Prices For Award-Winning New Beetle Cabriolet Are Announced

Volkswagen has announced prices for the New Beetle Cabriolet, which yesterday took top honours in its category in the What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2003. Starting at £15,395 ‘on the road’, the New Beetle Cabriolet combines the fun of open air driving with highly distinctive styling and benchmark build quality.

The new model, which will arrive in the UK in May, is initially available with either 102 PS 1.6-litre or 115 PS 2.0-litre petrol engines. The larger powerplant will also be offered from launch with a six-speed automatic gearbox, or a five-speed manual transmission. Later in the year, a 75 PS 1.4-litre petrol and 100 PS 1.9-litre TDI PD diesel will join the range.

Despite its retrospective appeal, the New Beetle Cabriolet is a thoroughly modern four-seater vehicle with a host of technically advanced features. As an example, the electrohydraulic roof with integrated heated glass rear window provides a high degree of insulation against both noise and the elements when up, but takes just 13 seconds to lower. Plus on every model there’s a sophisticated roll-over protection system for extra safety.

Other standard equipment includes ABS; ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme); four airbags; electric windows and mirrors; rain sensor wipers; and an auto dimming mirror. In addition, the 2.0-litre models benefit from air conditioning and distinctive 16 inch alloy wheels.

The What Car? judging panel awarded the New Beetle Cabriolet with the title of ‘Best Convertible’ at the prestigious ceremony held in London last night. Commenting on the accolade, What Car? Editor Rob Aherne said: ‘The New Beetle Cabriolet retains all the charm of the classic original, but brings it bang up to date in terms of style and quality. We’re delighted that it is priced within the reach of so many buyers, too.’