11.12.2012 Beetle Cabriolet available to order in UK

While you may not be tempted to drop the top down quite yet, the new VW Beetle Cabriolet is now available to order in the UK ahead of the first cars arriving in April.

In creating the latest Beetle Cabriolet, Volkswagen has reinterpreted its iconic design. At 1,473 mm tall, 4,278 mm long and 1,808 wide, the new model is 29 mm lower, 152 mm longer and 84 mm wider than its predecessor.

The increased dimensions have a direct benefit on interior and luggage space. At 225 litres the boot is 24 litres larger than that in the previous model, while the rear seat bench can also be folded. The windscreen is also moved rearward, modifying the contours of the roof and creating 12 mm more headroom in the rear.

The multi-layer hood with glass rear screen folds automatically in just 9.5 seconds - even while driving at up to 31 mph - and can be raised in 11.0 seconds. A tonneau is provided to cover the roof when folded.

The UK engine range follows that offered in the Beetle coupé. All engines are direct-injection, four-cylinder turbocharged units. The three petrol engines are a 1.2-litre TSI 105 PS; a 1.4-litre TSI 160 PS; and 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS. The two diesel engines are a 1.6-litre TDI 105 PS BlueMotion Technology and a 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS. Gearboxes are five- or six-speed manuals or six- or seven-speed DSG units.

The Beetle's standard equipment list includes ESP electronic stabilisation programme including brake assist and hill hold features, and a network of airbags as well as a standard rollover protection system, which pops up from behind the rear head restraints in milliseconds if certain lateral acceleration or tilt values are exceeded.

Three trim levels will be available in the UK: Beetle, Design and Sport. The 1.2-litre TSI and 1.6-litre TDI engines are offered in Beetle or Design trim and the 1.4-litre TSI and 2.0-litre TDI engines come in Design or Sport trim. The range-topping 2.0-litre TSI 200 PS is available only in the Sport model. Specification levels are high: the standard Beetle comes with air conditioning, remote central locking, an RCD 310 CD system with DAB radio, rear Isofix seat preparation and a rear spoiler.

A wide range of optional equipment is available, including Keyless Access, satellite navigation systems and bi-xenon headlights. The option that is expected to make the biggest impact is the Fender sound pack. Developed with the legendary electric guitar firm of the same name, this audiophile's delight offers a 400W output and a subwoofer, along with switchable three-colour illumination surrounding the front loudspeakers.

The basic pricing for the new Beetle Cabriolet model line-up are as follows: Beetle trim from £18,150; Design trim from £20,525; Sport trim from £24,050.

New Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet