Picture this… the sun is just coming up over the horizon, your boot is packed up with your swim suits and cool bags. You’ve donned your shades and you’re ready to head out for that road trip in the sunshine.

But how will you get there?

Choosing the right car for your summer is a tall order. Colour, style and comfort all come into play – after all, you’ll want to arrive at your sunshine destination as cool and collected as when you first set out. So, which car can deliver that? We’ve one or two ideas…

Okay, so we’re not assuming that you swap your car as often as your hairstyle (no matter how easy car leasing can make that) – but, if you live for the summer and want to keep that spirit alive even in the depths of winter, these are the vehicles for you.

Without further ado, here are the ultimate cars for summer driving.

Fiat 500

Small it may be, but the Fiat 500 screams Italian chic. Think cruising along the mountain-range of the Amalfi Coast, navigating the winding streets of Rome or simply taking this nifty car for a run along the sunny Kentish coastline.

Make no mistake, the Fiat 500 is the ultimate summer ride, which is why they’ve developed a convertible version too.

See yourself driving a Fiat 500 this summer? Find out more about how to lease a Fiat 500 or Fiat 500 convertible.

Volvo XC60 SUV

SUVs are made for summer exploring and we can think of none better than the Volvo XC60. Its four-wheel drive makes navigating challenging terrains a breeze and with ample boot room too, you can pile in those suitcases, camping equipment or anything else that takes your fancy and drive off seamlessly for your summer adventure.

Want to head off on an off-road adventure in a Volvo XC60 SUV? With Just Drive you can for less than you might think.

Jeep Wrangler Soft Top

Nothing says summer more than cruising around in a Jeep Wrangler Soft Top. Colour: Hellayella.

This classic summer ride has so much going for it – the four-wheel drive, the generous rear-seat leg room and, of course, the interchangeable soft top which can be easily swapped out to suit your specifications.

If you want to be closer to the elements, a bikini top or mesh top can be a fun addition to your ride. A bikini top covers the roof of your Jeep but keeps the windows and the backseat open, ensuring a steady stream of fresh air at all times. A mesh top will allow you to keep your cab cool but, made from UV-resistant material, it’ll prevent you from getting sun-burn on those long sunny road trips.

You can lease a Jeep Wrangler Soft Top from Just Drive  – and when you do, you’ll know for sure that you’re living your best life.

Mercedes-Benz C Class Cabriolet

One look at the Mercedes-Benz C Class Cabriolet and you just know it’s summer. Turn on the 182bhp engine, point it towards the ocean and just drive, all the way into the sunset.

Dubbed as a luxury car that’s both “hot and cool” by its illustrious manufacturer, this model has four roomy seats – ample room for you and your friends – and that all-important soft-top (a must for sunshine driving).

The best bit? With leasing, this luxury automobile isn’t actually that expensive. Find out the latest price for a Mercedes-Benz C Class Cabriolet now.

BMW 4 Series Convertible

No list of the best cars for summer driving would be complete without the BMW 4 Series Convertible. As with all BMWs of this class, this vehicle comes with all the mod cons necessary for summer holiday driving including sat nav, real-time traffic updates and automatic air conditioning – a must for those muggy, overcast days so typical of British summer time.

Take it from us, this model is a breeze to drive, marrying sound suspension with a rigid body, ensuring a seamless drive on even the most unforgiving of sun-baked country roads.

The BMW 4 Series Convertible is perfect for summer driving and, it’s a bit of a bargain to boot. Find out more here.