What adds to the practicality of the GT convertible are all the standard features. Included in GT trim are power locks and

With a base price of only $31,785, the PT Cruiser GT convertible rings in at more than $4000 less than the base VW Beetle Convertible Turbo GLX. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

windows, a keyless remote entry, traction control, security alarm, air conditioning, heated front seats, fog lamps, halogen headlights and much more, with a base price of only $31,785. That's over $4,000 less than the base VW Beetle Convertible Turbo GLX, and the Cruiser comes standard with a CD player! In addition, the price as tested on the PT Cruiser was $35,065 making it around $3000 less than the price as tested on the VW GLX Convertible, and making it the most affordable drop-top available without sacrificing the necessities. Further adding to the practicality of the convertible is the generous cargo capacity, the most in its class at 210 liters (7.4 cu ft) with 50/50 split folding seats. That is more than the VW at a mere 142 liters (5.0 cu ft), and the Vee Dub's rear seats don't fold flat. Although I didn't need the extra room to

The GT offers more power, cargo and people room than others in its class, while delivering a smooth ride, great handling and a modest price tag. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press, Canadian Auto Press)

haul any of my sports gear, I'm sure if I kept one around for more than a week it would come in very handy. Fuel consumption was as expected, not great but not bad at 11.4 liters per 100 km in the city and 8.1 liters per 100 km on the highway. The biggest negative was that the turbocharged engine requires a higher grade of octane than the base engine, and therefore the gas bill was a little more than average. Still I have to admit it was well worth it.

Overall, I found the PT Cruiser GT Convertible to be a fantastic car. While it offers more power, cargo and people room than others in its class, particularly the VW New Beetle Convertible, it delivers a smooth ride, great handling and a modest price tag.