Masterful A Rolling Fashion Statement
It's not exactly convertible season anymore. With those darned cold fronts and low pressure systems moving in sunny days are seldom felt. But, the week that I tested the New Beetle Convertible Turbo, Mother Nature must have been on my side. That week, the sun was out, the air was warm, and of course, the top was down!
 |
| Thankfully, Mother Nature was on my side the week that I tested the New Beetle Convertible Turbo. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Much like my experience with the Sebring Convertible, the week started out on the damp side. Monday was the pits, but Tuesday was a blitz (of sun). I couldn't wait to "go topless," and cruise down my local 'Rodeo Drive' with my girlfriends in bikinis. Ok that never happened, but it would have been fun. Instead I remained fully clothed and very grateful for the lovely weather.
 |
| The drop top bug featured a 150-hp 1.8-L DOHC 20-valve intercooled turbo I-4 engine with SMPI - an upgrade over the base engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
The New Beetle Convertible, much like the sun, has quite a flare. This particular yellow 'Harvest Moon' Bug featured a 1.8-L DOHC 20-valve intercooled turbo I-4 engine with SMPI, producing 150 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, and 162 lb-ft of torque at 2,200 rpm. It also had some pretty shiny 17" rims wrapped around P225/45R17 tires. It also came with the optional 6-speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox - a 5-speed manual is standard equipment. While I would have enjoyed a manual shifter more, the overall combination of engine, transmission, wheels and tires was pretty hot!
Enhancing the Beetle's heat are some pretty cool features. Standard equipment in the convertible are halogen headlights and fog lamps, an outside temperature display, front bucket seats, power windows, remote power door locks, driver and passenger door bins, body-colored door mirrors and bumpers, front and rear cupholders, manual air conditioning and cruise control.