Geneva Motor Show 2004 - Volkswagen

Volkswagen today unveiled plans to develop a Golf-sized convertible.

The Concept C has a full-length sunroof to provide protection from the elements, and the entire roof can be folded into the boot when the weather is fine.

The innovative roof mechanism folds in five stages. First, the sunroof slides backwards, then the rear windscreen lifts up and moves beneath the sunroof. The boot lid then opens and the roof slides back and into the boot. Finally the roof rails are released from the windscreen frame, folding into a Z shape and retracting back.

Luggage space varies from 400 litres with the roof up to 200 litres with it stowed – big enough for a suitcase.

Production versions of the car will be almost identical to the concept, although its aluminium grille will be replaced with a plastic item. The car will face stiff competition from existing metal-roofed drop-tops such as the Peugeot 307 CC and Renault Megane Coupe Cabriolet, as well as forthcoming tin-top versions of the new Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus.