The first half of 2024 has come to an end and brands are already showing off. Some do it from the sales that have been "signed up" and others do it from the profitability and profits they have had. And among all that commotion that is created there is certain data that goes unnoticed but they are equally curious and interesting. One of those that interests us the most is the sales of the rarest segments such as coupes and cabriolets...
as you well know Neither the coupe nor the cabrio are going through their best moment. Quite the opposite since there are fewer and fewer models that belong to either of the two niches. However, like the Gauls, there is always a resistance that continues to buy this type of vehicle, which is why some firms still bet on them. But what we don't like to see is that the best-selling convertible model in Europe so far this year is the Volkswagen T-Roc Convertible.
The Volkswagen T-Roc Cabrio is the best-selling convertible in Europe in the first half of the year…
How can a convertible SUV be the best seller in its segment? Well yes, and be careful that the number of sales it has achieved, without being particularly notable, is interesting to say the least. According to data from Dataforce, the Bavarian all-road has achieved register between January 1, 2024 and June 30 a total of 6.110 units. This figure represents a drop of 22,7% compared to the same period last year 2023.
If you remember a little, you will remember that some time ago we told you that this model was the one that achieved the most sales in its segment. Well, it seems that customers are “cool with that” SUV and convertible because although their sales are not very high, they serve to beat the mythical and all-powerful Mazda MX-5. However, we wonder: Is it really a good cabrio? Well the truth is that It is neither a good convertible, nor is it a good SUV, nor is it a good family car...
These three "Neither is" have their explanation. It is not a good convertible because its chassis is not prepared to offer all the dynamic sensations that such a model should transmit. It is not a good SUV either because the absence of a roof and the lack of adequate off-road heights would make it have a very bad time in the countryside. And it is not a good family car either because its practicality is what it is with four seats and a trunk that loses volume and versatility compared to the five-door.
Of course, it also has good points that reinforce its sales. It's about (maybe) the most comfortable cabrio as it offers high and easy access, a comfortable suspension that pampers passengers and a very poised ride. Secondly we have a quality of execution at least notable and an equipment in which there are no faults beyond those typical of Volkswagen. And finally we have a solvent engine that, although thirsty, fulfills…
Behind him is the Mazda MX-5 with a little more than half of its units...
Most likely, after reading this you will ask yourself And how has the Mazda MX-5 turned out? Well, it is the second best-selling convertible in Europe so far this year. The numbers that it has achieved during these months have been 3.545 units or what is the same, 15% less compared to the same period in 2023. The reasons for this drop, surely, are due to the renewal that it has experienced during the first months of the year which could have held back customers.
However, we are facing a more purist model that has little to do compared to the T-Roc Cabrio. This happens for two reasons. The first is that the T-Roc is an SUV and customers prefer this type of car even though its dynamic manners are not even remotely those of a traditional convertible. Secondly, because for the same money, the interior versatility, this is true, is much better since it has four seats and the Japanese model is a two-seater.
However, the negatives of the T-Roc are positives for the MX-5 and the positives are negatives. The model of the hiroshima house It is the best there is for enjoy open air both for its chassis and for its engine and for its manual transmission. However, we must wait for the market to "calm down" and sales to return to normal. Even more so when the Bavarian SUV has "two news shows" left and the Japanese cabrio several more years until its replacement arrives.
In the meantime, I leave you with the following question. What do you prefer, a convertible SUV or a real one? Everything will be seen...
Source - Dataforce / Automotive News Europe - Dataforce
Images | Volkswagen | Mazda
