When going topless, I experienced the VW's system to be a little more complicated than the Sebring's system. The process entails pushing a button/lever which then releases the handle. The handle then needs to be turned until the latches are released. Then the handle needs to be pushed back in. After that, the electronic top drop button, located on the centre console, needs to be pushed and the roof goes down. The same process applies when the top goes up; only the steps are obviously repeated in reverse.
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| I found the convertible's tonneau cover to be quite bothersome and it was difficult to get on. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Included with the convertible was a top cover or tonneau, used to prevent dust/bug buildup and to protect the retractable roof. At first I found it to be quite bothersome and, as it was difficult to get on, seemed as though that it was too small. The first time I took the top off my boyfriend was with me. We attempted to put the cover on but it was a no go. Even he couldn't get the clips to clip into their spots, and he is by no means a feeble individual. Eventually, after about 5 minutes of wiggling and overwhelming force, they finally snapped in. If I were alone I don't believe that I could have fitted it on, rendering it a completely useless waste of trunk space - which was already less than useful at 142 L (5.0 cu ft).
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| The whole process of clamping the convertible back into place was probably beyond what I'd be able to do alone. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Adding insult to injury, when clamping the roof back into position the twisting handle had to be perfectly positioned in order for it to hook back in place. This process required great pulling force to get the top low enough for the handle to reach the latch. Whether attempting to affix the tonneau or yanking on the latch to close the top, it took a variety of techniques and attentive practice in order to accomplish either process in less than five minutes.
I might sound a little harsh, but I didn't always have a 6'4" hunk helping me out, or enough time to drop the top if I was in a hurry, and wanted "natural" air conditioning. On the plus side, I did find a way to get the tonneau on a little smoother; place the cover on one side at a time. Put the right or left half on first, then place it over the opposite side and clip it in. It still required my full body weight to snap tight, but a little sweat assured me that it would not pop off. Re-latching the soft-top just took a little practice, and again, all my hard muscle. Other than that, it's smooth, albeit windy sailing.