UK survey finds convertibles mostly closed despite strong sales | CarAdvice

Car Advice

UK survey finds convertibles mostly closed despite strong sales

By David Zalstein |
FIND DEALS

A survey of convertible car owners in the UK has shown nearly two thirds of soft-top-driving Brits either never or rarely drop the roof.

The survey conducted by Audi in August, saw 64 per cent of British convertible owners lean more towards keeping the roof raised despite Britain being one of the world’s biggest markets for convertible cars.

Almost half, 46 per cent, of those surveyed cited exotic looks over wind-in-the-hair driving appeal as the main reason for getting into the driver’s seat of a convertible.

The survey also revealed that female owners are more likely to drop the lid on their convertibles than their male counterparts, with 39 per cent of woman saying they almost always drive with their car open, versus 32 per cent of males.

Audi TT Roadster

In a significant difference, only 17 per cent of the woman polled, compared to 27 per cent of men, said they never open their roof at all.

According to the survey data, those most likely to drive with the roof down are 25 to 34 years old and those residing in the East Midlands, with both groups polling well above the national average in number of trips driven with the top open.

One can only image the influence some sunshine in England would have on the data.


 

  • sleepsy

    Always top down

  • Daniel

    Never having the roof down is just stupid, but I can understand not putting it down too often. The whole point of having a convertible is having the choice and you don’t sacrifice too much on the dynamics or build front for having a soft top, so even if you only have it down a few times a year it could still be worth the owner having it. The UK is only good for convertibles a few times a year anyway!

  • Lachy

    If I lived in the UK, I’d keep the top up all the time as well. It beats getting rained on all the time.

  • http://aussiecarrentals.com.au/ Car Rentals Adelaide

    Daniel I agree with you!!

  • Bryan

    The R8 looks good with the roof down!  Not so much the TT though.

  • Rightindicators

    Its a image thing, just like people buy SUVs but never take it off the road. Its one of those me too trends.

  • Mark

    There is something special about driving around with the roof down 

  • Zzzzzz

    Oh yes definitely the roof down, I drove with the roof down on any occasion i can get. In winter as well.

  • Harvey

    I always find it weird when I see parked convertibles with their tops down (though this does not happen very often).

  • gt86.com.au

    why is this a surprise with dodgy uk weather?