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Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

The latest Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet makes improvements across the board and brings the classic shape up to date with a more sporty attitude. Underneath the underpinnings are much the same as the solidly built Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet and the engine range is similar too but the Beetle has a personality of its own. While the Beetle looses the quirky details of the previous generation (notably the dashboard mounted vase) it has a youthful retro style that is less Ikea and more Herbie. Interior and luggage space is noticeably better than the Mini Cabriolet – perhaps its closest rival.

A broad range of engines cater for most drivers and offer better performance than the previous generation. The DSG paddle-shift gearbox is smooth and responsive.

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Details

Production Dates2013-current
Length 4278 mm / 168 in
Width 1808 mm / 71 in
Height 1473 mm / 58 in
Wheelbase 2540 mm / 100 in
Luggage Capacity 225 litres / 7.95 cu ft
Fuel Tank Capacity 55 litres / 14.5 US gal
Warranty 3 years or 60,000 miles
Service Intervals Variable miles

Similar Cars

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1.2 TSI

The entry level 1.2 TSI Beetle Cabriolet has a lot going for it. The engine sounds tiny but thanks to the TSI technology it punches above its weight. Around town it is quiet and smooth but push it hard on the open road and it is surprisingly tuneful and goes well. The 1.2 suits the Beetle well and has both the most attractive price and the best petrol economy. The lightweight engine means that the cars handling is the best of the range making it a pleasure to weave through twisty roads.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Driven Wheels Front-wheel-drive
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1197 cc
Power 105@4500 ps
Torque 175@1400 nm
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 7-spd DSG
Kerb Weight 1395 kg / 3075 lb
UK Retail Price from £20,380
UK Insurance Group 15E-T1

Performance

Max speed (manual) 111 mph / 179 kph
Max speed (auto) 111 mph / 179 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 11.7 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 11.7 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 51.4 mpg / 5.5 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 52.3 mpg / 5.4 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 127 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 125 g/km

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1.4 TSI

The 1.4 TSI powered VW Beetle Cabriolet gets a welcome boost in power over the 1.2 which makes it nicely punchy when overtaking and yet refined when cruising at speed. The cost of the extra power comes in the form of fuel economy although this is still at an excellent level. The manual gearbox is nice to use and gives full use of this flexible engine. It may be a small engine but this is likely to be all most buyers will need and the low weight results in more nimble handling.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Driven Wheels Front-wheel-drive
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1390 cc
Power 150@5000 ps
Torque 250@1500 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual
Kerb Weight 1432 kg / 3157 lb
UK Retail Price from £24,575
UK Insurance Group 23E-T1

Performance

Max speed (manual) 125 mph / 201 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 9.1 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 47.9 mpg / 5.9 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 136 g/km

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 TSI

The 2 litre VW Beetle Cabriolet is the most powerful car in the range and thanks to the clever TSI technology it remains efficient and economical while giving a high power output. TSI uses direct petrol injection combined with both a turbocharger and a supercharger to squeeze the most out of relatively small engines. In the Beetle this engine makes for an entertaining drive and hot-hatch style performance but the slow steering takes the edge of the excitement.

Specifications

Fuel type Unleaded Petrol
Driven Wheels Front-wheel-drive
Engine type Straight 4
Engine Capacity 1984 cc
Power 200@5100-6200 ps
Torque 206@1700-5200 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 6-spd DSG
Kerb Weight 1487 kg / 3278.3 lb
UK Retail Price from £25,855

Performance

Max speed (manual) 139 mph / 224 kph
Max speed (auto) 137 mph / 220 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 7.6 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 7.6 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 37.7 mpg / 7.5 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 36.2 mpg / 7.8 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 174 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 180 g/km

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 1.6 TDI

If you are going to be driving a high mileage the 1.6 TDI Convertible Beetle is the one for you. While its aerodynamics can't quite match the Bluemotion convertible VW Golf with the same engine on MPG, it comes pretty close. The diesel engine is frugal on fuel and produces low emissions while still providing the fun that you want from the Beetle. Performance isn't exactly exciting but it doesn't feel dreadfully underpowered either. For some drivers this option will be the sensible excuse for a decision that has otherwise been lead by the heart!

Specifications

Fuel type Diesel
Engine type Straight 4
Driven Wheels Front-wheel-drive
Engine Capacity 1598 cc
Power 105@4400 ps
Torque 185@1500-2500 lb.ft
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 6-spd DSG
Kerb Weight 1466 kg / 3232 lb
UK Retail Price from £20,550

Performance

Max speed (manual) 111 mph / 179 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 12.1 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 62.8 mpg / 4.5 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 118 g/km

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 2.0 TDI

The 2 litre turbo diesel powered VW Beetle Cabriolet is both comfortably powerful and refined. So much so in fact that it is hard to tell it from the petrol alternatives. Although not quite as frugal as the 1.6 TDI it is still a very economical car. It is an engine that performs well in every aspect and can give an enjoyable turn of speed on low running costs.

Specifications

Fuel typeDiesel
Engine type Straight 4
Driven Wheels Front-wheel-drive
Engine Capacity 1968 cc
Power 110@3100 ps
Torque 250@1500 nm
Transmission type 6-spd manual / 7-spd DSG
Kerb Weight 1484 kg / 3272 lb
UK Retail Price from £24,565
UK Insurance Group 16E-T1

Performance

Max speed (manual) 113 mph / 182 kph
Max speed (auto) 120 mph / 193 kph
0-100kmph (manual) 11 seconds
0-100kmph (auto) 9.9 seconds

Economy and Emissions

EU Combined Fuel Economy (manual) 64.2 mpg / 4.4 L/100km
EU Combined Fuel Economy (auto) 50.4 mpg / 5.6 L/100km
CO2 Emissions (manual) 116 g/km
CO2 Emissions (auto) 145 g/km
Driven Wheels null-wheel-drive Driven Wheels null-wheel-drive Driven Wheels null-wheel-drive

Information last updated

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