Often, in order to come up with something innovative, we need to combine existing structures, ideas, and get something new and more perfect. That's what happened to cars with the type of bodywork convertible. The car manufacturers managed to make one car, which is a two-door convertible with a hard roof. When the roof gets up, the car looks like a compartment. The roof is opened automatically by pressing the button to move it to the boot.
The main advantage of cars with this type of bodywork is comfortable driving under any weather conditions. The metallic top of the compartment is reliably protected against rain and cold, as conventional convertible cabriolets with soft roofs cannot boast. And in hot weather, the owners of this model enjoy direct sunlight. If the convertible is considered as an additional car for good weather, the convertible is a universal variant of the car for any time of the year.
History of hybrid coupe and convertible
The first coupe, convertible, appeared in 1934 when the models of Peugeot Eclipse 301, 401 and 601 were designed. But these cars were produced in single instances, and they were forgotten when the war came.
The coupe-convertible in modern and usual format for us first introduced the Mercedes concern in 1996. At the Turin Auto Show was demonstrated the compartment of the SLK with a rigid folding top. But the cost of these machines was very high and they were not in demand. Only in 2000, since the production of Peugeot 206 CC, the convertible was gaining popularity. To date, there are almost all leading automakers: Volvo, Mazda, Mercedes, Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Renault and others.
The first coupe, the convertible, went to the series in 1934, but never went to the series
This long period of development from the appearance of the first prototype to the optimal models of modern coupe-convertible is linked to some peculiarities of this type of bodywork. The heavy metal roof and its mechanism are weighted by the total weight of the machine, and the large size of its structure influences the aspect ratio of the body, makes the rear part longer than in a conventional compartment. The first compartment of the convertible looked disproportionately. By the way, the cars were closer to the convertible, and with the top up, the car purchased a heavy form with a strange roof. To date, the convertible is equally harmoniously looked at with the lowered and raised horseback. Its proportions are more similar to the compartment: a long bonnet, a short trunk, a smooth window, a line of a roof.
The process of transformation
On the different models of the convertible, the roof consists of three or five sections, which are folded and placed in the boot. The entire process of transformation of the compartment into an open car takes approximately 22 to 30 seconds. The process is controlled by electronics, the trunk itself opens and hides the metal roof. It is possible to lift and lower up only during parking of a car or at a low speed.
Different manufacturers have their peculiarities of the device and the functioning of the folding roof. For example, in the Ford Focus Coupe-Cabriolet, before opening the top, you must first install the spacer between the luggage compartment and the roof compartment in the trunk. At the same time, the volume of the luggage compartment is significantly reduced in the case of the roof, and sometimes the roof occupies the entire luggage compartment. For example, in the Volkswagen Eos 205 and 380 L, with the top down and up. There are cars with a glass top. Renault Megane CC roof is not metal, but glass, which creates an additional overview even in the compartment status. Before buying a novelty, we'll weigh the whole for and against the convertible.
Before buying a novelty, we'll weigh the whole for and against the convertible.
A car with a bodywork type convertible has an unusual design. Practically all models are equipped with a windscreen, which allows passengers and driver to feel comfortable when moving with a lowered roof even at a speed of 120 km/h. With an open top, you can start driving at a temperature of +10. The metal roof is better than the soft roof of the convertible for such indicators as noise insulation and aerodynamics.
The disadvantages of this type of bodywork are modest cabins and a small trunk. Practically all coupe convertible are designed for comfortable movement of only two passengers, rear seats if there is, then it is convenient to stay only for children up to 13 years.
Features of the operation of the convertible
The operation of the convertible is equally convenient in summer and winter. But in the warm weather it is possible to face such unpleasant phenomena as dust and smog. So, in the summer, we have to do a few more times to clean the salon. The servicing of the convertible top of the convertible does not require any special effort. If the mechanism has difficulty or extraneous sounds, all mobile connections must be lubricated. When purchasing a used car, it is necessary to check the melting of the roof mechanism, the integrity of all parts and the free flow of connections.
The main defect of the body is a small trunk. Most of the space is occupied by the roof
In the case of the back of the compartment, the rear passengers are stronger than the front passengers, so you should not forget to use the windscreen. In winter, we should take more care of the roof, if possible, not put it in the trunk until the snow and ice are taken away.
In general, if properly operated, to comply with the instruction to the car with the type of the coupe convertible, it will be comfortable and pleasant.