There is a bright start to 2003 in store for convertible drivers with the New Beetle Cabriolet due on the European market in the first quarter. Volkswagen's new model continues its tradition of four-seater open-air bestsellers. The New Beetle follows in the footsteps of two of the highest-selling cabrios in the world, the Golf Cabriolet and Beetle Cabriolet. Its design is absolutely distinct and symbolises status-free fun. The New Beetle Cabriolet is refreshing and progressive in the way it interprets the positive character of the classic Beetle Cabriolet which made history as the first classless Volkswagen. The new convertible's emotional values and technical features reflect open travel as an attitude to life in general.
The concept of the New Beetle Cabriolet combining extremely high torsional rigidity with fully fledged rear seating, featuring a through loading facility, a rollover protection system that deploys automatically in an accident, the all-season top including heated glass rear window and an optional six-speed automatic demonstrates how very safe, comfortable and suitable for everyday use a lifestyle-oriented vehicle can be.
Special paint finishes developed for the New Beetle Cabriolet add a new splash of colour to everyday motoring. With Aquarius Blue, Mellow Yellow und Harvest Moon to list just a few, it is clear from the names alone that a positive and appealing character is an essential feature of this car.
The New Beetle Cabriolet will be available in Germany with a choice of four engines - three petrol engines and one TDI - ranging in power output from 55 kW / 75 bhp to 85 kW / 115 bhp. The top engine can be combined with the new six-speed (Tiptronic) gearbox.
The technical highlights of the convertible design are in the body engineering and the operation of the cloth-lined three-layered top. Just like the former Beetle Cabriolet, the open soft-top rests on the area of the imaginary C pillar. This design is deliberately reminiscent of the classic Beetle Cabriolet. However, when folded down the top lies much lower thanks to an elaborate folding system.
The top is opened using an one-hand release mechanism. It can then be put into its resting position. In the case of the electrohydraulic system the convertible top opens and closes at the press of a button, taking only 13 seconds each way. A luxury trim strip traces the elegant unbroken line formed by the window lines and the transition between the top and body.
The automatically deploying roll over protection has been harmoniously integrated into the silhouette of the open convertible. The system is located behind the rear seat back. A rollover and crash sensor detects when the car is in danger of rolling and triggers the protection system. When this happens two profiled supports spring out and together with the windscreen frame these protect the passenger compartment. The passive safety items, including effective front and side airbags and energy-absorbing side panels designed especially for the convertible, are combined with proven active safety equipment. In Germany the New Beetle Cabriolet is equipped with side airbags, ABS, and ESP as standard.
Text and photos courtesy of Volkswagen AG
