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.
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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