The Best Summer Cars

We can now officially say that it is summer! The days are warmer, the nights are shorter and our calendars are being filled with beach trips and summer road trips. It’s no surprise that this is a time that many look to leasing a new car to enjoy that summer breeze. From the classic Mini Convertible to the seductive Hyundai Ioniq Premium SE, there are a huge variety of motors perfect for the summer months. 

At this blissful time of year, convertible sales and leases seem to boom and, despite the unpredictable British weather, Britain is surprisingly the second largest market for convertibles in the whole of Europe. There’s no doubting the convertible’s dominating road presence in the UK, but given the unpredictable UK weather and the popularity of family holidays during the summer, is the convertible the right option for you?  

So, which cars are the best summer cars? Let’s take a look at the best options available for you!  

1. Mini Convertible Exclusive

Yes, of course, the Mini is on the list. While this industry leader isn’t the only option for summer driving, it is a top contender. The Mini Convertible Exclusive is a great soft-top motor in the UK and one of the most affordable of its type you’ll find in the market. 

The MINI Cooper Exclusive comes with a smooth yet punchy 136hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, which allows for remarkable handling. The Convertible Exclusive has another turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine, but this time with 134bhp and is available with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. 

What makes the Mini even more fun and undeniably popular is the variety of personalisation options available to make the car unique to you. Drivers are given the option to choose from a variety of colours, trims and tech to make the cars truly theirs. The hugely desirable small car features 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights in the classic Union Jack design and brake lights as standard. 

Inside the Convertible is a sleek and modern setup that features a 6.5-inch infotainment display with DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity. The leather-trimmed sports seats are perfect for summer and the chrome air vent surrounds a leather steering wheel. The Mini motor has ample leg and shoulder room so the driver and passenger can comfortably stretch under the sun.

2. Mazda MX-5

If you’re looking for a thrilling ride, a powerful engine and a cost-friendly summer car then a Mazda MX 5 deal could be calling your name. This industry-leading two-seater roadster is adored by the British public and is lightweight, compact and fun to drive. In fact, the Mazda MX-5 was voted as the most fun car to drive in 2020 because of how accessible yet fun it is to drive and the best part? It doesn’t break the bank to buy or lease!

Back in 2017, the MX-5 RF was given a retractable hardtop that replaced the softer original and gave the MX-5 less of a convertible look and more of a supercar body shape – perfect for those looking to chase the thrill of driving a sports car this summer.

While the engines have been tweaked and tinkered with over the years, there are still the same 1.5- and 2.0-litre engines available to choose from. The 1.5 engine produces 130bhp and 112lb-ft whereas the 2.0-litre unit produces 182 bhp and 151lb-ft of torque. 

It’s not just the sporty body and powerful engines that make this such a popular summer car, the interior is sleek and modern with great tech with every model. Every MX-5 gets a smart 7.0in touchscreen that connects to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The sat-nav, DAB radio and Bluetooth connectivity also come as standard. A rear-view camera and stunning LED headlights are standard on almost all trims and if you want auto lights and wipers, you’ll need second-rung Sport trim or higher. 

Over the last 25 years, the Mazda MX5 has become one of the world’s best-selling two-seater cars and a fresh facelift on Mazda’s classic roadster found on the latest version boosts its popularity further. Finding Mazda MX 5 deals is simple and easy with cars2buy, with hundreds of dealers offering competitive prices all over the UK. 

3. Hyundai Ioniq Premium SE Electric

If you’re ready to make the switch to electric this summer, the Hyundai Ioniq Premium SE is a perfect entry into the EV market. To our eyes, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric is a handsome-looking car. 

The Ioniq Electric was the Korean brand’s first attempt at a full EV and it has been a running success across the world. Hyundai Ioniq Premium SE Electric comes with a decent battery capacity and has been built to improve aerodynamic efficiency to reduce wasted energy.

Although there are three different versions of the Ioniq range available to choose from, there are a handful of styling cues that set the EV model aside. Since the hugely distinctive and popular Kia Soul EV comes from the same corporate family as the Ioniq, Hyundai deliberately opted for a ‘safer’ look for its first fully electric model. Don’t let this put you off, the EV looks neat and modern and has some sleek design features such as the front bumper, which replaces the traditional grille with a solid panel of contrasting material.

While the Hyundai Ioniq Electric (and some other EVs) might not be the best option for those who have to regularly cover plenty of miles, as a family runabout or summer holiday car, it works really well. There’s plenty of low-speed pull from the electric engine, and the 174-mile range should be more than enough for trips within the city or the beach this summer.