VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CABRIOLET REVIEW

For Cute looks and a cult following aren’t all this drop-top Bug has going for it. Solid build, plenty of safety equipment and an excellent power hood make it a top-value buy.

Against The car really isn't that great to drive. Its boot is tiny, the rear seats cramped and, with the hood up, over-the-shoulder visibility is appalling.

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

You'll buy one because you want one. The cute looks compensate for the average dynamics and relative lack of practicality, and in many ways this version makes more sense than the hatchback.

Reader review rating

3.833333

The Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet full review Read in full

Performance
2 out of 5 stars
2.0-litre is sluggish. The 1.6 is a better bet
Ride & Handling
2 out of 5 stars
Aimed at cruising, not hard driving
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
Road noise troubles more than wind noise
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Should hold its value well
Quality & Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Solid build and proven engines
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
A host of passive and active safety kit
Behind The Wheel
2 out of 5 stars
Funky, but ergonomics aren't great
Space & Practicality
2 out of 5 stars
Reasonable seating, but tiny boot
Equipment
3 out of 5 stars
Adequate, but nothing more

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There are 5 Volkswagen Beetle versions available

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1.4 Luna 2dr	£16,580	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1.6 Luna 2dr	£18,215	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1.9 TDi 2dr	£21,525	What Car? says:1 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 2dr	£21,900	What Car? says:1 stars out of 5
Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1.8T 2dr	£22,745	What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1.6 Luna 2dr

Pretty much everything you need from your Beetle cabriolet – reasonable economy, an electric folding roof and good looks and solid build. If you want air-con, though, it'll cost you extra.

What Car? says:2 stars out of 5

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Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

This modern interpretation of the iconic Beetle caused a sensation when it was first shown in concept form, so Volkswagen just had to build it.

In all but looks, it’s completely different to its old relative, the modern Beetle being based on the underpinnings of the MK IV Golf.

That means it's front-engined, front-wheel-drive, and the luggage space is where it should be.

Its interior and boot are hugely compromised to recreate the original Beetle’s shape, but buyers don’t buy a Beetle with practicality in mind.

Instead, it’s bought by people wanting something a bit different, and there’s no denying that the Beetle has lots of character. It’s also well built, nicely detailed inside and well equipped – with plenty of safety kit as standard.

The range starts with a 1.4-litre model that allows an affordable entry-level price, while the cabriolet brings genuine four-seater drop-top motoring. It's not for everyone, then, but those who want it will love it.