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Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio

Topless beetle's a sunny delight

The sun's out, the roof's down and the temperature is in the nineties. Unsurprisingly, we're not in the rain-soaked and wind-blown UK. October may mean the onset of autumn at home, but in the US things are different.

By Oliver Marriage

October 2002

  • Rating:
The sun's out, the roof's down and the temperature is in the nineties. Unsurprisingly, we're not in the rain-soaked and wind-blown UK. October may mean the onset of autumn at home, but in the US things are different. Which must be why Volkswagen chose to launch the new Beetle Cabrio in Miami rather than Minehead.

It also helps that America will be the new soft-top's largest market. And that's not all. The Cabrio is also charged with raising VW's profile on the other side of the pond. Why? Well, insiders say the publicity generated by the new Beetle should help boost sales of the forthcoming Touareg off-roader - a car VW has very high hopes for in the States. So it's just as well that being noticed is something the new Beetle excels at. Its in-house design stays faithful to the shape of the three-door hatch and the original drop-top Beetle. Rather than tucking its folded roof away, the Beetle Cabrio proudly wears it on the rear deck, jutting over the boot. Hood operation is simple, although our test car's powered system will be optional when the model arrives here next spring.

When erected, the hood is locked in place by a central handle. And when down, a snug cover is secured by two clips. It's quick to attach, but flaps on the move. Of more concern is the fact that the tall folded roof sits so high that it significantly restricts rearward vision. Thanks to a large glass back screen there are no such problems with the roof up. Refinement is good thanks to the thick fabric, and the Cabrio's air defences mean it is just as impressive with the roof down - provided the tall side windows are up and the wind deflector in place. Inside, the famous domed roofline gives plenty of room for heads, if not that much space for the rest of the body. As with the hatch, rear legroom is tight and the sitting position hunched due to the upright seatbacks. There are no problems in the front, where the chunky switchgear and bold dials will be familiar to all VW drivers - as will the top build quality.

The hatch's tailgate has given way to a small cantilever lid. Do not be deceived by the restricted opening, though - the boot is surprisingly large. However, you do have to stoop to put things in, and you'll need night-vision goggles to see anything once it's inside!

British buyers have a choice of four engines: three petrols - a 75bhp 1.4-litre, 100bhp 1.6 and 115bhp 2.0 - plus the proven 100bhp 1.9 TDI diesel. The heavy Cabrio needs as much power as it can get, though. Our 2.0-litre test car weighed a hefty 1,352kg, and took 12.8 seconds to reach 0-60mph. It is dull and reluctant to rev, and its six-speed automatic gearbox seems little more than a gimmick. Even when cruising, it hunts between ratios - at least the tiptronic-style lever gives some form of manual control.

Wind-in-the-hair thrills aside, the Cabrio isn't particularly rewarding to drive. It feels unwieldy, with a ride that passes muster only on smooth roads. Scuttle shake is all too noticeable on rough surfaces. Of course, that won't matter a jot to most buyers, who will be bowled over by the car's image and style. Despite our weather, convertibles are popular in the UK, leading VW to predict annual sales of around 3,000 here. The Cabrio may well do even better if the company holds true to its promise that prices will start at less than ΂£14,000.

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FIRST OPINION

    Add the Beetle Cabrio to the list of next year's must-have vehicles, even if the driving experience is nothing to write home about. The roof feels robust and is simple to use if bulky on the rear deck, but what counts is the feelgood factor. This is a car you drive with a smile on your face.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Beetle Cabrio here next spring
    Starts at sub-£14,000 for 1.4
    Features all-new six-speed box
     
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