| MORE TEST FEST COVERAGE | |
| Pick-Up | Nov 15, 2006 |
| SUV / CUV over $60,000 | Nov 14, 2006 |
| SUV / CUV $35,000 - $60,000 | Nov 13, 2006 |
| SUV / CUV under $35,000 | Nov 11, 2006 |
| Sport / performance car over $50,000 | Nov 9, 2006 |
| Sport / performance car under $50,000 | Nov 8, 2006 |
| Prestige car over $75,000 | Nov 7, 2006 |
| Luxury car under $50,000 | Nov 6, 2006 |
| Family car over $30,000 | Nov 5, 2006 |
| Family car $22,000 - $30,000 | Nov 4, 2006 |
| Small car over $18,000 | Nov 3, 2006 |
| Small car under $18,000 | Nov 2, 2006 |
| The most coveted parking space in the country | Nov 1, 2006 |
| Writers' predictions for the best new cars of 2007 | Nov 1, 2006 |
Open-Air Battle for Top Honours
This year's contenders for top convertible at TestFest have much in common. All four are four-seaters. Two are soft-tops, while two feature retractable hardtops. Two share the same engine and three are front-wheel drive vehicles. The point is: With so many similarities among the Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder, Pontiac G6 Convertible and Volkswagen Eos, picking a clear winner can be a challenge.
Audi A4 Cabriolet
Alphabetically speaking, the Audi A4 is first in the order - and it has many characteristics that make it the best among this foursome. The car's
 |
| (Photo: Audi) |
Unfortunately, due to the Audi's weight, its acceleration was the least impressive of the group: 0 to 100 km/h arrived in a leisurely 8.8 seconds. On the track, the car handled and gripped the surface well - true of all A4s equipped with the quattro system. (It's worth noting that the Audi is the only all-wheel drive entry; the other three are front-wheel drive examples.)
The test version of the A4 Cab came with many high-end features, most notably the 6-speed Tiptronic semi-automatic transmission, Bose sound system and a very nice birch wood trim package. These amenities made the Audi the most luxurious competitor in the group - but also sent its price-as-tested figure soaring to $63,570. At this price, there's little chance the Audi A4 Cabriolet will be declared the winner.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
Of all the four entries here, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is the sportiest and most fun to drive. With its 3.8-litre V6 engine developing 260 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Eclipse gallops off the line (compared to the other three) to produce a 0-100 km/h time of 6.8
 |
| (Photo: Mitsubishi) |
Inside, the version tested featured all the bells and whistles, including the raucous 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system. The space available for front-seat passengers is decent, but the backseat legroom is all but non-existent. The Eclipse Spyder is arguably the best-looking of this group with the top down and, with an as-tested price of $36,998, it offers excellent bang for the buck.
Pontiac G6 Convertible
The Pontiac G6 Convertible is a solid effort from General Motors: a high fun-to-drive factor, a trick hardtop convertible and decent value. Powered by a 3.9-litre V6, the G6 motors from a standing start to 100 km/h in 8.2
 |
| (Photo: General Motors) |
My opinion of the G6 skyrocketed when I took to the track, though; a sudden rainstorm meant it was the only one in the group that had to contend with a damp surface. The Pontiac's handling and grip were remarkable considering the slippery conditions. The car's composure was, no doubt, aided by the GT Convertible Performance Package, which includes dual chrome tip exhaust, six-way power driver's seat and, more importantly, 18-inch aluminum wheels. Price as tested for the Pontiac G6 Convertible is $39,805.