2004 Volkswagen Concept C

In the western European marketplace, convertibles and coupes account for nearly 600,000 vehicles, of which Volkswagen would

Beautiful styling from VW's design studios, the Concept C will certainly brighten up Volkswagen's lackluster range. (Photo: Volkswagen Canada)

like to have a greater share in. Company analysts reckon that an annual sales target of 50,000 vehicles priced at E30,000 ($48,200 CAD, $37,100 USD) would be about right to break even on developing and marketing costs. Fifty thousand units might sound like a small number, but considering the C's established links with the next-generation Passat it could be feasible.

The Concept C, which could possibly adopt the name "Cabrio," has already been given the green light for production. Slight changes, including less complex headlights and taillights are expected, but it's been reported the styling, for the most part, will go forward unchanged. If Volkswagen can pull off the five-stage folding roof and the sporty, luxurious interior, I have no doubt that they'll have a smash hit on their hands. To be assembled at VW's Portuguese factory as a 2006 model, we can only hope for the best that Volkswagen's history of patchy reliability doesn't affect the stylish convertible-coupe's chances for success.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 2-door hardtop convertible
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 150 hp, 147 lb-ft of torque, 2.0-L, 16-valve, DOHC, I-4
• Transmission: 6-spd dual-clutch sequential
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4.41 / 1.81 / 1.31 / 2.60 m (173.6 / 71.3 / 51.6 / 102.4 in)
• Tires (front-back): 235/35 R 19 - 245/35 R 20
• Seating Capacity: 4
• Cargo Volume (roof down/up): 200 / 400L (7.06 / 14.13 cu ft)
• Web Site: www.vw.ca

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.