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Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio 1.8T

Volkswagen's Beetle Cabriolet has always been a car that is more about image than driving pleasure. But for those who want more performance from their lifestyle accessory, the German firm has added a turbocharged version to the line-up.

By Mat Watson

June 2004

Volkswagen's Beetle Cabriolet has always been a car that is more about image than driving pleasure. But for those who want more performance from their lifestyle accessory, the German firm has added a turbocharged version to the line-up.

The newcomer is fitted with the established 1.8T engine from the MkIV Golf GTI, and with 150bhp on tap, it can sprint from 0-60mph in 9.3 seconds. While this may not sound that quick, it's 2.5 seconds faster than the 2.0-litre version.

The main advantage that the turbo has over its naturally aspirated sibling is its added pulling power. With 220Nm of torque available from 2,000rpm, overtaking is easy, with no need to change down, which is just as well as the sloppy gearbox isn't very pleasing to use. However, there is a downside to this power delivery. Around town, the delayed throttle response can be a pain, and although slower overall, the 2.0-litre car actually feels nippier through traffic.

And despite the extra performance, the turbocharged Bug still isn't involving, because the chassis is too vague to give you the confidence to push it hard. It's far more at home cruising on A-roads, where the smooth engine and supple suspension provide a relaxing ride.

Then there's the problem of price. If your heart is set on a Beetle, it's worth paying the extra ΂£830 for the added power the turbo offers over the 2.0-litre version, but ΂£18,815 seems high when compared to superior rivals. With the arrival of the MINI Cooper S Convertible, which offers image-boosting style and genuine driving thrills for ΂£17,595, it's hard to justify buying the turbo version of the Beetle Cabriolet at all.

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FIRST OPINION

    The addition of the 1.8T unit to the Beetle Cabrio brings welcome performance to the range. The extra torque improves overtaking and makes it a more relaxing cruiser. However, while it's worth paying extra over the 2.0-litre version, we feel it's overpriced compared to more able competitors.
 

AT A GLANCE

    On sale now
    Power roof comes as standard
     
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