Infiniti Q60 convertible (2013-2016)

The Infiniti Q60 convertible (previously the Infiniti G37) is the Nissan-owned brand's competitor for the BMW 4 Series convertible. Like the BMW, the Q60 offers four seats and a folding metal roof that retracts in under 25 seconds. Boasting stylish looks and a decent ride quality, all models are well equipped and provide impressive performance from their 3.7-litre V6 engine.

Despite the extra 182kg of chassis strengthening required compared to the coupe model, the rear-wheel-drive Q60 convertible handles well and makes a great noise with the roof down. Negatives include a slow automatic gearbox and an interior that feels too cheap when you bear in mind th asking price of over £40,000.

Capable of 24.8mpg, the Infiniti Q60 convertible is much less fuel-efficient than the BMW 4 Series and also produces more CO2 emissions: 264g/km for £505 annual road tax, compared to the BMW's much more manageable £210 bill.

The noise produced by the Nissan-sourced V6 is a delight and with 316bhp under the bonnet the Q60 rarely feels underpowered. Only the lazy gearbox lets the side down. The seven-speed automatic features manual mode and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, but feels disconnected from the rest of the car. The gearbox is hesitant to change when you're in a hurry and only feels happy when cruising along maintaining the same speed.

The ride is very well balanced in the Q60, feeling similar to the coupe version's. The suspension loads up in tight corners to prevent body lean and then softens at slow speeds and on the motorways. There's also very little evidence of the shakes and rattles that often plague open-top cars.

The sculpted front seats are excellent and even though the rear is quite cramped, children will have few complaints. Some of the cabin materials do feel a little cheap, however – especially the steering wheel and upper door trims.

The rear seats are quite comfortable for shorter adults, but with the roof down taller passengers may feel exposed to the elements on longer journeys, even with a wind deflector fitted. Getting in with the roof in position can also prove quite tricky.

The touchscreen sat nav works well and all the dashboard controls are well placed and easy to reach. The folding metal roof tucks away neatly into the boot in just 25 seconds.

Infiniti is a relatively new brand in the UK, but should prove reliable as it's a division of Nissan – one of the world's largest car manufacturers. Crash tests of other Infiniti models strongly suggest the Q60 convertible will fair well in the event of an accident: the Infiniti QX70 SUV scored the maximim five stars when evaluated by Euro NCAP in 2009.

Fitted as standard with six airbags and a tyre-pressure monitoring system, the Q60 convertible also features rain and light sensors that switch the wipers and headlights on automatically when they're needed.

Priced higher than the equivalent BMW 4 Series, the Infiniti Q60 convertible looks expensive at first. The cabin is well equipped, however, featuring a voice-recognising touchscreen sat nav, Bluetooth phone connectivity, power-adjustable half-leather seats, a wind deflector and dual-zone climate control. Optional extras are well priced, including a full leather interior, maple wood trim and metallic paint.