Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Review and Prices

The Beetle Cabriolet shares the same engine range – three petrols, two diesels – that you’ll find in the equivalent hatchback Beetle, and they’re all decent powerplants.

Whilst the larger engines, in particular, the 197hp 2.0 TSI petrol offer the best performance in the range, it’s the smaller engines that are the pick of the range. For instance, all engines bar the aforementioned 2.0 petrol can manage at least 40mpg on the combined cycle, with the 1.6 TDI diesel managing a very impressive 65mpg.

All the engines appear to be very smooth and refined, as you’d expect from a VW engine. However, it is worth pointing out that the smallest engines in the range aren’t exactly what you’d call punchy…

Whilst all cars come with either a five or six-speed manual transmission, some critics are inclined to recommend the automatic DSG gearboxes over the manual, given that they suit the car’s more relaxed character. However, they do cost a fair bit of money to buy, and they do hamper the running costs slightly, so we’ll let you decide as to whether ease of use justifies slightly more frequent stops at the pumps.

Extra bracing has been added, and all models come with the clever rear suspension that was usually the preserve of the top spec hard-top Beetles. The overall dynamics aren’t too shabby and the ride quality appears to be fairly good.

Overall refinement also seems to be pretty good thanks to the sound insulation of the fabric roof – which takes 9.5 seconds to be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 30mph.

Whilst it’s by no means awful to drive, and noticeably better than the previous Beetle Cabriolet, it’s not that rewarding if you drive it enthusiastically. Rear visibility is also compromised when the roof is up, so it may be worth to spec the parking sensors if you’re definitely going to buy a Beetle Cab.