If you’re keen on purchasing a new convertible, you’d better be prepared to pay because there are only 4 cabriolets on SA’s new-car market still priced below R1.5-million…
Thinking about buying a new convertible? Well, unless you have a frankly gargantuan budget, your options are severely limited. In fact, we sorted through South Africa’s new-vehicle market and found only 4 cabriolets still priced below R1.5-million.
A quick note before we dive in: we’ve considered all open-top models for this exercise, whether they’re listed as cabriolets, convertibles or roadsters – and whether they’re soft-tops or equipped with folding hard-tops. The only prerequisite was a starting price of below R1.5 million (note all pricing is correct in March 2026).
1. Mini Cooper Convertible – from R696 402
With the likes of the Fiat 500C and Mazda MX-5 no longer available locally, the Mini Cooper C Convertible serves as the entry-point to soft-top ownership in South Africa. In fact, it’s the only 6-figure convertible left on the market. A turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine sends 120 kW and 250 Nm to the front wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard, although buyers also have the option of the 150 kW/300 Nm Cooper S (from R761 235).
- Number of seats: 4
- 0-100 kph (claimed): 8.2 seconds (Cooper C)
- Warranty: 2-year/unlimited
- Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000 km
- Find a Mini Convertible on Cars.co.za
2. BMW 4 Series Convertible – from R1 156 070
Since BMW doesn’t offer an open-top model based on the G42-generation 2 Series coupé and production of the Z4 roadster has ceased (as has that of the 8 Series Convertible), the 4 Series Convertible is currently the only topless option from the Munich-based firm. The 420i’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol motor delivers 135 kW and 300 Nm to the rear axle via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Buyers with budgets north of our cap also have the option of the 285 kW M440i xDrive (from R1 658 786) and the 390 kW M4 Competition M xDrive (from R2 353 842).
- Number of seats: 4
- 0-100 kph (claimed): 8.2 seconds (420i)
- Warranty: 2-year/unlimited
- Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000 km
- Find a 4-Series Convertible on Cars.co.za
3. MG Cyberster – from R1 399 900
Unlike the other cabriolets on this list, the MG Cyberster employs a fully electric powertrain (and is easily the fastest-accelerating vehicle here). While a lower-powered, rear-driven iteration is offered in some markets, South Africa receives only the full-fat, all-wheel-drive version, which boasts peak outputs of 375 kW and 725 Nm courtesy of dual electric motors. For the record, the Cyberster draws its urge from a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with MG claiming a single-charge WLTP range of 443 km.
- Number of seats: 2
- 0-100 kph (claimed): 3.2 seconds
- Warranty: 5-year/200 000 km (vehicle) and 7-year/250 000 km (powertrain)
- Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000 km
- Find an MG Cyberster on Cars.co.za
4. Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet – from R1 482 774
The CLE200 Cabriolet – which ships standard in AMG Line guise – sneaks in just under our R1.5-million budget cap. This derivative uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine to send 150 kW and 320 Nm to the rear axle via a 9-speed automatic transmission. However, the powertrain also includes a 48-volt system with an integrated starter generator, capable of adding 17 kW and 205 Nm. The more powerful, all-paw CLE300 4Matic Cabriolet AMG Line is also available, priced from R 1 542 062.
- Number of seats: 4
- 0-100 kph (claimed): 7.9 seconds (CLE 200)
- Warranty: 2-year/unlimited
- Maintenance plan: 5-year/100 000 km
- Find a CLE Cabriolet on Cars.co.za
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Affordable Convertibles in SA
Q: Which model is currently the most affordable new convertible in South Africa?
A: The Mini Cooper Convertible is the entry-point to open-top motoring, starting from R696 402 for the Cooper C. It is notable for being the only new convertible currently available on the local market with a price tag under R1-million, especially since the discontinuation of the Fiat 500C and Mazda MX-5.
Q: Are there any fully electric convertible options available locally?
A: Yes, the MG Cyberster is the only all-electric cabriolet on this list. Priced from R1 399 900, it is a high-performance roadster featuring an all-wheel-drive dual-motor setup that produces 375 kW. It is also the quickest car in this group, capable of reaching 100 kph in just 3.2 seconds.
Q: What are the main luxury 4-seater options priced under R1.5-million?
A: Buyers looking for a premium 4-seater have two primary choices: the BMW 4 Series Convertible (starting at R1 156 070 for the 420i) and the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet (starting at R1 482 774 for the CLE200). Both models offer turbocharged 2.0-litre engines and rear-wheel-drive dynamics, though the Mercedes-Benz includes a 48-volt mild-hybrid system as standard.
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