Do you dream of a car where you can enjoy the sun and wind, but don't know the correct name for a car with an opening roof? This question worries many car enthusiasts, especially before purchasing their first convertible car. There are several types of such machines on the market, and each has its own design features, advantages and even legal nuances.

In this article we will look at all types of convertible cars - from classic convertibles to modern coupe-cabriolet with electric drive. You will find out what is different targa from roadster, which models are in demand in 2026, and what to look for when buying a used car with a soft or hard convertible top. We will also reveal myths about the reliability of such structures and give practical advice on care.

1. Convertible - a classic of the genre with a soft top

The term "convertible"(from fr. cabriolet) historically denotes a car with soft folding roof made of fabric or vinyl, which is removed manually or using an electric drive. This is the most common type of convertible car and is associated with freedom and style.

Modern convertibles are equipped with automated roof folding systems (for example, BMW 4 Series Cabriolet or Audi A5 Cabriolet), which allow you to open or close the top in 15–20 seconds while on the go (up to a speed of 50 km/h). However, soft tops also have disadvantages:

  • 🔹 Noisiness at high speeds (noise levels higher than hardtops).
  • 🔹 Thermal insulation worse than the coupe - in winter the cabin is cooler.
  • 🔹 Material wear: fabric or vinyl requires regular maintenance (cleaning, impregnation).

The advantage of convertibles is their relatively low price compared to coupe-convertibles and a greater selection on the secondary market. For example, Mazda MX-5 The Miata has remained one of the most affordable and reliable roadster convertibles for 30 years.

📊 Which type of opening roof do you like best?
Soft convertible (fabric/vinyl)
Folding hard top (coupe-convertible)
Targa (removable panel)
Roadster (without rear seats)
I don't care

2. Roadster - a sports duo without rear seats

Roadster (from English roadster - “road”) is a lightweight two-seater car with an open top, which was originally designed for high-speed driving and maneuverability. Unlike convertibles, roadsters most often do not have rear seats (or they are symbolic), and the roof can be either soft or hard removable.

Iconic examples of roadsters:

  • 🏎️ Porsche 718 Boxster - with a removable hard roof and a mid-engine layout.
  • 🏎️ Alfa Romeo 4C Spider — carbon fiber body and minimalistic design.
  • 🏎️ Toyota GR86 - An affordable sports roadster with a soft top.

Roadsters are usually lighter and more dynamic than convertibles due to the lack of rear passenger seats and a simplified design. However, they are less practical for everyday use - the trunk is often small and the removable roof requires storage space.

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If you are choosing a roadster for the city, pay attention to models with an automatic soft top (for example, Fiat 124 Spider). They are easier to use than removable rigid panels.

3. Coupe-convertible (CC) - a hardtop that folds

Coupe-convertible (or Cabrio Coupé, CC) is a car with folding hard roof, which is stored in the trunk or a special compartment. This design combines the advantages of a coupe (body rigidity, sound insulation) and a convertible (open top). The first production model with this technology was Peugeot 206 CC (2000).

Advantages of coupe-convertibles:

  • 🛡️ Security: A hardtop provides better rollover protection.
  • 🔇 Silence: The noise level in the cabin is close to that of a conventional coupe.
  • 🌡️ Thermal insulation: In winter, the interior is warmer than in a convertible with a soft top.

Disadvantages:

  • ⚖️ Weight: The roof folding mechanism adds 100–150 kg to the vehicle's weight.
  • 💰 Price: coupe-convertibles are 20–30% more expensive than classic convertibles.
  • 📦 trunk: When the roof is folded, the volume of the trunk is reduced by 2–3 times.

Popular models of 2026:

Model Roof type Folding time (sec) Trunk volume (l)
BMW 4 Series Cabriolet Soft 18 300/220*
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet Soft 20 285/225*
Audi A5 Cabriolet Soft 15 380/320*
Ford Mustang Convertible Soft 10 332/251*

*Trunk volume with roof folded.

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Hardtop coupe-convertibles (e.g. Lexus LC 500 Convertible) are considered the most reliable for round-the-clock operation, but their mechanism requires regular maintenance (lubrication of guides, checking hydraulics).

4. Targa - a removable roof for lovers of the open sky

Targa (from Italian. Targa - "shield") is a car with removable hardtop, which is usually mounted above the front seats, while the rear window remains in place. This format was popularized Porsche 911 Targa in 1965. Today, targas are often confused with convertibles, but they have key differences:

  • 🔧 Construction: The targa does not have a folding mechanism - the roof must be removed and stored separately.
  • 🚗 Body rigidity: Targa retains structural strength better than convertible.
  • 💨 Aerodynamics: When the roof is open, air flows are less chaotic than in a convertible.

Modern examples:

  • 🏁 Porsche 911 Targa 4S — with an automated removable panel.
  • 🏁 Corvette C8 Targa - with a carbon fiber roof.
  • 🏁 Fiat 500C — a budget option with a soft folding roof (sometimes called “half-targa”).

Targa is suitable for those who want an open car, but are not ready to put up with the noise and disadvantages of a soft top. However, the removable roof is inconvenient to store; it requires a cover or space in the garage.

Why is the Porsche 911 Targa called that?

The name "Targa" was given in honor of the race Targa Florio in Sicily, which Porsche won in the 1960s. The removable roof design was developed as a compromise between coupe and convertible for competition purposes.

5. Landaulet - retro style with an open top for rear passengers

Landaulet (from fr. landaulet) is a rare type of car that only opens back of the roof, leaving the front one rigid. This format was popular at the beginning of the 20th century among limousines and parade cars (for example, Rolls-Royce Phantom Landaulet).

In the modern world, landaulets are extremely rare and are usually made to order. For example:

  • 👑 Bentley Mulsanne Landaulet - for official events.
  • 👑 Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet (concept) - with an open top over the rear seats.

Landaulets are not suitable for everyday use, but remain a symbol of luxury. Their main advantage is the ability to enjoy the open sky without losing body rigidity and the safety of front passengers.

Traces of corrosion on the sills and side members|Condition of the roof seals (does it blow into the interior)|Operation of the folding mechanism (smoothness, extraneous sounds)|Integrity of the soft top (cracks, abrasions)|Electronics (rain sensors, heated glass)-->

Many convertible car owners wonder: Do I need to make changes to the PTS or STS if I replace the soft top with a hard one (or vice versa)? The answer depends on the type of modification:

  • ✅ Replacing the soft roof with a similar one (for example, vinyl instead of fabric) - does not require re-registration.
  • ⚠️ Installation of a removable hard roof (for example, on Mazda MX-5) - may be considered a design change. An examination by the traffic police is required.
  • ❌ Homemade designs (for example, a makeshift hard roof for a convertible) are prohibited and face a fine of up to 50,000 rubles.

If you are buying a car with a non-standard roof already installed, check the availability of documents for the conversion. For example, Porsche 911 with factory option Targa does not require additional paperwork, but a homemade roof on VAZ-2108 - a reason for refusal of registration.

⚠️ Attention: When exchanging a soft top for a hard one, the traffic police may require a certificate of conformity. Without it, the car will not pass inspection.

7. How to choose a car with an opening roof: a checklist for the buyer

When purchasing a convertible, pay attention to the following points:

  1. Roof type:
    • Soft - cheaper, but less reliable.
    • Rigid folding - more expensive, but quieter and warmer.
    • Removable (targa) - a compromise between practicality and style.
  2. Folding mechanism:
    • Electric drive is convenient, but expensive to repair.
    • Manual is more reliable, but requires effort.
  3. trunk:
    • When the roof is folded, trunk volume is reduced by 30–50%.
    • Roadsters often have no or minimal trunk space.
  • Roof care:
    • The soft top must be cleaned with special products (for example, Renovo Soft Top Cleaner).
    • It is enough to wash the hardtop like a regular body.

    If you are buying a used car, be sure to check:

    • 🔍 Traces of rust on the thresholds and in places where the roof is attached.
    • 🔊 Extraneous sounds when the folding mechanism is operating.
    • 💧 Seals — Is there a breeze blowing into the cabin when the roof is closed?
    ⚠️ Attention: Convertible cars are more likely to be stolen - they attract attention and are easier to break into (a soft top can be cut with a knife). Install an alarm with a tilt sensor and park in secure areas.
    Is it possible to drive a convertible with a soft top in winter?

    Yes, but with reservations:

    • The soft top retains heat less well, so the interior will cool down faster.
    • At temperatures below -10°C the roof material may become brittle and crack.
    • Recommended to use roof cover and park in the garage.

    Folding hardtops (coupe-convertibles) are better suited for winter.

    How much does it cost to replace a soft top on a convertible?

    The cost depends on the model and material:

    • Budget convertibles (for example, Daewoo Matiz Cabrio) - from 30,000 ₽.
    • Premium class (for example, BMW 6 Series Cabriolet) - from 150,000 ₽.
    • Roadsters (for example, Mazda MX-5) — 50 000–80 000 ₽.

    The service life of the soft top is 5–10 years (with proper care).

    Which convertible is the most reliable for everyday use?

    According to research J.D. Power and owner reviews, the best options:

    1. Mazda MX-5 (ND) — simple design, minimalistic soft top.
    2. Porsche 718 Boxster — hard removable roof, high build quality.
    3. Mini Cooper Cabriolet — compact, suitable for the city.
    4. Ford Mustang Convertible - reliable folding mechanism, affordable price.

    Avoid rare models (eg. Renault Wind) - parts and service can be a problem.

    Is it possible to install an opening roof on a regular car?

    Technically possible, but:

    • 🔧 Cost — from 500,000 ₽ (including body reinforcement).
    • 📝 Legally — approval is required from the traffic police as a design change.
    • ⚠️ Security — the body loses rigidity, which is dangerous in case of an accident.

    It is much cheaper and safer to buy a factory convertible or roadster.

    What are the cheapest cars with an opening roof on the secondary market?

    Top 5 budget options (price up to RUB 1,000,000 in 2026):

    1. Daewoo Matiz Cabrio — from 250,000 ₽ (rare, but very cheap).
    2. Fiat Panda 100HP Open — from 350,000 ₽ (compact, economical).
    3. Peugeot 206 CC — from 400,000 ₽ (first generation coupe-convertibles).
    4. Opel Astra TwinTop — from 500,000 ₽ (hard folding roof).
    5. Mazda MX-5 (NB, 2000–2005) — from 600,000 ₽ (iconic roadster).

    When purchasing, check the history by VIN — Convertibles often get into accidents due to low body rigidity.