Convertibles are an emotionally driven purchase. There are a few different types of convertibles, like soft-tops and hard tops, and these kinds of vehicles can span a huge price range.

The always-popular Mazda Miata will be seeing yet another special edition this year, but there have been rumblings that the car will see a major redesign next year, so if you’re patient it might be best to wait, either for the all-new model, or a deal on a year-old one. Additionally, Volkswagen will reveal its 2013 Beetle later this year, and you can expect it in dealers in early 2013.

What’s New?

Even convertibles are susceptible to fuel-saving measures by auto-companies. Take a look at some smaller convertibles like the all-new 2012 Fiat 500C, and the 2012 MINI Roadster. The Fiat 500C has a very unique soft-top configuration that keeps the side of the car up, which maintains structural integrity. This means that the little 500C doesn’t compromise a whole lot in the conversion to a convertible. The MINI Roadster is a bit more expensive, but has more pep with 121 horsepower to start, as well as a 181 hp Cooper S model and a 208 hp JCW version. Both the MINI and the Fiat get about 30 mpg in combined, but require premium fuel.

This year has seen a bunch of executive level convertibles updated. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has seen a huge update that makes it look very similar to the company’s SLS AMG supercar. In terms of performance, however, the SLK is far from the SLS AMG. Still, it’s now available with a peppy 200 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the SLK250. The SLK features a hard-top convertible, as well as some really cool high-tech gadgets that are exclusive to Mercedes’ convertibles, like the air-scarf system which heats up your neck area, so you can play around with the top down later in the season. There is also a new feature for the SLK’s sunroof called “Magic Sky Control” which can tint or clear up your sunroof with the touch of a button. These features are also present on the new 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL, which also shows off a new look, complete with a more up-front grille. The 2013 SL drops several hundred pounds of weight and gains a 4.7-liter turbocharged V8 making 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a 530 hp SL63 and a 621 hp SL65.

Competing with the Mercedes SL is the brand new 2013 BMW 6-Series.  The new look 6-Series has a much improved design. However, instead of a being a hard-top like the Mercedes, the 6-Series features a light weight soft-top. This is a good thing, as the powerful engine choices available help zip the 6 Series to 60 mph in under 6 seconds. If you’re more interested in a BMW hard-top, keep your eyes open for the upcoming BMW 4-Series (formerly the 3 Series convertible) which should debut in the Paris Motor Show.

Lastly, Porsche has two new convertibles for 2012. The sure to be popular 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet continues the brand’s iconic design, along with its pursuit of the perfect sports car. While the 911 will continue to sell the old generation alongside the new one, it may take a while for you to get your hands on the new convertible. If the 911 isn’t for you, maybe you’re interested in the 2013 Porsche Boxster. The Boxster is redesigned, and features a sharper look than the curvy outgoing model. It still offers the same dynamic driving experience, though with even more powerful engines. Starting at $49,500 the more expensive Boxster S with the optional Sport Chrono Package can hit 60 mph in a blistering 4.7 seconds.