The latest version of the Volkswagen Beetle was a huge hit a few years ago,
but fickle consumer tastes move elsewhere, so it has run out of steam as the
latest thing. But there is no better way to revive interest in the Beetle
than a new Convertible model, which seems even cuter than the metal top
version. Like the previous Beetle Convertible, you can expect the new model
to have a ready market with women who want to exhibit an unpretentious sense of style. 

The Beetle Convertible shares the basic shape of the standard model. The
fabric top is beautifully engineered and constructed from three fabric
layers, which help it maintain its shape and withstand the elements.

The new Convertible comes is four content levels, featuring either a
standard 2-liter inline four or a turbocharged1.8-liter four. Safety
features are an important aspect of convertible design and VW engineers
spared no expense in making the Convertible as bullet-proof as possible. All
models feature standard anti-lock brakes and side-impact air bags. VW¹s
Automatic Rollover Supports deploy behind the rear seats to provide extra
protection if the car topples over.

It¹s best to look at the VW Convertible in terms of two personalities.
Here¹s how that might work in terms of a couple of potential buyers: Mary
Ellen is a high school teacher in her mid 20s. She loves the scenic mountain
and ocean vistas of the coast and spends her weekends enjoying the beach and Sierra Club nature hikes. Mary Ellen just received tenure and completed her Master of Arts degree. So as a personal reward, she sold the Civic that got
her through college and into the work world and bought the basic VW
Convertible at its MSRP price of $20,450. She can easily swing the payments
now that she is sharing housing costs with her fiancé. The VW Convertible
appeals to modest Mary Ellen¹s sense of fun and outdoor adventure. The basic
VW Convertible is powered by a frugal 110-horsepower four-cylinder engine
and is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission. The basic VW is no
speed burner, but Mary Ellen appreciates its frugal 30-miles-per-gallon gas
consumption.

Mary Ellen¹s older sister Lisa is a rising star in a prestigious legal firm.
She also bought a new Volkswagen Convertible, but strictly as a personal
statement. Lisa recently broke up her boyfriend, a successful entrepreneur,
and now she wants to live large and let the world know she¹s not loosing any
sleep over the loss. After a week at a spa in Arizona and a new wardrobe,
she bought a loaded top of the line GLX model with a snappy 150-horespower
turbocharged engine for a retail price of $28,000. The optional six-speed
automatic transmission coaxes maximum engine performance.

The GLX model is loaded with leather seats and every feature and option
including wide 17-inch wheels and tires and electronic stability control to
support her take-no-prisoners driving style. This was not an impulse
decision. Although Lisa wanted a snappy convertible, she was aware of the
corporate culture at her law firm. She noticed that only partners drove BMW
or Mercedes-Benz models. On the other hand. the status-free VW allowed Lisa
to declare her style and pizzazz, but still not raise any eyebrows at the
law firm. 

So there you have the Convertible¹s two personalities. But unless you enjoy
life in the slow lane, it is hard to recommend our test model with its
standard 115-horsepower engine. With almost every compact car on the planet
producing something in the range of 130 horsepower or more, the VW feels
underwhelming on the road. The VW Convertible is relatively heavy for its
size and needs all of the power it can produce.

On the road, the Convertible displays its heritage as a top-down cruiser. It
responds best to leisurely driving style. The Convertible¹s weight means
that handling is not particularly inspiring. But if you like to be noticed
and are looking good, who cares.

 
Vehicle: New Beetle Convertible GLS

Price as tested: $24,180

Engine:

         Type: 2.0-liter inline four

         Horsepower: 115 @ 5,400 rpm

         Torque: 125-ft. lbs. @ 3,200 rpm

Fuel economy, automatic transmission

         City - 24 mpg

         Highway - 30 mpg

Curb Weight: 3,159 lbs.