Insurance Group: N/A
MPG: 41.5
CO2: 158
0-62 Mph: 8.6 secs
BHP: N/A BHP
Range: 502 miles
PROS: The charming Beetle cabriolet is one of the most stylish cars on the market, while the 1.4 engine has plenty of punch, and comes supplied with a good level standard of equipment.
CONS: This version of the car does come at a hefty purchase price, and the driving experience isn't quite as good as some hatchbacks, while space in the rear is also a little limited.
This is certainly a car that is at its best on the open road, with the firm ride that is to be experienced in urban areas becoming much smoother and more pleasant, while the steering could be a little sharper. This version of the model is one of the best in the range both in terms of pace and power, with the 1.4 litre engine pulling the car from 0-62mph in a quick 8.6 seconds. The top speed of 129mph is more than enough for regular motorway use, while it is actually quite good in terms of cabriolet refinement, making it fairly civilised whether the roof is up or down.
The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach as does the seat, meaning that drivers of all sizes should be able to find the best driving position for them with relative ease. The retro styling of the dashboard is quirky but not unpleasant, while all of the controls are user friendly and don't distract the driver while on the road.
The looks of the Beetle Cabriolet are very attractive. The large wheel arches and rounded headlights have a distinctive retro feel, while the twin exhaust at the back of the car is a little more modern. One interesting feature with this model is the 18 inch alloy wheel set, which uses two tone metal to give the car an even more distinctive look.
The vehicle does come with a good range of equipment, with the choice of colours for the leather seats being a nice touch, as well as the impressive stereo system which includes an interesting ambient light system around the speakers. Front and rear parking sensors are a nice touch of modern technology in this retro vehicle, while air conditioning will help to keep the car comfortable when the roof is up.
The cabriolet is not generally a car where practicality is too important, and this can be seen in the rear seats of the Beetle, which offer very limited legroom, and headroom is also significantly curtailed when the roof is up. The boot is quite a good size for a soft top, but the square shape of the lid does make it a little difficult to get bulky items into it.
Safety features are always important in a cabriolet and the Beetle is supplied with the brake assist system, a good range of air bags and stability control, as well as the usual air bags to protect the occupants in case of an accident. Volkswagen is known for making reliable cars, so it should be no surprise that the Beetle Cabriolet has proved itself to fit that mould.
This version of the Beetle is one of the top petrol options available in the range, and those on a budget may want to look further down the range, as the list price of £26,115 may put off some buyers. However, a cabriolet is usually a purchase of passion rather than one of common sense, and this is one of the most enjoyable cars in the range. Fuel efficiency is sacrificed a little for the sporty performance of the engine, as it delivers an average 41.5mpg.
Cabriolets are very desirable on the second hand market, and when selling at the right time of year with a full service history it is often possible to recoup a significant proportion of the purchase price. A three year or sixty thousand mile warranty and three years' roadside breakdown assistance completes the package for the car.
This car is very basic in terms of technology and additional equipment, with fairly average running costs and high CO2 emissions, particularly considering the slowness of this motor. However, the m...
The Beetle is a car that most buyers will choose based on the iconic appearance of the exterior. This car is not cheap to run or maintain, as the its fuel economy isn't great and it is in road tax ...
The Beetle is a stylish little model that delivers decent performance and a smooth ride. The cost of this car is a little higher than the level of kit or the performance can justify however. The ma...
This model is one of the best performers in the Beetle range, but is still not the most exciting drive. The Beetle does however shine in the looks department, where its iconic outer appearance will...
The amount of kit that the Beetle comes with is pretty limited and the buyer will be paying for the distinctive shell of the Beetle and the great power hood that this cabriolet boasts. The performa...
You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Volkswagen Beetle. Here are some popular Volkswagen Beetle alternatives:
