2016 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
The Beetle Cabriolet makes us happy, it can do the same for you!
By Shahzad Sheikh
This is the automotive equivalent of that Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’ song. If you feel like a room without a roof, you might well be in a Beetle Cabriolet. The only thing that annoys me about this car is the fact that it’s taken three years for us to get this it here!
See our video review of the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet by clicking below.
I reviewed this latest generation A5 Beetle (produced since 2011) at the end of 2014 and you can read that review here. Drivetrain-wise not much has changed, and that’s not a bad thing at all. This essentially contains the ingredients of the previous generation Golf GTI, which makes quick and fun to corner-carve in.
But it retains the tuned exhaust note that evocatively replicates the boxer thrum of the original Beetle, and of course it has the squatter looks, retro-enough for us to have given it the ‘Retro-done-Right’ award last year, and the added bonus is you can put the roof down!
The roof sits proud of the rear, just like the original car, but compact enough to be unobtrusive. You do have to compromise on boot space compared to the ‘Hatchback’ Beetle, but it’s still perfectly usable since the roof sits on top, not in, the boot. Also it’s remarkably quiet in operation (which can be on the move) – the loudest interruption being the window motors!
Other improvements include a far better infotainment system now with App-Connect for your Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and finally an actual USB plug! The Fender sound system is good enough to blast your favourite songs (I’d suggest groovy 60s tunes) out load even with the roof down at 120kph.
Verdict
There isn’t really anything that I don’t like about this car. In fact I’d have one, especially if it could be had in manual transmission configuration (which is available in other markets).
It’s just a great all-round performer that’s reasonably practical (a family of four can cruise in this), hot-hatch-like to drive, appears incredibly endearing, serves up enjoyable open-top motoring when the weather is fine, and generally makes you feel great about yourself.
You might argue that the price isn’t quite so friendly, but don’t you needn’t go for the ‘full option’ version shown in these pics and video. I’d go for the entry model and then personalise – some classic retro wheels might be in order, and perhaps racing stripes!
2016 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet – The Specs
Price:
SE: AED128,000 ($35k)
SEL: AED138,000 ($38k)
Exclusive: AED141,694 ($39k)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Turbo, 210bhp @ 5300rpm, 207lb ft @ 1700rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, Front-wheel drive
Performance: 0-100kph 7.4 seconds, Top Speed 225kph, 7.8L/100km
Weight: 1469kg
Let us know what you think of the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet below in the comments!
