2005 Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio A5 Photos, engines & full specs

Volkswagen introduced the first generation of the New Beetle in 1997, but it waited a long time until it gave it a makeover, which also affected the open-top version.

The German automaker brought back the older shapes of the Beetle and created a modern version of it, which it launched in 1997. Peter Schreyer penned the first sketches in 1993 for a model that Volkswagen introduced four years later. But, just like the original Beetle, the new iteration had to have an open-top variant. After all, this car was not about practicality but about style. Nevertheless, the automaker added many amenities to keep its customers happy.

From the outside, the refreshed version kept the same rounded shapes with oversized bumpers and rear quarter panels. Unlike its hatchback sibling, the convertible version featured stronger A-pillars and the rest of the cabin exposed. Volkswagen didn't care that the rag top remained in plain sight behind the rear seats. It was just like the original rear-engined car. Unlike that one, though, this one had the trunk in the back and the powerplant up front. One detail that differentiated the facelifted version from its predecessor was the white lens for the reversing lights in the back.

For the 2005 model, the Beetle Cabrio received standard AC, a stereo, power front windows and locks, and folding seats in the back. In addition, the upscale Premium Package added a CD and 16” light-alloy wheels. The dashboard still sported the half-moon type instrument cluster with a big speedometer and two small gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature, but no tachometer.

Volkswagen installed a wide choice of engines, depending on the market. While the Europeans got the famous TDI engines, the U.S. customers were treated mostly with gas-powered inline-fours.