VW Beetle Cabriolet
Retro looks hide a thoroughly modern family soft-top
It's hard not to fall for the Beetle’s charms. While its retro looks won’t appeal to all, there’s no denying it turns heads, plus you really feel open to the elements when the fabric hood is lowered. This 60s edition is a little pricey, but it’s good to drive and surprisingly practical.
None of our convertibles can beat the Beetle for drop-top tradition. The rear-engined original can trace its roots back to 1949, which means the fashionable VW has been around in one form or another for more than 60 years. As a result, it’s no surprise to find the latest model takes many of its design cues from its famous predecessors.
Bulbous wheelarches and a rounded nose hark to the past, while Design models even get domed chrome wheel trims. Even the distinctive 18-inch alloys and tailgate spoiler of our range-topping Sport-based 60s special-edition version fail to dilute the retro image. Yet whether you love or hate the Beetle’s style, there’s no denying it attracts attention.
The car’s well insulated fabric hood lowers in just 12.9 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 31mph, although unlike many rivals the mechanism is left exposed in the space behind the rear seats, just like the fifties original. The retro theme continues inside, with a body-colour finish for the dash and door trims, while an upright windscreen means occupants are more exposed to the elements than in any other car here. Happily, the cabin quality is bang up to date.
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Cash £16,400Top-notch plastics are used throughout, plus the fit and finish are excellent. All versions get a DAB radio, air-conditioning and a powered hood, but you’ll have to fork out £275 for a wind deflector. Still, our 60s model offsets this omission with heated seats, a powerful Fender stereo, cruise control and eye-catching blue-and-grey leather seat trim.
There’s more than enough room for four adults, plus the cabin is packed with useful storage, such as the double-decker glovebox and the elasticated bottle holders set into the doors. There’s also a 50:50 split fold rear seat, which is just as well, because the cramped boot can only swallow 225 litres of luggage.
Thanks to its Golf MkVI underpinnings, it’s no surprise to find the Beetle is composed and capable on the road. The major controls are well weighted, plus there’s plenty of grip and a cushioned ride. It’s not as much fun as a MINI, but the supercharged, turbocharged 158bhp 1.4-litre engine responds well, taking the car from 0-60mph in 8.4 seconds. Other engine options include the 104bhp 1.2 and 207bhp 2.0 TSI petrols, plus 1.6 and 2.0 diesels.
Even base models get a multi-layer fabric hood, which helps cut road and wind noise and makes the VW a relaxing cruiser. And even without a wind deflector, there’s little buffeting with the roof down – although there is some turbulence on the motorway.
Prices start at £18,405, or £2,330 more than for a MINI One Convertible. However, the Brit is smaller, slower and has less kit, while higher-spec models don’t enjoy as much of a price advantage. If you want a fun four-seater convertible, look no further than the Beetle.
