This weeks top Volkswagen car review
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
| Volkswagen car reviews from authority websites | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model | Review website | Link |
 | Volkswagen Beetle cabriolet car review | Volkswagen Beetle cabriolet WhatCar review |
 | Volkswagen Caravelle car review | Volkswagen Caravelle WhatCar car review |
 | Volkswagen Eos Channel 4 review | Channel 4 Volkswagen Eos car review |
 | Volkswagen Golf GTi Channel 4 review | Golf GTi channel 4 review |
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This weeks Volkswagen car review
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
Compiled By: Malcolm Ogston (cars-to-buy.com motoring consultant)
Performance
The 2.0-litre engine is from the old-shape Golf GTI but don’t get too excited. This eight-valve unit is flexible and easy-going but strained at high speed. The 1.6 is more driveable, although it can’t match the 2.0’s pulling power. A 1.9 turbodiesel introduces greater flexibility. Fastest is the 150bhp 1.8T which does 0-60mph in 9.3sec.
Ride & handling
Soft suspension makes for comfortable cruising, but at the expense of lurching body roll in corners. Despite losing its roof, however, the Beetle cabrio’s stiffened body means there is no windscreen wobble or scuttle-shake
Refinement
In any convertible with a roof in place, there’s bound to be some wind noise, but in the Beetle it’s relatively hushed. Even at motorway speeds, there’s little need for raised voices when trying to have a conversation. There’s a wonderful solidity to all the controls and materials in the cabin.
Buying & owning
It’s a Volkswagen, it’s a Beetle and it offers the full wind-in-the-hair driving experience, so this car holds its value very well. The 1.4 model is the cheapest four-seater convertible on sale, and with a group 8 insurance rating and combined fuel economy of nearly 40mpg it is relatively cheap to run, too.
Quality & reliability
The Land Cruiser’s reputation is founded upon its build quality and durability. In recent years Toyota has scored highly both in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey and our Used Car Reliability Survey, and the Toyota should live up to this billing. The quality of fixtures and fittings is now much better than before.
Safety & security
Every Land Cruiser gets eight airbags as standard, and a number of systems to help keep you on the straight and narrow – including braking assistance and, on some models, an electronic stability control system. This model also improves on its predecessor’s security by offering deadlocks as standard
Quality & reliability
Whether you love or loathe the Cabriolet’s retro styling, there’s no denying that its materials and plastics are made to the highest quality. Every one of the cabin’s materials is fresh and funky and yet feels solid as a rock. The mechanical parts are known, proven and trouble-free, too.
Safety & security
Front and side airbags and anti-lock brakes are fitted as standard on even the cheapest Beetle cabrio model. Sensors detect when the car is in trouble and trigger an anti-rollover device for extra protection. Stability control is standard across the range. Security equipment isn’t quite as comprehensive, but all have an alarm.
Behind the wheel
The curvy roof shape that has been kept for the soft-top has drawbacks for the driver. First, you can’t see the car’s extremities, and with the roof up visibility is poor. The Beetle’s driving position isn’t great either, despite having two-way steering wheel adjustment. But the surroundings are fantastic, with a three-spoke wheel, single instrument pod and stylish fascia.
Space & practicality
Headroom is generous for front passengers, and the rear can seat two adults in relative comfort. Access to the back is aided by cleverly tilting front seats. When the roof is down, it’s stored on top of the boot, which is a good thing as the load bay is tiny. At best, there’s room for a small load of groceries.
Equipment
Every model has front and rear electric windows and heated door mirrors. The 1.6 and 1.4 do without air-conditioning, but air-con is standard on the diesel. Buyers of the 2.0-litre petrol fare better still, with alloy wheels, optional auto gearbox and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. All but the 1.4 model have an electrically folding roof
