It’s perhaps not as responsive as the MINI Convertible but it’s more entertaining than the Fiat, and it’s moreover impressively comfortable.
In terms of its engines, there’s a lot to choose from. A 1.2-litre petrol engine that develops 106bhp is the one to go for if you want to keep costs down, while a 1.4-litre TSI petrol that develops 158bhp is a solid all-rounder. It’s our top pick.
However, if you want as much pace as possible, the 2.0-litre TSI petrol that develops 218bhp is capable of some pretty breakneck speeds. A pair of 2.0-litre diesels round off the range and they’re the most economical. When fitted with BlueMotion Technology, the 2.0-litre TDI diesel is able to return 64mpg while emissions stand at 115g/km of CO2.
The entry-level 1.20-litre petrol engine, meanwhile, is good for returns of 51mpg, while the 1.4-litre petrol engine benefits from turbochargers and can return as much as 46mpg on a good day.
Inside, the Beetle is surprisingly well insulated for a cabriolet. Even when the roof is down, the car is barely any louder than the coupe variant. Buffeting isn’t an issue either.
The roof takes just 9.0 seconds to fold down and can be operated at speeds of up to 31mph.
The dashboard is clean and easy to live with, but like the Fiat, the entry-level Beetle is a bit sparsely equipped.
Is the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet practical? It’s not as practical as the standard Beetle Hatchback, but it’s more usable than the Fiat. Its 225-litre boot is bigger than the 500 Convertible, but fitting adults into the rear is a bit of a squeeze – as it always is with cars like this.
Price:
Fiat – £14,264 – £18,000
Volkswagen – £20,795 – £29,815