Review Of The Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
Probably the cutest drop-top on the market, the new Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet is just as much fun as it looks. It’s got all the retro appeal of the standard Beetle, but its folding roof means you get to enjoy the sunshine on your face when the weather calls for it.
It’s also a fairly practical convertible that can fit four adults for road trips, and a fair amount of luggage when you need to do your weekly shop. Versatile and customisable, it’s quite the charmer.
However, can it rock your socks better than a natural sports car like the Mazda MX5 Convertible?
OSV takes a closer look at what it’s all about with our Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet review.
On The Road
The previous Beetle Cabriolet came in for some criticism from buyers and critics who pointed out how weak its chassis became when the roof was removed. Fortunately, Volkswagen noticed this problem too, and fixed it with a new suspension setup. Now, the Beetle no longer flexes over bumps, and this improves the ride quality and overall driving experience.
That said, it still won’t feel as responsive as some rivals. If you prioritise comfort over out-and-out fun, though, the Beetle will get your thumbs up. It’s a bit fidgety at low speeds, while coarser surfaces will cause vibrations.[vc_single_image image=”65819″ img_size=”article-image”]In terms of the engines, there are a whopping seven to choose from. The 1.2-litre 103bhp petrol engine is the most popular. It can do 0-62 in a respectable 11.7 seconds, and it returns good economy figures. It’s right at home in the towns and cities, but struggles on the motorway. Whenever you want to make an overtake, plan well in advance!
The 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine will be ideal for anyone who wants more power and pace but still wants to keep costs down. It develops 158bhp and can get you from rest to 62mph in 8.6 seconds.
The fastest petrol engine in the line-up, however, is a 2.0-litre unit that produces 197bhp, and which can get you from a standstill to 62mph in just 7.6 seconds.
The diesels are respectable, economical choices. They include a 1.6-litre TDI that develops a modest 103bhp, as well as a bigger 2.0-litre TDI unit that produces as much as 138bhp.
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Interior, Design & Build
[vc_single_image image=”65821″ img_size=”article-image”]The actual quality is hit and miss. The plastics on the dashboard are hard to the touch and look cheap, but the switchgear is of a much higher quality.
Thanks to the multilayered fabric roof, the Beetle is reasonably well refined, with just the faintest trace of engine noise creeping into its cabin. It’s barely audible, and comfort levels are good overall. The car comes with a foldable wind deflector that proves its worth when the roof is down, protecting you and your passenger if there is a bit of a breeze that day.
In terms of how practical it is, the Beetle has more cons than pros. The folding mechanism for the roof is swift, and you can drop the hood in just 9.0 seconds at the simple push of a button. It couldn’t be easier. All the controls on the dash are easy to find and use, and they’re all logically laid out.
However, this is a convertible and as such it was never going to be as usable as a Hatchback. There is no tailgate, the boot is smaller than the standard Beetle and measures just 225-litres. That’s fine for a bit of shopping and a few small suitcases, but there’s not much room for much else.
Two adults can squeeze into the rear seats, but shorter journeys will be preferable to long ones. The cabin is lacking in storage spaces, but does get a pair of (small) glove compartments and a few door bins.
Equipment & Safety Of The Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
The entry-level model is as spartan as they come and worth overlooking. It doesn’t even get the likes of air conditioning and a digital radio. OSV prefers the mid-range Design model which gets both of those, as well as colour coded dashboard panels and interior doors, a multifunction leather steering wheel and Bluetooth.
The Sport model adds larger alloys and parking sensors front and back. The Beetle Dune rounds the range off, but despite its name and price tag, it’s no off-roader that you can take into the deserts of Morocco. As such, it’s hardly worth forking out for.
Is the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet safe? It was awarded all five stars by Euro NCAP for its crash test, and its standard safety kit includes electronic stability control and the usual raft of airbags.
Costs Of The Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
Prices for the new car start out from £20,380 and rise to £29,150. If you prefer to lease, you can pick up a deal from £246 + VAT per month. For more information on our leasing deals, check out our page here.
In terms of its running costs, fuel economy is decent. The 1.2-litre turbo TSI petrol engine can return as much as 51mpg when paired up with the DSG auto box, while the turbocharged 1.4-litre engine is good for 47mpg.
The most frugal of the seven engines, however, is the 2.0-litre TDI diesel. When backed by BlueMotion tech, it can return 64mpg and emits just 115g/km of CO2.
Pros and Cons Of The Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
Pros:
Retro Styling
VW has done well to transfer the Beetles’ iconic styling onto the cabriolet version, and the car looks fab.
Fun To Drive
It won’t set your pulses racing like a sportier convertible, but it’s agile and entertaining.
Affordable
Affordable to buy and run, it’s a great entry point into the drop-top world for those on a bit of a budget.
Cons:
Practicality Issues
Poor visibility and a small boot are just two issues that weaken its usability.
Not Very Sporty
It’s more retro and family friendly than sporty.
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet vs Vauxhall Cascada Convertible vs Mazda MX5 Convertible
Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our 2017 Vauxhall Beetle Cabriolet review.
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet vs Vauxhall Cascada Convertible
The new Vauxhall Cascada Convertible has the family-friendly Vauxhall stamp written all over it, but the fact that it’s a drop-top gives it a bit of an edge.
Not that much of an edge, mind. It doesn’t strut as entertainingly as one would hope, while it’s a bit lacking in the speed department. 0-62 is achieved in 9.2 seconds if you opt for the 1.6-litre 168bhp ECOTEC turbo petrol engine, but you’re in plodding city car territory if you go for the smaller 138bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine.[vc_single_image image=”46720″ img_size=”article-image”]
For enthusiasts, there is a high-performance version that develops 200bhp, but the diesels complete the 0-62 dash in the 9.0 seconds ballpark.
Ultimately, the Cascada can’t match the fastest Beetle on pace, but borrowing advanced front suspension tech from the high-performance Vauxhall Insignia VXR Saloon means its ride is comfortable and supple. Even if you go for the bigger alloys, ride quality remains good.
That said, if you chuck the car into bends, you’ll notice its weight.
Running costs are decent, but the 1.6-litre petrol engine’s returns of 39.2mpg at best might make you wince. Worse still, it emits as much as 168g/km of CO2.
At the other side of things, the 2.0-litre diesel returns 54.3mpg, emits 138g/km and is the most frugal engine.
Inside, the brand missed a trick when they fitted the Vauxhall Cascada Convertible with uncomfortable seats that negate the superb ride quality. The bases are just too short.
Apart from that, the interior looks smart enough, insulation is good when the roof is up and wind buffeting is kept to a minimum when it’s down.
It’s fairly practical, too. Four adults can sit in relative comfort, leg and headroom are okay, and the boot measures a very respectable 380-litres. However, whenever you plan to retract the roof, you need to clip a load-limiting shelf in place, which takes away 100-litres.
Price:
Volkswagen – £20,380 – £29,150
Vauxhall – £27,115 – £33,210
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet vs Mazda MX5 Convertible
The new Mazda MX5 Convertible has been heralded by many as the most successful car of its type ever. That’s a big claim, but has the car got what’s needed to back the hype up?
Hyped-up and jacked-up, the Mazda might be small but it packs a punch. It’s super light, doesn’t offer an insane amount of power – but doesn’t need to. Indeed, it’s the most fun it’s ever been.[vc_single_image image=”65403″ img_size=”article-image”]There are two engines available, both are petrols, and both rely on the brands SKYACTIV technology instead of turbochargers. This means they’re bursting with performance and as economical as their rivals. However, it does mean they lack a certain eagerness at low speeds. At high revs, however, engine response is instant.
The 1.5-litre engine kicks things off. It develops 129bhp, which is enough to get you from rest to 62mph in 8.3 seconds. It revs fast, sounds as on song as ever, and will be enough for most buyers.
The alternative choice is a 2.0-litre 168bhp engine that covers the 0-62 dash in 7.3 seconds. It’s an absolute flyer that, despite a moderate increase in power over the 1.5-litre unit, feels meaty enough to satisfy enthusiasts.
In bends is where the Mazda comes into its own thanks to excellent handling and a rear wheel drive layout. It feels like a genuine sports car.
In terms of its running costs, SKYACTIV tech and a lightweight structure mean that economy is good. The 1.5-litre engine returns 47.1mpg at best and emits 139g/km of CO2, while the bigger 2.0-litre power plant is good for 40.9mpg while emissions are at 161g/km.
Those numbers are impressive, and despite the addition of a folding roof, they’re no different from the standard Mazda MX5 Convertible.
Inside, the car benefits from sharing its interior with the Mazda3 Hatchback. The low seating position is racier and taller drivers will probably find that the driver’s seat is too small, but the quality is high throughout.
Indeed, the complaints that its predecessor faced were largely centred around fixtures, fittings, materials and plastics. It was a tad cheap and flimsy, but not so this time around. Everything is solid, the materials are classier, while each model gets the brand’s infotainment system as seen in the Mazda3.
All models get cruise control, LED headlights and Bluetooth as well.
Is the Mazda MX5 Convertible practical? Um. Most buyers looking at this car will be prioritising thrills and spills, and they have to when you consider that its boot measures just 130-litres. That’s enough for a weekend getaway in the sun, and it has a useful shape.
There is, however, no glovebox and no door bins.
Price:
Mazda – £22,295 – £29,495JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGSVVZSUhnVVVoVVElMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBnZXN0dXJlJTNEJTIybWVkaWElMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUzQyUyRmNlbnRlciUzRQ==
Verdict Of Our 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
Legend and icon, the VW Beetle will always have a special place in the hearts of certain drivers. The convertible variant has been around for over 50 years and has never been in better condition. Still sporting the retro looks and famous silhouette, it’s got the bonus of improved driving dynamics, sharper steering and a selection of engines that are genuinely performative.
There are sportier rivals, but if you love the Beetle, the new Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet makes perfect sense.[vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1464089844166{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1494257310211{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]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
Fancy the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet? Request a call back from one of our Vehicle Experts
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