Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Beetle Cabrio 1.4 TSI

Does the all-new Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet have the substance to match its style? We find out…

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Find your Volkswagen Beetle
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Despite being based on the Golf Cabriolet, the Beetle can’t match it in a number of areas. The ride isn’t as composed, handling isn’t quite as sharp and the interior quality isn’t as good. But there are still good reasons to go for the Beetle, notably its refinement and unique style. It’s also worth mentioning that buyers can save around £1,000 by opting for this Beetle rather than a Golf Cabriolet.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The VW Beetle Cabriolet’s history stretches back to 1949, so the latest model has a fair bit of pressure to deal with.

There are some obvious nods to the car’s heritage: pronounced wheelarches, a rounded front end and a fabric soft-top bunched up on the rear deck are all instantly recognisable Beetle visual cues.

Although this car is based on the previous Mk6 Golf, the interior has had a suitably stylish makeover. There’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a plastic strip across the dash finished in the body’s exterior colour. Yet while this all looks very nice, quality isn’t up to the standard of the Golf, as the dashboard is topped with some hard, scratchy plastic.

The engine line-up borrows from the Mk6 hatch, too – we’re driving the 1.4 TSI petrol model with 158bhp. As ever, it’s quiet, refined and smooth, with plenty of acceleration throughout the rev range. It claims 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds, but performance is leisurely rather than frantic.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

F-Type Convertible

2024 Jaguar

F-Type Convertible

3,476 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £41,995
View F-Type Convertible
Qashqai

2022 Nissan

Qashqai

47,790 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £18,364
View Qashqai
Leaf

2022 Nissan

Leaf

44,500 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £13,491
View Leaf
208

2022 Peugeot

208

9,036 milesManualPetrol1.2L

Cash £15,897
View 208

And despite VW’s best efforts to make the Cabriolet sportier, you could say the same about the handling. It’s more prone to wallowing in corners than the Golf Cabriolet is, and suffers from more chassis flex and body roll.

In that sense, the Beetle definitely doesn’t feel sporty – at least not as sporty as the Golf – but unfortunately it doesn’t ride quite so well, either. Over potholes and large ridges, the Cabriolet shimmies and crashes more than you’d expect. It does smooth out rougher motorway surfaces, though, and impressive refinement with the roof raised adds to the car’s decent long-distance cruising ability.

There are other compromises to be found, such as the small 225-litre boot and how the folded soft-top restricts your over-the-shoulder visibility. However, typical Beetle buyers tend to favour style over practicality, so those issues will pose them less of a problem.

There’s definitely a place for the new Beetle in VW’s soft-top line-up. It’ll cost you £24,050 with this 1.4 TSI engine in top-of-the-range Sport spec, while the Golf Cabriolet will set you back £25,645 in similar GT trim.

So while it may not be quite as rounded or engaging as the Golf, and trails on quality, the Beetle is undoubtedly stylish and a good deal cheaper to buy.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,391 off RRP*Used from £16,797
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £14,199
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,207 off RRP*Used from £12,900
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales
Luxury car tax

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales

Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers?
News
22 May 2025
The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm
Nissan Micra - front

The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm

The Nissan Micra makes a long-awaited return as an EV and is set to offer up to 253 miles of range
News
21 May 2025
BYD Dolphin Surf review
BYD Dolphin Surf - front

BYD Dolphin Surf review

The BYD Dolphin Surf is a roomy, sophisticated, and competitively priced electric city car that’ll find plenty of willing buyers
In-depth reviews
23 May 2025