WhatCarAwards banner - desktop
sponsored

In association with MotorEasy

Car of the Year Awards 2021: Convertible of the Year

A good convertible should obviously offer wind-in-the-hair thrills, but, we’re looking for a car that also delivers an enjoyable drive and a four-seat interior that makes you feel special...

WINNER: Convertible of the Year

Fiat 500 Cabrio Icon

What Car? Car of the Year 2021 logo with sponsor

The new Fiat 500 Cabrio is all-electric, and that makes it the first battery-powered winner of our Convertible of the Year award – a sign of the times, no doubt. However, don’t think it wins just because its electric power taps into the zeitgeist.

Granted, the way you can whizz around seamlessly and near-silently gives it a trump card no other convertible can match, but just as appealing is the beautifully finished interior and the fact that the 500 Cabrio is every bit as good to drive as the hatchback on which it’s based – a rare quality, that.

Fiat 500 Electric 2020 front seats

It can also travel much farther on a charge than electric rivals such as the Honda E and Mini Electric, neither of which has the added appeal of a convertible roof. In fact, our favoured Icon trim is very well equipped in general, with climate control, cruise control and a big touchscreen infotainment system all standard.

The 500 Cabrio doesn’t shudder or shake along bumpy roads in the way that the Mini Convertible can, and in its own way it’s every bit as refined as the Lexus LC Convertible. Plus, of course, it’s a lot more environmentally friendly than both.

We like

> Appealing interior
> Better range than electric rivals
> Refined and good to drive
> Low running costs

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read about more Car of the Year 2021 winners >>