Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Beetle Cabriolet 50s

Our verdict on the retro special-edition version of the VW Beetle Cabriolet as it hits UK roads

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

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

It's not the most thrilling car in the world to drive and the rear seats are a little cramped, but the Beetle Cabriolet looks good value next to the soft-top Golf, with more equipment for a lower price. If you’re not concerned about dynamics but want head-turning looks, this Beetle Cabriolet 50s is well worth considering.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The timing couldn’t be better – the sun has come out and Volkswagen has introduced the new Beetle Cabriolet in the UK.

At launch, it’s available in this stylish 50s trim level, featuring 17-inch Orbit Black alloys and chrome mirrors. The Beetle has a focus on style, and the admiring glances from other drivers and thumbs up from passers-by show VW has got it spot-on.

Inside are black and red leather seats as standard, plus a sports dash with three dials above the centre console. Rear passengers will find the seats cramped, though, plus they’ll be buffeted around with the hood down; the wind isn’t such an issue for those sitting up front.

Our car’s 158bhp 1.4-litre TSI engine feels punchy throughout the rev range, and gives 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds. Those with an eye on fuel bills won’t be too shocked by the 41.5mpg economy, either.

The Beetle Cabriolet feels slightly firm around town, but the ride comfort is pretty good on the whole. Handling is fairly neutral and uninspiring, although it feels safe and secure. So while the Beetle Cabriolet isn’t a car for keen drivers, it looks great and does very little wrong.

As a style-focused alternative to the Golf Cabriolet, it makes a good case for itself, especially with heated leather seats and parking sensors included for the £24,660 price.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025