Hard Top Convertibles Become Popular

More and more convertibles are being brought out and lots of them are hard tops. The problem is by putting a hard metal roof in a convertible is very heavy, expensive, and cloth roofs are just as quiet and waterproof. A problem with all convertibles is that by taking the roof off a coupe the chassis and structure lose much of their rigidity. That ruins a car's handling and in IIHS crash test of mid size convertibles these cars become weak and unsafe unless lots of heavy and expensive strengthening is put in. The Pontiac G6 convertible crumpled worse at the front than the sedan, the back end twisted around, and the dummy's head ended up hitting the dashboard. These convertibles also have trouble in the side crash test, because it is very hard to put head protection airbags in and the side airbags aren't very effective as the BMW 3 series and Audi A4 convertibles proved when they got marginal side crash test ratings (coupe, sedan, and wagon version were rated good). making a hard top convertible also requires a long rear end that will look weird. The new Volvo C70 is the only 4 seat hard top convertible that really looks good, but has terrible steering. The Volkswagen Eos is almost the only reasonably priced  4 seat hard top convertible that drives well and is safe. In Europe they get Renault Megane, new Ford Focus, and Opel Astra hard top convertibles that all drive well, are affordable, safe and great looking. I think the new Audi A3 soft top convertible is probably one of the best small convertibles. It is great looking, has the same dimensions as the A3 hatchback, well priced, and has great engines. The A3 convertible is in many ways a slightly better looking VW Eos. However the Eos has more space and a bigger trunk. The Mini Cooper convertible will be one of the best around once the new on is brought out, it is very fun to drive. The best hard top convertibles are probably the Mercedes SL and SLK, but they are very expensive. I think that soft top convertibles are still very good and because they fold up into a small space they look better than hard tops.