Automotive Apostasy

Get converted. If you were always a fan of the New Beetle, now there is an even more compelling, cheeky reason to shift your loyalty. The New Beetle goes topless, and is all set to make its world debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January next year.

The New Beetle Convertible gets a cloth-lined hood with a three-layer construction to keep the elements at bay, and gets a heated rear glass window as well. When the weather is nice and sunny, all you have to do is press a button to activate the electrohydraulic system and hold on for just 13 seconds to experience the pleasure of open-topped motoring.

At launch, the Beetle Convertible gets three petrol engine options: 75 bhp 1400 CC, 102 bhp 1600 CC and the interesting 115 bhp 2000 CC unit, which comes mated to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox. These will be followed by a 100 bhp diesel option soon.

Volkswagen claims that the New Beetle Convertible will be one of the safest cars in its class, offering high torsional rigidity and a rollover protection system integrated behind the rear seats that deploys the instant an accident occurs. Then of course are the energy-absorbing side panels designed exclusively for the convertible, and airbags, ABS and Electronic Stabilisation Programme.

The original Beetle was one of the world's best-selling open-top cars. Will the New Beetle Convertible repeat history? We'll wait and watch.