ease while the gorgeous husky engine note contributes to your satisfied smile. Also crucially for those sudden downpours the newly designed soft top roof is a fast and easy to operate and can be opened or closed in less than five seconds. How much? Two variants are available when it goes on sale next month – Roadster and Roadster GT and will cost from €27,995 and €29,995 respectively. Will it break...

Read more

Home » Convertible

Jaguar F-TYPE 3.0 V6 S Convertible

May14

Jaguar F-TYPE 3.0 V6 S Convertible

It may have been decades in the making but does the new F-type, the spiritual successor to the iconic E-Type, live up to expectations, Geraldine Herbert finds out. What is it? Jaguar has roared back into the open top market with a dazzling looking convertible. Who is it aimed at? This is the perfect car for posing in; no rival looks like or sounds like the Jaguar F-Type, Styling? Stylish, sassy, sexy, this seductive two seater is...

Read More

Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI AMG Sport

May06

Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI AMG Sport

Hannah Gordon took to the road in the slick and stylish Mercedes SLK 250 CDI AMG What is it? This is the 3rd generation Mercedes-Benz SLK; first launched in 1996 this two seater roadster has come full circle from its humble beginnings. With a shot of testosterone to its flanks this beefed up model is now available with a 2.1 diesel twin turbo engine. Who is it aimed at? This is the option for those looking for frugal fun. The...

Read More

First Drive – Citroen DS3 Cabrio

Feb06

First Drive – Citroen DS3 Cabrio

We travelled to Valencia to test drive the Citroen DS3 Cabrio What is it? Citroen’s bold and eye-catching DS3 Cabrio is a spacious five-seater that makes wind in the hair motoring glamorous and practical. First impressions of the new Citroen DS3 Cabrio: This gorgeous new addition to the DS3 range is sexy, snazzy and suave and one of the most eye-catching cabrios around. The roof is a beautiful design and can be closed in...

Read More

Next Entries »