But despite the model's initial popularity, a new convertible version is only just entering the market now - it's about time VW! When I think about how the German company could have cashed in on the al fresco crowd when the New Beetle was at its sales height a few years ago, and then consider the most recent Cabrio, pretty boring in comparison, I can't for the life of me figure out why they waited so long.
The new car follows the 'inherent strength of the arch' styling trend of the current New Beetle, much the same way the original Beetle convertible followed the first generation coupe's lines. Lower the top and its bundled backpack gives it an even more classically proportioned appearance. Each outside mirror is capped with a small, Mercedes-Benz style clear lens turn signal that visually leads in a thin strip of chrome across each abbreviated shoulder line. Other than that, no chrome can be found on the remainder of the vehicle. Actually its lower half looks for all intents and purposes like a relatively unchanged New Beetle.
But looks can be deceiving. In transforming the coupe to a convertible much has had to change. The A-pillars are reinforced to offer increased support in case of a rollover while a pair of automatically deployable roll bars, masked within the rear head rests, protect those in the back. Its doors, floors, rear cross-members and steering column have also been beefed up to compensate for the torsional rigidity lost when the coupe's metal roof was lopped off. Considering the car's short wheelbase the New Beetle Convertible should prove relatively stiff with little cowl shake, but a test drive will have to ultimately determine its ride and handling capabilities.