Competition
As equipped with the Leather Luxury Package and the Tiptronic automatic, this New Beetle 2.5 Convertible costs $32,185. In comparison, a fully-loaded Smart Fortwo Passion Cabriolet goes for $26,578. A Chrysler PT Cruiser Touring with the low-pressure turbo engine and automatic costs $30,920. A MINI Cooper Convertible starts at $31,600, while a 2-seat Mazda MX-5 GX with an automatic and A/C retails for $30,295. Both the Mini and Mazda are much more fun to drive. So, the Beetle Convertible may have dropped in price for 2007, but it's still pretty expensive.

The power retractable soft-top requires approximately 15 seconds to fold.

Conclusion
The New Beetle is no longer a fad, but it doesn't mean it should be overlooked. It's just that there are so many good convertibles on the market, and less-expensive ones, too. This VW is due for a complete redesign, not because it's a bad car, but because it's starting to feel old.

Instead of a New Beetle, I'd take an MX-5 hands down. But if I was choosing a 4-seater convertible, I'd get a slightly higher loan and buy the manlier, sportier, $36,900 metal-top Eos.



Engine's low-rpm torque
Simple instrument panel controls



Closing the top requires some effort
Body squeaks and rattles



It's getting old


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux