Topless buzz
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If you thought the hardtop version of the New Beetle was pretty nifty, wait until you get to grips with the Convertible. Following in the footsteps of two of the highest-selling cabriolets in the world, the Volkswagen Cabrio and the original Beetle convertible of the 50s, 60s and 70s, the new model's design is gloriously distinctive.
Curiously, VW say the car "strives to symbolise status-free fun". Are they nuts? If their marketing people really think New Beetle buyers aren't intent on showing off their determinedly different attitude to motorised transport, they'd be better off flogging encyclopaedias.
Against that, we're told that the new convertible's emotional elements and technical features reflect a top-down, free-spirited driving experience. This at least makes sense. The whole point of driving with the top down is to make other motorists jealous, collect bugs in your hair, annoy poor people, and attract the attention of women who should know better.
The United States will be the largest market for the New Beetle Convertible, which is being built at Volkswagen's long-established assembly plant in Puebla, Mexico. It will be sold alongside the New Beetle sedan, first launched in North America in March 1998. The sedan has since recorded US sales of more than 320 000 units.
In the US., the Convertible will be initially offered with the 86 kW 2-litre engine in GLS trim. A 2.0 GL model will become available in 2003, as will the 112 kW 1.8T engine in GLS and GLX trim levels. All models feature a standard five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic - a first for a car in this segment.
Among the car's technical highlights is the operation of its cloth-lined, three-layered top. The open soft-top rests on the area of an imaginary C-pillar a feature that's reminiscent of the classic Beetle convertible. The power top is initially opened using a button and a one-hand release mechanism, and the process requires just 13 seconds.
Another appealing feature is the neatly integrated Automatic Rollover Supports. The system is located behind the rear seat: the rollover and crash sensors detect when the car is in danger of rolling, and trigger the protection system.
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