Category: Convertibles 
Price Range: £17,320 to £21,700
Looks, price, diesel, bootspace
Overly complex roof mechanism could prove troublesome, turbo petrol's economy, not a true four-seater
Vauxhall proves that coupe-cabriolets can be handsome and good to drive. That said, it's not an all-out sportscar.
The Vauxhall Astra TwinTop joins the ever-growing ranks of the four-seater, folding metal-roofed coupe-cabriolet. Peugeot started the trend with the 307CC in 2003 and Renault quickly followed suit with the Megane CC. Volkswagen and Ford will join the fold with convertible versions of the Golf and Focus by the end of summer 2006. So there's no shortage of choice.
The TwinTop's party trick is its three-piece folding roof - most other manufacturers use just two - and this allows for greater interior space and a larger boot, but not at the cost of rear-end styling, which is an issue with many other coupe-cabriolets. The roof is electronically operated at the touch of a button, folding away in 26 seconds and the operation can be performed at speeds of up to 18mph or remotely via the keyfob on high-spec modes.
Four engines are offered: three petrol - 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0-litre turbo - plus a 1.9-litre diesel, the first time a diesel Astra convertible has been offered in the UK.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Vauxhall Astra TwinTop
wrote on 09 05 2007