Review Ferrari 458 Spider convertible

"The Ferrari 458 Spider is the maker's fastest ever convertible, capable of 198mph" The Ferrari 458 Spider is the latest in a long line of exclusive convertible sports cars created by the legendary Italian manufacturer. It uses the same high-revving 562bhp 4.5-litre V8 engine as the sensational 458 Italia coupe and hurtles to 62mph in just 3.4 seconds before reaching an incredible top speed of 198mph. The two-part aluminium roof folds in just 14 seconds, slotting beneath a panel that rises up ahead of the engine cover. Inside, the Spider features the same Formula 1 inspired steering wheel and high-class cabin as the coupe and to ensure buffeting is kept to a minimum the glass rear screen doubles as a windbreak. The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, changes gear in the blink of an eye, while the standard ceramic brakes deliver astonishing stopping power. Visually, the Spider looks every bit as stunning as the coupe. The bulges in the snug fitting roof blend into sharp buttresses, while with it folded, the 458 looks even more glamorous. Drive 5.0 /5 Driving the 458 Spider is a very memorable experience It isn’t just the attractions of open-air motoring that make the 458 Spider such a tantalising prospect. Body strengthening makes it 50kg heavier than the coupe but it feels every bit as fast, while impressive rigidity means it corners with the same agility and responsiveness. Grip levels are huge, there's loads of feel through the controls and using the Manettino dial on the wheel you can tailor the throttle, gearshift and dampers. Plus, with the roof folded the aural treats of the sensational V8 engine are even more glorious. Comfort 4.5 /5 Suprisingly comfortable for a sports car A large percentage of Ferrari 458 Spider customers use their car everyday (far more than the 458 Italia). So it's a good job the Spider is more comfortable than most supercars. The adaptive dampers deliver a surprisingly compliant ride, while the clever glass rear screen keeps cabin buffeting to a minimum. A fantastic driving position, plus supportive and comfortable seats are other big plus points. Reliability 4.5 /5 Build quality is extremely high The 458 Italia has been a huge hit and its robust build quality and Formula 1 inspired technology mean it feels like an exceptionally well-engineered machine. The Spider is no different and its roof mechanism is a quality design. Only very rough road surfaces cause body flex and even then it's negligible. Solid and beautifully finished the 458 Spider gets side airbags, while the E-Diff and adjustable stability control ensure it feels reassuring in all conditions. Practicality 2.5 /5 The roof folds neatly away in 14 seconds Practicality isn’t a big priority for open-topped supercars but Ferrari has made sure the 458 Spider has enough functionality for its lucky owners. There's a small but deep boot in the nose, while behind the rear seats there's a useful luggage shelf. This is actually bigger than in the coupe, and Ferrari sells custom-made luggage kits to fit both areas. A smartly laid out cabin and easy to use stereo and heater controls help the day-to-day usability, better still the fully automatic roof folds at the touch of a button in just 14 seconds. Value for money 3.0 /5 Endless scope for personalisation The 458 Spider is a very expensive car but with an 18-month waiting list it's clearly worth every penny to those lucky enough to order one. The Spider demands a £25,675 premium over the Italia coupe but still accounts for 60 per cent of UK 458 sales. There's a huge range of personalisation and most customers specify several thousand pounds worth of bespoke trim, wheels and detailing. Ceramic brakes, the dual-clutch transmission and adaptive dampers are standard. Running costs 3.0 /5 Free servicing for the first seven years An option on the 458 Spider the £980 HELE High Emotion Low Emission stop start system drops Co2 emissions from 307g/km to 275g/km, and improves fuel consumption. Although, the annual tax disc will still be £460 and the hefty list price makes it a very costly company car choice. With services intervals of 12,500 miles or 12 months all servicing is free for the first seven years. In the UK you also get a four-year warranty.