Revival of the Soft Top— It’s time to lighten your load!
Traditional cloth roofs are back — and here’s the story!
Fold back and feel the wind in your hair in a convertible!! The fold-able soft top is back with BMW’s all-new 2021 4-Series convertibles. This comes on the heels of two generations of folding hardtops, something the industry is now trending far, far away from. Among its benefits, the soft top weighs less and gives a completely different look and feel! It is one of the main dramatic changes featured in the newer models and represents a first since last used on the E46 model discontinued in 2006.
The benefits made clear/more on the soft top…
The soft top not only provides a look that is different, it has the benefit of allowing for more cargo space within the vehicle itself. In addition, the new soft tops are even lighter than before. The soft top is also intentionally visible on the 4-series and boasts a simpler design that opens and closes faster and is easier to repair if needed. This lighter roof is a favorite of enthusiasts and definitely has clear advantages!
Why the change?
There are several reasons why the switch was made to the soft top. Those include the fact that the BMW 2 Series, 6 Series, Z4 series, and the 8 series already have a soft top. As a a result, BMW seeks to unify its lineup.
Moreover, hard tops bring a complexity and unwanted weight to your vehicle that is absent in a soft top. Hard tops are heavy with support beams, hinges and motors, adding weight in the worst possible spots, which is on top of the car.
A “new” soft top
The soft top has been re-imagined by BMW, offering top NVH values and also representing a removal of the weight from up top. As a result, this means more engaging and precise driving characteristics and a lighter car compared to the hard top model. In addition to it being lighter, the soft top does wonders in terms of exterior style.
The new soft top is taking BMW back to its roots with the famous BMW convertible based on the 3 Series sedan. The industry appears to be trending away from the folding hard tops, with only high-end droptop supercars continuing to utilize them.
“Hard tops bring a complexity and unwanted weight to your vehicle that is absent in a soft top.”
Weighing the pros and cons
While the major benefit of a hard top is the security it provides and the protection from weather, there are downsides which mean “upsides” for the soft top. One is that hardtops are typically more expensive, both to purchase and to repair, if something breaks. In addition, some motorists do not prefer a hardtop because they believe the car loses its “convertible look.” That is another reason BMW has made the switch. In addition, because soft tops usually differ from a vehicle’s exterior color, the soft top convertibles retain the look of a vehicle in which its top goes up and down. Many drivers, especially those paying big money for the convertible as opposed to the coupe, greatly appreciate that detail. They also do provide protection from the elements and are easy to fold back.
Soft tops also tend to be cheaper to fix as they don’t have as many complicated folding parts as the hardtop. They are among the most common style of convertible cars, so this switch was a logical one!
How to maintain the soft top
It is important to clean the top of your convertible thoroughly! Clean your vinyl or fabric top with water and a gentle shampoo, using a brush that has extra soft scratch free bristles. It is also important to use a top spray cleaner, especially if your top is greasy or has dirt that won’t come off with ordinary washing. After you have sprayed your top with a cleaner on the soiled area, use the brush to get rid of the dirt. The next step will be to rinse the top down to make sure all the dirt is removed. Follow that step by applying a protectant once your top is dry. This will keep the UV rays from the sun from fading the color and texture of your top.
Regularly check for leaks on your soft top. If it does start to leak, spray it with convertible top fabric guard, which serves as a water repellant.
“The soft top not only provides a look that is different, it has the benefit of allowing for more cargo space within the vehicle itself.”
More on the updated 4 Series
In addition to the switch to a soft top, the 4 series boasts a bold design complete with sleek lines and dynamic curves. A true stand out, the convertible will come with design options adding gloss black or chrome accents as well as an Aerodynamic kit to enhance the sporty character. There will be updated LED taillights that are captivating in the nighttime. Exceptional details round out the interior, including ambient lighting.
Currently available as a two-door coupe, a two-door convertible and a four-door lift back Gran Coupe, the 4 Series replaced the 3-series coupe and convertible. The 4-series will be based on the new G20 3-series, which is shaping to be something of a return to form for BMW in driving dynamics. The interior will be modern and host a variety of fresh technology features.
It will ride on BMW’s CLAR architecture and will weigh a lot less than the current model.
But the biggest change is the return to the soft top, something to be embraced by convertible enthusiasts. Lighten your load, fold back the top and feel the wind in your hair! It’s easy to maintain, less expensive overall, and speaks to the look and feel of a true convertible. Soft tops are back! Experience their numerous benefits!
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