Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

Turning heads and winning hearts in equal measure since launch, the New Beetle Cabriolet is now available with a wider-than-ever engine choice, including the 1.8-litre turbo with 150 PS.

Already familiar in the Bora, Passat and Sharan, this engine’s headline characteristic is a flat torque curve with peak pulling power on tap from 2,000 rpm right though to 4,600 rpm. This gives it the sort of low-down response more usually associated with modern turbodiesels, while retaining the top-end power of high-performance petrol cars. Such is the subtle nature of the turbocharger, the driver will suffer little hint of traditional ‘turbo lag’.

The New Beetle Cabriolet 1.8T costs £18,815 RRP on the road, and has a comprehensive list of standard equipment which includes ABS with ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme); twin front and side airbags; immobiliser and remote central locking with alarm; air conditioning; front fog lights; alloy wheels; and power hood.

The Cabriolet range starts at just £14,430 for the 1.4-litre, and a wide range of engines - including a diesel - are available, meaning there is a Cabriolet to suit every taste and pocket.

Earlier this year, the New Beetle Cabriolet was awarded the What Car? magazine Best Convertible title for the second year in a row.