Toyota's Solara convertible as nature intended

In the winter weeks when most motoring journalists are advising readers how to put on snow-chains and unfreeze locks, I took great delight in cruising around top-down in a Toyota Solara convertible, a vehicle perfectly suited to SoCal's  balmy January.

With a seat for every season, Toyota's SLE coupe convertible sits very well in its market niche, alongside Ford's Mustang and the Chrysler Sebring.  With the standard Solara aimed squarely at the Honda Accord, and both models boasting similar reputations in terms of reliability and build quality,  few competitors can then keep up with the drop-top's blend of wind-in-the-hair motoring, every-day practicality and technical wizardry. 

Innovations include a power-roof that folds down in ten seconds at the push of a button, and whose clever design leaves a relatively vast space in the trunk even when down.  Sculpted PES headlights (projector ellipsoid system) come standard, while the test-car came with an optional $1,350 touch-screen DVD navigation system, which was one of the most effective I have used, and is also XM satellite radio compatible.

Top can be dropped in ten seconds

Turn-key start-up is exceptionally smoothe and quiet, as is now expected of the world's biggest car manufacturer.  There are, after all, reasons why a carmaker surpasses all its competition: some may claim it is Toyota's successful corporate culture, courtesy of founder Kiichiro Toyoda, or its "lean manufacturing" production - this one rolled off the Georgetown, Ky, line -  but for me it's basically because the Japanese company has forged a reputation for producing well-built, reliable motors. 

The convertible's build-quality was instantly recognizable on the first bend, when its stiff Camry chassis alongside the car's MIG-welded frame gave great rigidity when cornering - vital in any convertible, where the roof cannot provide additional strengthening.

And though the Solara is more of a freeway wafter than a flat-out sportster (as it rides high at 56 inches in height) its 3.3-liter six-cylinder engine will give you pretty near as much grunt as you need in any given situation, and its 225hp comes in handy when overtaking. And the higher ride has another benefit in helping negotiate LA's notorious dips and ditches that can easily ruin the front underbody of a lower-slung vehicle.

Boasting 24 valves and variable-valve timing, which optimizes performance,  this DOHC engine is as tight as any on the market thanks to the precision and skill of Toyota's engineers.

Solara has plenty room in the back

The Solara's ergonomics promote ease of use

Inside is all-leather luxury and wood and brushed metal, which brought to mind Lexus, Toyota's younger but more exclusive sister.  Even the leather was perforated with tiny holes to aid air circulation and provide additional cushioning. Fascia and switchgear were clearly marked and easy to use, as expected. 

Standard equipment includes multi-direction power seats, heated, keyless entry and power roof, and 17-inch rims. Warranties include five years/60,000 for the drivetrain. Search around for good deals and you might be able to knock a couple of thousand off the on-the-road price of $29, 810.  Gas tops out at 29mpg highway; 20 in town.

This convertible is also one of the safest on the market, with five-star NHTSA ratings for side impact on both driver and rear passengers. It comes with front driver and passenger airbags, front seat-mounted airbags, side-impact doorbeams and of course ABS.

And of course there's the bonus of four seats, vital in terms of ferrying kids around or taking the pooch to the vet. And with the trunk's cubic capacity of 13 cubic feet you could, feasibly, fit three  passengers and a weekend bag for each.  Just make sure you're going somewhere sunny.

The Solara's well-appointed interior

Perfect for a balmy January morning

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