Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The original Beetle Cabriolet needs little introduction. First introduced in 1949 following the success of the Coupé, its seemingly simple yet functional design captured the hearts of some 330,000 buyers who purchased the car in its 31-year lifespan. Its success lay not only in its superbly fresh looks and mini size, but also in good timing. The bubble shape proved a perfect machine for the irreverent post war years. In fact it is hard to imagine the decades that followed without the Beetle, with or without the cloth roof.
Volkswagen's attempt to reincarnate this magical moment in history in 2002 sadly proved less successful. The Mark 2 Beetle design was a little too chunky, the sculpture too weighty. It relied heavily on retro-design in a bid to recreate the cheeky, happy-go-lucky feel of the original 'Bug'. But times had changed and what resonated with customers then didn't necessary work at the start of the millennium.
Which brings us to this third Beetle Cabriolet and our trip to Nice to put the latest VW reincarnate to the test. The soft-top follows on from the Coupé of the same generation, launched last year, and seems to have found the right balance. Here we have a car that retains the original Beetle aesthetic - that unique architecture that looks almost like an up-side-down pram with the cloth roof lowered - yet is a Beetle for the modern age, meaning it doesn't quite stand out so much from the crowd.
The 2013 car is longer, lower and wider than its immediate predecessor, with a stretched wheelbase. The design is restrained, avoiding unnecessary references to the original model. It is also more car-like, less gimmicky and certainly less 'toy-like' as VW design director Walter de Silva told us back in 2011 in Shanghai when he announced the concept car: 'When we first started on this Beetle I said to my team: we need to return to the original car because the design of the Beetle before this was too much in the way of a toy and with this one we wanted to come back with a real car.'
The new car also rides and handles reasonably. This, after all, isn't a serious driver's car, and doesn't pretend to be either. What it is, and does perfectly well, is to be a handsome product and a fun companion on the twisting, winding lush green mountain roads of Côte d'Azure. Unfortunately the constant local traffic stopped us from seriously testing this machine, but then again the Beetle isn't a car to be raced around a track - it is designed for casual cruising, and in the case of the Cabriolet, in such sunny climates.
The cloth roof is now automatic; folding down in 9.5 seconds and up in 11, and functional at up to 31mph. Roof down and the car feels like a proper Beetle Cabriolet - a little strange looking with its up-side-down pram aesthetic, yet still funky and fun. Roof in place and the new thicker material keeps noise levels to a minimum.
Climb inside and you are treated to the sort of playfulness you would expect from a car like this. It isn't faultless, though. The plastics could do with being a little more tactile and the finishing a little more seamless, but for some reason the Beetle gets away with not being a perfect German machine like the marque's other products.
Engine-wise it comes with the same line-up as the Coupé - three turbo petrol engines displacing 1.2, 1.4 and 2.0-litres and a two turbo-diesel units with 1.6 and 2.0-litres on offer, all with front-wheel-drive, with a choice of manual or DSG automatic units.
The three special-edition models on offer that pay homage to the 1950s, 60s, and 70s air-cooled soft-tops are admittedly pretty desirable. They cost a little more but we think are completely worth it, as at the end of the day, the Beetle remains rooted in history, nostalgia and the Bug appeal.
The design is restrained, avoiding unnecessary references to the original model. It is less gimmicky, less toy-like and more car-like
The cloth roof is now automatic; folding down in 9.5 seconds and up in 11, and functional at up to 31mph. Roof down and it feels like a proper Cabriolet - roof in place and the thick material keeps noise to a minimum.
Climb inside and you are treated to the sort of playfulness you would expect from a car like this - it's not without its flaws but gets away with not being a perfect German machine
The original Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
-
Lucas Ossendrijver continues his fashion return with Theory collection inspired by New Yorkers
Lucas Ossendrijver looks to the brand’s home city of New York for his second ‘Theory Project’ collection (released 31 March 2023) melding function and elegance in his signature style
By Jack Moss • Published
-
Bosco Sodi’s monumental new Mexico City studio is a multifunctional feat
As Bosco Sodi unveils his new Studio CMDX in Atlampa, Mexico City, we speak to the artist about how the vast Alberto Kalach-designed former warehouse is a feat in multitasking
By Juliana Piskorz • Published
-
Saltviga House is an architectural celebration of leftovers
Saltviga House by Kolman Boye Architects ingeniously uses offcuts from Dinesen planks to create a timber retreat on the south coast of Norway
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Peugeot’s sparky 308 gets hybrid power and handsome lines
The Peugeot 308 proves that mass-market design needn’t be dull, blending hybrid power with sharp lines and excellent detailing
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
BMW Motorrad brings out the big guns for its newest cruisers
BMW Motorrad R 18 Bagger and Transcontinental set the tone for high-voltage cruising with a brand collaboration with speaker specialist Marshall
By George Chapman • Last updated
-
Dacia’s new Manifesto concept is a true outdoor utility vehicle
Utilitarian auto brand Dacia sets a bold new agenda with its Manifesto, a concept car pitched at the active outdoor market
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
The sun sets on traditional supercars at California’s Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week, the world’s most prestigious car gathering, is showcasing ever-more extravagant special editions, coachbuilt cars and all-new electric concepts. Here are seven key machines from 2022
By Rory FH Smith • Last updated
-
Is McLaren’s GT a sports car, a tourer, or the best of both?
The McLaren GT is a capable all-rounder dressed up in svelte supercar clothes. It might also be the last of its type
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
Rolls-Royce puts the Phantom back on its lofty pedestal
A mid-life refresh ensures the flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II is at the top of its game, a last hurrah for traditional engines before an electrified future
By Jonathan Bell • Published
-
Prodrive’s new racing simulator is shaped by Callum to be front of the grid
The racing simulator shapes up – this new design from Prodrive and Callum is honed for the high-end games room
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated
-
The Cupra Formentor is a dark star for bright minds
For all its moody styling, the Cupra Formentor – from the SEAT spin-off brand – is a compact, swift and fun-to-drive crossover
By Jonathan Bell • Last updated