Scrappage special - Buyer's guide - Open-tops

VW Eos 1.4 TSI S
Price £19,705
Target Price £17,734
Economy 43.5mpg
CO2 154g/km

The Eos offers pretty much all you could ask for in a convertible − it's great to drive, looks fantastic, is comfortable at all times and well-equipped.

On top of that, it's quiet, refined and you feel great just sitting in it, whether the folding metal roof is up or down.

To cap it all, the Eos is cheap to run, thanks to its frugal, flexible turbocharged 1.4-litre petrol engine, and its resale values mean it'll be worth more than many rivals when you sell it on. We can't think of a better open-top on which to spend your scrappage allowance.

Mazda MX-5 1.8i
Price £16,340
Target Price £16,340
Economy 40.4mpg
CO2 167g/km

If it's alfresco bangs-for-your-sporting-buck you're after, look no further than the MX-5.

It's still got the fizzing, energetic driving characteristics and open-air spirit of a classic '60s British roadster, yet it's bang up-to-date and ever-reliable.

The MX-5's willing 124bhp petrol engine comes alive when you stir it up, and the car throws outstanding grip and brilliant dynamic balance into the mix. All this for little over £16k − wonderful.