2008 Pontiac G6 4 Door Fully Equipped

In lieu of heavy, complex mechanicals and reduced trunk space, convertible-coupes are more popular than ever. From cozy hardtop to open-air motoring, it's only a toggle switch away.

Once the province of luxury brands exclusively, convertible-coupes with base prices under $40k are widely available for the masses. Witness these three front-wheel-drive models. All three offer stylish top-up or top-down driving for four.

But which lid flipper is best from the pilot's seat? And in case you're not the no-roof type, we've included hardtop-only coupe alternatives:

THIRD PLACE: 2008 Pontiac G6 GT

Despite our G6 GT's optional $2,480 Performance Package – which includes a larger 3.9-litre V6 with 227 hp, four-speed autobox, dual chrome exhaust tips, six-way power and heated front seats with leather – at $38,475, the Pontiac is still about $4,000 less than its rivals.

Falling between the roomier Chrysler Sebring and the tidier Volkswagen Eos in passenger space, the G6 is also mid-pack with an eight-second 0-to-100 km/h acceleration run. At an as-tested 11.6 L/100 km, its fuel consumption equals the Chrysler; but both are about 20 per cent thirstier than the VW.

Any power retractable-hardtop's folding metal, glass and motors take up already precious trunk room. But the Pontiac takes up the least here. With its top up, the 352 L of trunk space is about 60 L more than the more compact VW.

Slick looks and performance accoutrements aside, there aren't many feel-good factors from the driver's seat.

The steering has little feel. Its 18-inch rubber initially grabs hard while cornering, but pot-holed roads deliver a sequence of float, crash and bang that will make you think someone replaced the shocks with tubes of Jello.

Perhaps the Pontiac's biggest disappointments are the hectares of cheap, black plastic festooning the interior. Compared to newer General Motors offerings, the G6 GT is definitely "old school."

WHY BUY? Pricing, trunk space.

WHY NOT? Rough-hewn interior, rather unrefined suspension.

TIN-TOP ALTERNATIVE: 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe, $35,975

SECOND PLACE: Chrysler Sebring Limited, 2008

You can buy a cloth-top Sebring LX convertible for under $30k. But to get the all-singing-and-dancing power retractable hardtop, you need to step-up up to the $32,645 Touring model.

One more rung up is our loaded Limited. With $4,825 worth of optional heated/cooled cup holder, remote start, hands-free communications, satellite radio and MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment with nav, it totalled $42,320.

The Chrysler comes across as the big brother of this shape-shifting trio. Its wide cabin offers the most room. Back seat occupants will relish the nearly 180 mm more shoulder room than the narrower Eos. And although not as luxurious as the VW, the various shapes and contrasting colours make it a much happier place to be than the dungeon-like Pontiac.

With its pillowy ride and light steering, the Chrysler is the cruiser's choice. It's near perfect for driving to Florida – and just staying there.

Trouble is, it's the fat kid on the block.

Despite a 3.5 L V6, with the most juice here at 235 hp, and a six-speed slush box that has two more gears than the G6, the Chrysler is a half-second behind the Pontiac in the run up to 100 km/h, and delivers equally unimpressive fuel consumption, with an as-tested 11.4 L/100 km.

WHY BUY? Available features; roomy interior for four.

WHY NOT? Pricey; retirement-style driving character.

TIN-TOP ALTERNATIVE: 2009 Dodge Challenger SXT, Est. $35,000

FIRST PLACE: 2008 Volkswagen Eos

Base models for the VW and Pontiac are nearly identical at $35,975 and $35,995, respectively. Our Candy White example included optional, leather throughout, premium audio, removable rear wind blocker, park distance control, and a ski bag, totaling $41,250.

Our Eos had a six-speed manual. But if you need an automatic tranny, the excellent DSG is another $1,400.

The interior is typical of a VW: premium materials tightly put together, accompanied by well-thought-out controls, and supportive seats.

The only concern is if you or your passengers can fit in the narrow Eos.

The 200 hp turbocharged 2.0 L four-cylinder may be small, but combined with the light curb weight of 1,642 kg, it delivers the quickest acceleration here (7.8 seconds) and the best fuel economy, 9.7 L/100 km.

Relative to such VW sportier offerings – like the Rabbit GTI or Jetta GLI – the Eos's road talents have been slightly dumbed down. Rather soft handling offsets well-weighted steering and a supple ride. It can also feel occasionally heavier than its weight suggests.

But compared to the Pontiac's ride (which feels like something is broken), or the Chrysler's (where you feel nothing at all), the VW is the only convertible-coupe here that gives its driver something to do other than watch the metal top go up and down.

WHY BUY? Attractive base price; premium interior; solid structure.

WHY NOT? Cramped quarters, especially in the rear.

TIN-TOP ALTERNATIVE: 2008 Volkswagen GTI $27,975