autoevolution
 

VOLKSWAGEN Beetle Cabrio Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 4
First production year: 2003
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
VOLKSWAGEN Beetle Convertible (A5) photo gallery

Volkswagen refreshed the Beetle lineup in 2016 for the 2017 model-year in a desperate attempt to make the car more attractive, and that refresh was included on the convertible version too.

While the Beetle was one of the best-known nameplates in the world, the modern reinterpretation didn't encounter the same success as its ancestor. In 2016, the carmaker introduced a facelifted version for the second generation of the so-called New Beetle.

The 2016 Beetle tried to offer a better front fascia, with a more male-oriented design, with LED daytime running lights inside the headlamps. It even featured a more aggressive styling for the front bumper, with the A-shaped lower grille flanked by the foglights' scoops. All of them were crossed by horizontal slats that gave the impression of a wider, lower vehicle. The ragtop couldn't have been completely retracted, and it stood outside behind the rear seats, sporting a fabric cover. But it wasn't a mistake; it was designed like that to resemble the original 1200/Beetle concept.

Inside, the carmaker adapted the dashboard and the infotainment system that offered connectivity with smartphones. In addition, the dashboard and upper side of the door cards could have been painted in the car's body color. As an option, Volkswagen provided the car with matching colors for the circular vents and the passenger's side door puller. Moreover, there was a new choice of fabrics and interior colors.

Under the hood, Volkswagen installed a wide choice of engines. No less than three gasoline and five diesel powerplants were fresh, provided better fuel efficiency, and respected the Euro 6 emission standards. Moreover, like its non-facelifted version, it was available exclusively as a front-wheel drive vehicle with either an automatic or manual transmission.

full description and technical specifications
VOLKSWAGEN Beetle Cabriolet photo gallery

The 2013 VW Beetle Cabriolet was shown first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2012. It was built on the same platform with the VW Golf VI. It was a nice surprise since on the previous generation the cabrio-fans had to wait five years to get their ragtops.

As expected, the 2013 Beetle Cabriolet was heavier than the coupe version. VW claimed that it made it 20% stiffer than the previous generation by adding more braces under the car where the B-pillar was, a thicker windshield A-pillars and some reinforcements in the trunk. The additional structure, along with the top's folding mechanism and two electric motors, and the emergency roll-over protection system behind the cockpit added 104 kg (229 lbs) to the car.

The passengers could have enjoyed the open air in less than 10 seconds and hide from the rain in 11 seconds at speeds up to 50 kph (31 mph). An interesting feature of the soft-top was a cover that could be put on top of the retracted soft-top. It was barely used since it was known as a nails destroyer for women.

There were three engine choices: two gasoline and one diesel. There was a 2.5-liter inline-5 naturally aspirated, a two-liter TSI and a 2.0-liter TDI version. All of these could have been equipped with both manual or automatic transmission.

full description and technical specifications
VOLKSWAGEN Beetle Cabrio photo gallery

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.

full description and technical specifications
VOLKSWAGEN Beetle Cabrio photo gallery

The already iconic modern Beetle was unveiled to the public for the first time in 1998. It took Volkswagen 4 years to bring the much expected convertible which proved to be a great success.

Based on the Volkswagen Golf, the Beetle had a highly rigid chassis, offering a smooth ride with low NVH levels.

The stylish car combined German engineering and performance with amazing finishes, thus the Beetle was at least an interesting choice.

For 2003, Volkswagen offered the convertible Beetle with a choice of 3 engines: a 2.0-liter, a 1.9-liter and a turbocharged 1.8-liter. Customer could choose a manual or an automatic transmission for an additional fee.

Even with the base GL trim level, the Beetle was well equipped and offered air-conditioning, central locking with keyless remote, a 6-speaker audio system, an anti-theft system, four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, halogen projector headlamps, heated side mirrors, cruise control and power windows.

Stepping up to the GLS trim levels, the Beetle featured 16-inch alloys, a power sunroof, leatherette upholstery and fog lamps.

The top-of-the-range, the GLX added a speed-activated rear spoiler, a premium 8-speaker audio system, a 3-spoke steering wheel, heated windshield washed nozzles, rain-sensing wipers and a self-dimming rearview mirrors.

Safety wise, the standard equipment included driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags, a safety-belt tensioning system, ABS, optional ESP, a collapsible steering column and others.

full description and technical specifications