What is the difference between a convertible and a cabriolet?

There's no real difference between a cabriolet and a convertible. They are different names for the type of car and are often used interchangeably. A convertible is a car that can 'convert' from a car with a roof to one without and be driven in both scenarios. The word “cabriolet” originates from 1800s France. It was originally used to refer to light, two-wheeled horse-drawn carriages. Like a convertible, the top could be pulled over if needed. Some manufacturers prefer to call their cars cabriolets (or cabrios) because it is an older, more traditional term. American manufacturers, however, are more likely to refer to their cars as convertibles.

Types of convertible car

There's a wide range of convertible cars on the market including two, four and five-seaters. Nowadays, you can also find electric and hybrid convertibles like the BMW i8 or Mazda MX-5. Beyond the standard soft and hard-top convertible cars, there are other varieties like: Semi convertibles. Unlike full convertibles, they have all the bodywork up to the top of the door – it's just the roof that retracts. Roadsters (also called spiders/spyders). These are normally sporty two-seaters, like the BMW i8 Roadster or the Ferrari 488 Spider. Four-door convertibles, like the Jeep Wrangler. Off-roaders sometimes have convertible options, like the Suzuki Jimny and Land Rover Defender.

Convertible car roof types

Many convertible cars have roofs made of fabric, which is usually multi-layered to keep the cabin as quiet as possible when the roof is up. Convertibles with retractable metal roofs tend to be much quieter than those with fabric roofs when it comes to road and wind noise. In some cases, they can be as quiet and secure as a regular hard-top car. But metal-roofed convertibles tend to be heavier, which can affect fuel economy, and the mechanisms used to retract the roof can take up a lot of boot space when compared to convertibles with fabric roofs. Some convertibles also offer a detachable hardtop. While some of these can be stored in the car's boot, many can't and so have to be left in a garage or storage. With so many improvements in retractable roofs, detachable hardtop are much less common nowadays.

Can I lease a convertible car?

Yes you can. See a range of convertible cars for lease on Autotrader and find the right convertible car for you.

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Find your perfect convertible

Chances are, there’s a convertible car out there that’s perfect for you. From drop-top sports cars and luxury two-seaters all the way through to four-seater family convertibles, there’s a fantastic range of convertible cars available in the UK today.

Browse our convertible car range and shop by specifications including number of seats, roof type, colour, trim and much more.

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Used vehicles

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Volvo C70

2.0D Ice White 2dr

£1,670

4 seats
2 doors
Convertible
Diesel
Manual
2.0 litres

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Peugeot 207 CC

1.6 VTi Allure Euro 5 2dr

£599

4 seats
2 doors
Convertible
Petrol
Manual
1.6 litres

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Ford Focus CC

2.0 CC-2 2dr

£650

4 seats
2 doors
Convertible
Petrol
Automatic
2.0 litres

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MINI Convertible

1.6 Cooper S Euro 4 2dr

£799

4 seats
2 doors
Convertible
Petrol
Manual
1.6 litres

New vehicles

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Mazda MX-5

2.0 SKYACTIV-G Homura Roadster Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£36,665

Now

£29,991

Save

£6,674

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Mazda MX-5 RF

2.0 SKYACTIV-G Homura Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£38,665

Now

£33,665

Save

£5,000

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Fiat 500e C

42kWh Auto 2dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£26,995

Now

£21,895

Save

£5,100

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Mazda MX-5 RF

2.0 SKYACTIV-G Homura Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

MRRP

Manufacturer's Recommended Retail Price

£41,502

Now

£40,715

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£787

Leasing

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Volkswagen T-Roc

1.0 TSI Style 2WD Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

From

£383

Per month (inc. VAT)

£4,594 initial payment

60 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

4 seats
2 doors
Convertible
Petrol
Manual
1.0 litres

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Volkswagen T-Roc

1.5 TSI Style 2WD Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

From

£394

Per month (inc. VAT)

£4,724 initial payment

60 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

4 seats
2 doors
Convertible
Petrol
Manual
1.5 litres

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Volkswagen T-Roc

1.5 TSI Style DSG 2WD Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

From

£414

Per month (inc. VAT)

£4,962 initial payment

60 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

4 seats
2 doors
Convertible
Petrol
Automatic
1.5 litres

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Volkswagen T-Roc

1.5 TSI R-Line 2WD Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

From

£419

Per month (inc. VAT)

£5,027 initial payment

60 month contract

5,000 miles p/a

4 seats
2 doors
Convertible
Petrol
Manual
1.5 litres

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Your questions answered

There's no real difference between a cabriolet and a convertible. They are different names for the type of car and are often used interchangeably. A convertible is a car that can 'convert' from a car with a roof to one without and be driven in both scenarios. The word “cabriolet” originates from 1800s France. It was originally used to refer to light, two-wheeled horse-drawn carriages. Like a convertible, the top could be pulled over if needed. Some manufacturers prefer to call their cars cabriolets (or cabrios) because it is an older, more traditional term. American manufacturers, however, are more likely to refer to their cars as convertibles.
There's a wide range of convertible cars on the market including two, four and five-seaters. Nowadays, you can also find electric and hybrid convertibles like the BMW i8 or Mazda MX-5. Beyond the standard soft and hard-top convertible cars, there are other varieties like:
- Semi convertibles. Unlike full convertibles, they have all the bodywork up to the top of the door – it's just the roof that retracts.
- Roadsters (also called spiders/spyders). These are normally sporty two-seaters, like the BMW i8 Roadster or the Ferrari 488 Spider.
- Four-door convertibles, like the Jeep Wrangler.
- Off-roaders sometimes have convertible options, like the Suzuki Jimny and Land Rover Defender.
Many convertible cars have roofs made of fabric, which is usually multi-layered to keep the cabin as quiet as possible when the roof is up. Convertibles with retractable metal roofs tend to be much quieter than those with fabric roofs when it comes to road and wind noise. In some cases, they can be as quiet and secure as a regular hard-top car. But metal-roofed convertibles tend to be heavier, which can affect fuel economy, and the mechanisms used to retract the roof can take up a lot of boot space when compared to convertibles with fabric roofs. Some convertibles also offer a detachable hardtop. While some of these can be stored in the car's boot, many can't and so have to be left in a garage or storage. With so many improvements in retractable roofs, detachable hardtop are much less common nowadays.

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