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Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet review

2003 - 2010 (change model)
Parkers overall rating: 3 out of 53.0

At a glance

Price new £14,460 - £22,950
Used prices £491 - £3,071
Road tax cost £210 - £415
Insurance group 11 - 22
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Fuel economy Not tested to latest standards
Range 363 - 617 miles
View full specs for a specific version

Available fuel types

Petrol

Diesel

Pros & cons

PROS

Iconic style, easy to open roof, well built, economical TDI available

CONS

Cramped in the back, limited and tricky to access boot space, lacks refinement, roof looks ugly when folded down

Written by David Ross Published: 6 June 2019

Overview

Four years after the ‘new’ Beetle was launched, Volkswagen introduced the convertible version – an obvious step for a car that appeals to those after something fun and stylish. Adding open-air enjoyment to the Beetle certainly makes it more enjoyable, but it’s let down in key areas. The roof doesn’t stow away neatly and looks ugly when folded down, while the handling is below par, not helped by lacklustre steering.

On the plus side, it’s well built and reliable as well as being reasonable quiet with the roof up at motorway speeds. However, newer convertibles offer better value for money. It was facelifted slightly in 2005 with new bumpers and lights.