In fact the reinvented Beetle has been something of a damp squid as far as we're concerned. It's basically a Golf in a silly frock - with less headroom in the back. And less bootspace. And the engine in the wrong place. And a vase in the dash. Dashboard vases don't really float our boat.
However, that could all change with the new Beetle cabriolet. It looks pretty cool.
Launched in the US at the LA Auto Show today the new Beetle comes with various engine sizes blah, blah, blah. Only one interests us - the 2.0 TSI, which has 200bhp and costs £24,975 with a manual gearbox and £26,485 for the DSG semi-auomatic.
The design of the new Beetle has been more closely aligned with the original Beetle and it is this that seems to to have turned the new Beetle from zero to hero. Judge the looks for yourself from the photos.
Another cool aspect to the 2013 Beetle are the 3 special editions cabriolets, each representing a different decade. Might sound silly on paper but in the photos they look great. The 50s Edition is black with 17 inch alloys that look like chromes with hubcaps, chrome mirrors, a black hood and beige or black leather.
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| 2013 Beetle Cabriolet 50s Edition |
The 60s Edition is slightly more effete and comes with Denim Blue or Candy White paint, a black hood and blue and black or red and black leather.
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| 2013 Beetle Cabriolet 60s Edition |
The 70s Edition is the bees knees. Beige leather upholstery, beige hood, chrome mirrors and brown metallic paint.
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| 2013 Beetle Cabriolet 70s Edition |
Unfortunately the only engine available in the 50s, 60s and 70s is a 1.4TSI with 160bhp. Our dream spec Beetle would be the 60s Edition with the 2.0 TSI engine. Go on VW, you can make it. Oh, and get rid of the vase.