2004 Volkswagen Concept C

Gunak sees the integration of the Concept C's defining look as Volkswagen's family 'Coat of Arms', a distinguishing trademark

At 1.31 meters tall, the Concept C has a sleek roofline, unlike some of its oddly proportioned European competitors. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

which will finally give the German brand a unified identity that has been lacking for quite some time. This new styling direction has been confirmed by Gunak for future vehicles, including what is expected to be the production version of the Concept C and the upcoming Passat. Future facelifts for new Volkswagens, including the recently announced compact sport utility will also bear the conspicuous mask.

The C in its name, incidentally, stands for coupe or convertible. The idea behind it is to be both in a more complete way than achieved before, while excluding some of the negative points inherent in existing hardtop cabrios. The first modern-day examples of four-seat retractable hardtop convertibles are the European-only Peugeot 206 and 307 CC, plus the

By the sea or in the city, coupe style or cabrio fashion, on demand at the touch of a button. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

Renault Megane C+C, which both feature thin, disproportionate bodies that appear odd with their roofs up. Because each was based off an existing cab-forward compact car, their sharply angled windscreens often impose entry and visibility problems.

Volkswagen's solution to these annoyances was to build a hardtop convertible from scratch, one meeting the criteria of four full-sized adults, a super-rigid chassis and a good looking folding hardtop roof. It's because of this checklist that the Concept C features passenger-friendly rear seat access and decent rear legroom, ensuring it will be a class leader.