I'm probably inviting trouble here, but this is a quintessential chick car and it's a little too precious for my tastes.
I know, if I was a truly secure human being and free from societal encumbrances, it wouldn't matter one way or the other - it's just a car, right? But like it or not, your car often speaks volumes about who you are, and I am just not a Beetle Convert kinda guy.
I say this as the former owner of an absolutely mint 1958 Beetle Convert that I drove while attending university. I loved that car, and if it weren't for the fact that it leaked like a sieve - while parked outside in the rain - I'd probably still have it.
That said, the newest soft-top version of the people's car is a pretty appealing package. It's got scads of power, is about as comfortable as these kinds of cars can be, handles itself pretty well in most situations, and has a disproportionately high fun-to-drive factor.
Power is amply provided by a five-cylinder engine that is transversely mounted up front and delivers 150 horsepower. There are two transmission choices: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with Tiptronic manual shift mode.
My tester had the latter and it'll run you an additional $1,400, unless you opt for the limited edition, silver-red model, which includes the automatic as standard equipment. I've always been a fan of this gearbox and, given the torque output of the five-banger, it's a nice fit. I suspect the majority of buyers choose it as well.
The silver-red model also comes with a bunch of other extras, including leather interior, upgraded suspension, larger 17-inch alloy wheels and a snazzy tonneau cover.
With its bright crimson top, this version of the Beetle Convertible is hard to ignore and dials up the "Here I am" factor even more. I felt pretty conspicuous driving it around and, all things considered, I'd suggest the base Trendline version; it offers the same driving experience and has most of the things you need, including power windows, air conditioning and heated front seats. It's also about $4,200 less expensive and, with an under-$27,000 base price, is a pretty good deal.
Driving the Beetle Convertible is a little like sitting in a high-sided bathtub. You're tucked well away from the elements and nasty wind turbulence, yet, with the top down, have the wide-open sky at your disposal. Raise the windows, and you're nicely ensconced and well protected. You could drive this car, top-down, in all kinds of weather, if you chose, and still be reasonably comfortable.
Getting the top down is kind of tricky, however. A release hatch mounted over the windscreen has to be twisted sideways and unlocked before the console-mounted switch lowers the top, and it can be a little hard to get at. Manicured fingernails are definitely at risk here.
Once that's done, however, the top is out of the way in about 15 seconds, and folded flat, Hansom cab-style, behind the back seat. That's another one of my problems with this car; when the top's lowered, I figure it should be completely stashed away and tucked out of sight somehow - like just about every other convertible on the market. As it is, it looks like folded drapes, laying on top of the back seats and rear deck.
On the other hand, when it's up and locked in place, it fits snugly and isolates the driver from traffic racket and inclement weather remarkably well. I've driven conventional tin-top sedans and SUVs that generate more road noise, and the quality of the top is first-rate, with a glass rear window. In fact, no gripes at all when it comes to fit and finish. Volkswagen has mastered the art of making convertibles, no question.
The Beetle Convert ain't half-bad when it comes to performance, either. It'll go from a dead stop to 100 kilometres an hour in about 10 seconds, and has an electronically governed top speed of about 209 km/h. Brakes, as usual for all Volkswagen products, are exemplary, with discs at all four corners and ABS as standard equipment.
In fact, if it weren't for its rampant cuteness and over-the-top preciousness, the Beetle Convertible would be on my short list for al fresco transport.
But, all things considered, were I in the market for a convert from Volkswagen, I'd probably plump for the Eos. It's much less conspicuous.
globeauto@globeandmail.com
****
2009 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE
Type: Four-passenger convertible
Base Price: $26,975; as tested: $32,535
Engine: 2.5-litre, five-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic with TipTronic
Drive: Front-wheel-drive
Horsepower/Torque:
150 hp/170 lb-ft
Fuel Economy (litres/100 km):
10.5 city/7.0 highway; regular gas
Alternatives: Mustang Convertible, VW Eos, Saab 9-3 Convertible, Pontiac G6 Convertible, Mini Cooper Convertible, Chrysler Sebring Convertible
****
Like
Well-finished
Surprisingly good performance/handling
Weatherproof top
****
Don't like
Too cute for this cowboy
Unco-operative top
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