Today on The Top Ten Auto Show the team take a look at the top ten best Roadsters and Cabriolets of 2002, basing their final descision on pure sales figures and features.
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Our website: http://menandmotors.com/
---- Social Media ----
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Twitter: @menandmotorstv
If you have any questions, e-mail us at talk@menandmotors.com
© Men and Motors - One Media iP 2023
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MotorTranscript
00:00 [Music]
00:27 Hello, this is Dave Lee Travis. Welcome to another edition of the Top Ten Auto Show.
00:32 Let's pretend the summer's here and let's get our tops off.
00:36 This week we present the Top Ten Roadsters and Cabriolets.
00:40 Our expert panel made up of top UK car magazine editors have looked long and hard at the cars available in this sector
00:47 and tonight we present the very best on offer.
00:50 So, let's start at the number ten position.
00:53 [Music]
00:57 This is the Peugeot 206 CC.
01:00 Unlike most open tops, this one seems to have been engineered for the temperate zone of this planet.
01:06 In France, where this car is created and certainly here in the UK, it rains quite a lot.
01:11 That's why the Peugeot 206 CC has a very solid folding hard top.
01:16 Forget the fiddly cloth affair, this is simple to use and makes the car totally weatherproof when you need it.
01:22 Yet it folds away to create a lovely small open top car.
01:26 The 206 CC is certainly just a two-seater. Forget the back seats unless you have two small children.
01:32 And even they would begin to get fidgety with the lack of room in that rear.
01:37 These cars are still highly in demand. So, why is it only at number ten in our chart?
01:43 Well, you may feel very green with envy when you see someone whisk past in one of these on a summer's day,
01:48 but sheer pleasure may not be on the face of the driver.
01:51 The driving position isn't really that comfortable,
01:54 and the position of the switchgear isn't quite as ergonomic as it should be.
01:58 Overall, though, the 206 CC is in high demand, so it must be doing something right.
02:03 Let's take a look at the manufacturer's figures.
02:06 [Music]
02:30 The Peugeot 206 CC. What did our judges make of it in each of the five categories we asked them to think about?
02:37 Let's check out the scores now.
02:39 [Music]
02:45 So, the Peugeot 206 CC. Our judges' scores averaged out at 61%, putting it in the number ten position.
02:53 [Music]
02:57 Let's move up the chart to number nine, and occupying this slot is the beautiful machine, the Jaguar XK8.
03:04 Not quite as beautiful for James Bond in his rear-view mirror of his Aston Martin, of course,
03:09 as this Jaguar was owned by the baddie in the latest Bond film.
03:13 But he'll be glad to know that the production version does not have a grenade launcher, built-in missiles, and a battering ram.
03:19 Although I could quite go for that.
03:21 Under the bonnet, you discover a purring pussycat. A very smooth 4.2-litre engine, giving out 300 brake horsepower.
03:29 This car does offer excellent performance, and you'll also have decent handling at your disposal,
03:34 thanks to the standard Dynamic Stability Control, which is built into all XK8s.
03:40 Plus, if you don't want to go up and down the gears, you can forget that,
03:44 and bring in the use of the planet's first six-speed automatic transmission, which is smooth and precise.
03:51 The Jaguar gives the occupants quite a lot of room inside, although with the roof up, you can feel a little hemmed in.
03:57 But this is only a small complaint, when you think about the fantastic feeling this car gives you as it cossets you along the road.
04:03 So, let's all now drool over the specifications of the magnificent XK8.
04:09 [Music]
04:36 So, why did our expert panel put this car in at number nine?
04:39 Let's take a look at the details of the panel's scoring.
04:42 [Music]
04:49 The Jaguar XK8 at number nine in our top ten of roadsters and cabriolets with 65%.
04:55 [Music]
04:59 We're at number eight now, and this is the roadster version of the fabulous Audi TT.
05:05 Here is a car which has won so many design awards for its coupe version,
05:09 so Audi were determined not to be awarded a lemon for its roadster version of the same car.
05:15 They've done a very good job, as the striking Bauhaus-inspired curves still impress.
05:21 The Audi TT roadster feels quick and refined, but actually isn't a match for many others in the same price group.
05:27 This is a very heavy car, and the 1.8-litre turbo engine just hasn't got the pulling power for true driving fun.
05:34 Plus, the steering really doesn't give enough feedback, but maybe this is unimportant to you.
05:39 The Audi TT roadster makes a statement, a very loud and a bold statement.
05:44 You are a person who appreciates the finer things in life, and boy, the Audi TT roadster is certainly one of them.
05:51 Let's take a look at the manufacturer's figures for this car.
05:55 [Music]
06:18 So, what did our expert panel make of this car in each of the categories we asked them to judge on?
06:23 Let's take a look.
06:25 [Music]
06:32 The Audi TT roadster at number eight in our chart, with 68%.
06:37 [Music]
06:41 Moving up to number seven is the car that seems to have been around forever, the Mazda MX-5.
06:47 This is a car that promises and delivers when it comes to putting a smile on drivers' faces.
06:52 Plus, not only is this car inexpensive to purchase, but running costs and even insurance are quite reasonable as well.
06:58 You'll not even lose that much in depreciation, so why isn't the Mazda MX-5 at our number one spot this week?
07:05 Well, the answer really comes in the detail.
07:08 Well, there isn't any. Well, not quite.
07:10 But the options list is quite long, and you don't get that much extra equipment on the base model, and I suppose that's where Mazda make their money.
07:19 At least the latest models now feature power steering and electric windows as standard,
07:23 although air conditioning is still pretty expensive to install as an option.
07:27 You can really have fun with this car, and you know, it's quite practical as well.
07:31 Let's take a look at the figures.
07:33 [Music]
07:56 Well, the Mazda MX-5 was put under the magnifying glass by our expert panel, and let's take a look now at the marks they gave each category.
08:03 [Music]
08:12 The Mazda MX-5 at number seven in our top ten this week.
08:16 [Music]
08:20 Okay, let's move up to the number six car, and here we find Mazda's arch rival, the Honda S2000.
08:27 This is a car which has all the sharp looks which the Mazda MX-5 arguably doesn't have.
08:33 Plus, it has a reliable electric hood, and a high level of standard equipment as well.
08:37 It is, of course, more expensive than the MX-5, so let's take a look at what you get for your cash.
08:43 Well, you may be cramped in the driver's seat, and so will your passenger, but you won't find that important as the car hauls you safely round tortuous bends.
08:52 The sound of the engine and the wind blasting in your hair gives a unique experience that a true driver will really enjoy.
08:59 The 237 brake horsepower 2-litre engine will scream its way up to 9,000 revs, and with rear-wheel drive and a six-speed gearbox, boy, are you going to enjoy this on a sunny day when the roads are clear.
09:11 This is a machine which is very well screwed together, and if Honda's history is anything to go by, the reliability of the new S2000 should not be a problem as well.
09:20 So, let's take a look at what Honda tell us that this beauty will achieve.
09:24 [Music]
09:46 We gave the Honda S2000 to our judging panel. Let's take a look at their average percentages for each category.
09:52 [Music]
10:03 The Honda S2000 at number six in our chart.
10:07 [Music]
10:11 At the number five position is another Audi, the latest cabriolet version of the excellent A4.
10:17 Car companies normally upgrade their open-top versions every two models, and this version of the A4 cabriolet is based on the latest version of the saloon and Avant.
10:26 The last model was on sale about ten years before being replaced, and this may do the same.
10:32 It has sharp looks, and they've stiffened up the chassis to reduce scuttle shake.
10:37 Of course, the build quality is absolutely impeccable, both inside and out.
10:41 Even though this is quite an expensive car, it is highly practical as well, with decent boot space and with high ergonomic values inside for both passengers and driver.
10:51 The only thing about the Audi that really does disappoint is in the driving experience.
10:56 It has a very comfortable ride, but certainly not an exciting one, especially if you choose the continuously variable transmission version, which hasn't the response of the manual gearbox.
11:06 Still, let's take a look at the figures.
11:08 [Music]
11:35 We asked our expert panel to vote on each category. Let's take a look at those figures now.
11:40 [Music]
11:49 So, at the number five position, the Audi A4 cabriolet.
11:53 Join us in part two, and we'll have the top four roadsters and cabriolets, and I'll reveal what the number one in our chart is.
12:01 Can you guess what it is yet?
12:03 [Music]
12:10 Hello, this is Dave Lee Travis, back again on the Top Ten Auto Show.
12:14 [Music]
12:18 At the number four position, it's a Vauxhall.
12:21 This is the VX220, and the car which maybe should have had a Lotus badge on it.
12:27 The styling has come from Vauxhall, but under that sinuous body lies many of the mechanicals for the Lotus Elise, and that's not a bad thing.
12:35 Under the bonnet, there's a 145 brake horsepower 2.2 litre EcoTec power plant, which is more than enough for this light sports car.
12:43 With an impressive 0-60 time of about 6 seconds, the VX220 is great fun to blap round the roads with the roof down.
12:51 If you can do it safely on a private road, this car will get you up to over 130 miles an hour, and will cope with the corners very well due to the stiff suspension.
13:01 Okay, the space and practicality may not be first class, but the boot, which is behind the engine, can take in a fair amount for a weekend away.
13:09 This is a brilliant car to impress not just other people, but of course, yourself.
13:13 So forget the Vauxhall badge and enjoy!
13:17 Let's take a look at the specifications from the manufacturer.
13:42 So, what did our experts give each of the categories? Cue the graphics!
13:47 The Vauxhall VX220 at number 4 in our chart, with an average score of 72%.
14:01 We're into the top 3 now, and at that number 3 position is the real thing.
14:10 It has no Vauxhall badge on the front, but a genuine Lotus logo.
14:14 The Elise is a wonderful exercise in how to make a stylish sports car with the maximum performance and the maximum enjoyment value from the minimum amount of stuff.
14:24 We're talking weight here!
14:26 With any performance vehicle, weight is the big enemy.
14:29 And at the design stage, everything was stripped out that wasn't strictly necessary, without resorting to creating a simple go-kart.
14:37 Many true Lotus lovers winced when they saw the Mk2 version of this car, but the fact remains that the styling is very much in line with futuristic trends in the car design.
14:46 And at the end of the day, underneath the new curves of that body, you'll have the same lightweight fun machine that has made the Lotus Elise famous.
14:55 Power output is only about 120bhp, but that power is very usable to enjoy wonderful performances and thrills whilst making the most of the Lotus' famous grip levels.
15:07 Steering is very responsive, but it's a shame that the steering wheel itself can't be adjusted for different heights of driver.
15:14 But overall, this is a wonderful sports car that will give the enthusiastic driver virtually everything they ever wanted.
15:20 Now lads, get your tongs out for those specifications!
15:24 [Music]
15:50 So, what did our judges give the Lotus Elise?
15:54 [Music]
16:01 The Lotus Elise at number 3 in our top 10 roadsters and cabriolets on sale in the UK.
16:07 [Music]
16:10 We're one car away from revealing the number 1, and have you guessed what it is yet?
16:15 No, it's not this one. It's the Mercedes SLK at number 2.
16:19 It shares a similar practical, retractable metal and glass roof that the Peugeot CC has, but the build quality is far better, and this is a bigger car overall.
16:30 This is one hell of a desirable machine. It's beautiful, it's well built, and of course it's got that pointed star on the front grille.
16:37 It may not be a fantastic car in the driving appeal department, apart from the top of the range 3.2 litre AMG variant,
16:44 but this will impress and will cosset the driver on the longest of journeys.
16:49 It's practical in that the boot space is quite large, and even though it may not be considered a sports car, it can still give decent thrills in a safe driving environment.
16:58 The folding roof is a joy to watch, and will draw a crowd in the car park if you're not careful.
17:03 The equipment levels generally are high, and actually is good value for a Mercedes.
17:09 Even though you could pay up to £45,000 for the Mercedes SLK, the depreciation levels are low.
17:15 So, you can enjoy driving this car, securing the knowledge that if you were to sell, there would be a line of eager buyers outside your front door.
17:23 Anyway, let's take a look at the manufacturer's figures for the Mercedes SLK.
17:27 [Music]
17:56 Now, let's take a look at the marks averaged out for each category from our experts judging panel.
18:02 [Music]
18:11 The Mercedes SLK at number 2 in our chart.
18:15 Before we reveal what that number 1 car is, let's remind ourselves of the cars we've looked at so far.
18:22 [Music]
18:25 At number 10, it's the small and perky Peugeot 206 CC.
18:29 The feline curves of the Jaguar XK8 come in at number 9, while at 8, it's the stunningly designed Audi TT.
18:37 The ubiquitous Mazda MX-5 holds the number 7 slot, while its big rival, Honda's S2000, is at number 6.
18:45 At number 5, the latest version of Audi's A4 Cabriolet.
18:49 Whilst at 4, the Vauxhall VX220 takes the honours.
18:53 The legendary Lotus Elise is at 3, while the Mercedes SLK purrs along in the number 2 position.
19:00 [Music]
19:04 So, what is at the number 1 position?
19:07 Our judges thought long and hard.
19:10 Well, for about 10 milliseconds, the best car in this category is the Porsche Boxster.
19:15 The latest version of the Porsche Boxster is now better than ever.
19:19 And the revisions that were done last summer add the icing on top of what already was a very tasty cake.
19:26 There are still people who feel that the list price for the Boxster is still a misprint.
19:30 After all, it's about half the price of a 911, and yet arguably gives you a very similar driving experience.
19:37 This has a great weight distribution, and therefore superb balance.
19:42 The feedback through the steering wheel is really good.
19:45 And if you can afford the S version with the extra power, you really have, in our opinion, the finest open-top car that money can buy.
19:52 The 5-speed gearbox will get you neatly up and down the gears, whereas you have a 6-speed box in the S version.
19:58 All this power is no good if you can't get it to stop efficiently.
20:02 But Porsche's famous brakes will bring you to a halt safely.
20:06 This is the type of car that will take you effortlessly on a long tour around Europe.
20:10 Or give you seat-of-the-pants thrills around that disused airstrip when you fancy a blast.
20:15 A very impressive machine.
20:17 OK, let's take a look at the manufacturer's figures for the Porsche Boxster.
20:22 [Music]
20:47 And what scores did it get for each category?
20:50 [Music]
21:04 Hi, this is Gary Shewfield, Director of Programming for Granada Men and Motors.
21:08 I'm with Andy Goss here, Managing Director of Porsche.
21:10 And Porsche have won the Top Roadster and Cabriolet from our Top Ten Awards show.
21:15 This has been voted by editors of the Motor Magazines and you are the clear winner.
21:20 And congratulations, this is for you.
21:22 Thank you very much indeed.
21:23 Thank you Gary. We always, we love winning awards and we love winning awards from Men and Motors as well.
21:28 But I suppose in many ways what this does is reconfirm the fact that the Boxster is the best roadster in its category.
21:35 And with the change that we've made for this year as well, we expect it to continue to go from sun to sun.
21:39 So thank you very much indeed. Thank you.
21:42 Congratulations.
21:43 Well, that's about it for this week.
21:45 Thanks very much for watching and please do join us next week for the last of our series
21:50 when we'll be running down the Top Ten Performance Cars.
21:53 If you think we've been covering some hot machines this week, just wait until our next edition.
21:58 This is Dave Lee Travis saying goodbye and don't forget, drive safely.
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