The lack of one essential feature left me quite disappointed though, a CD player. When I first entered I thought it was hidden, but after looking for quite some time it was apparent that what comes standard in a Toyota Echo Hatchback is extra in the pricey VW. I was baffled. Rather the Beetle Convertible comes standard with an AM/FM stereo cassette player and a premium Monsoon system encompassing 10 speakers. How am I supposed to get premium sound quality out of a tape? Besides, can you even buy tapes anymore? Sigh. I'm sorry, I just couldn't get over the fact that a car which costs $37,000 plus, does not come standard with a CD player. But life did go on, and the radio sounded mighty fine with the Monsoon system.
 |
| I just couldn't get over the fact that a car that costs $37,000 plus, does not come standard with a CD player. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
More important than the lack of CD player is the driving experience, which in the Convertible, was excellent. It has a stiff suspension, giving the Bug a sports car quality, unlike the Sebring's soft, luxurious suspension. The handling was so good that I often forgot that I was in a compact convertible and pushed its limits in the winding corners on my seaside commute.
 |
| Even though the Beetle Convertible only offers a mild 150-hp turbo engine, I found it quite excitable. (Photo: Alexandra Struab, Canadian Auto Press) |
This is when the safety features really came in handy. I noticed that the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) came into action when I pushed the mellow yellow meanderer to its limit. The limit I am talking about is not speed but cornering ability. Since it is a front wheel driver car, it tends to understeer. The Bosch designed traction and yaw control system uses sensors in the ABS brakes to almost completely alleviate over and understeering symptoms, with some very noticeable intervention however, keeping the car on the right side of the road. The standard front and rear disc brakes with that same ABS system made stopping very efficient and safe as well. In addition, this little car just zooms around. Even though the Beetle Convertible only offers a mild turbo, meaning it's 150-hp is not as apparent under acceleration as its siblings' 180-hp 1.8T (Turbo) engine, I found it quite excitable. What's more, it doesn't add harshness when a little more speed is desired.