There is a bright start to 2003 in store for convertible drivers with the New Beetle Convertible due on the European market in the first quarter. Volkswagen’s new model continues its tradition of four-seater open-air bestsellers. The New Beetle follows in the footsteps of two of the highest-selling cabrios in the world, the Golf Convertible and Beetle Convertible.
- International debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2003
- New Beetle Convertible arriving in Europe in the first quarter of 2003
- Unique design and convertible fun for four people
- Safety system featuring automatically deploying rollover protection
Its design is absolutely distinct and symbolises status-free fun. The New Beetle Convertible is refreshing and progressive in the way it interprets the positive character of the classic Beetle Convertible which made history as the first classless Volkswagen. The new convertible’s emotional values and technical features reflect open travel as an attitude to life in general.
The concept of the New Beetle Convertible combining extremely high torsional rigidity with fully fledged rear seating, featuring a through loading facility, a rollover protection system that deploys automatically in an accident, the all-season top including heated glass rear window and an optional six-speed automatic demonstrates how very safe, comfortable and suitable for everyday use a lifestyle-oriented vehicle can be.
Special paint finishes developed for the New Beetle Convertible add a new splash of colour to everyday motoring. With Aquarius Blue, Mellow Yellow und Harvest Moon to list just a few, it is clear from the names alone that a positive and appealing character is an essential feature of this car.
The New Beetle Convertible will be available in Germany with a choice of four engines - three petrol engines and one TDI - ranging in power output from 55 kW / 75 bhp to 85 kW / 115 bhp. The top engine can be combined with the new six-speed (Tiptronic) gearbox.
The technical highlights of the convertible design are in the body engineering and the operation of the cloth-lined three-layered top. Just like the former Beetle Convertible, the open soft-top rests on the area of the imaginary C pillar. This design is deliberately reminiscent of the classic Beetle Convertible. However, when folded down the top lies much lower thanks to an elaborate folding system.
The top is opened using an one-hand release mechanism. It can then be put into its resting position. In the case of the electrohydraulic system the convertible top opens and closes at the press of a button, taking only 13 seconds each way. A luxury trim strip traces the elegant unbroken line formed by the window lines and the transition between the top and body.
The automatically deploying roll over protection has been harmoniously integrated into the silhouette of the open convertible. The system is located behind the rear seat back. A rollover and crash sensor detects when the car is in danger of rolling and triggers the protection system. When this happens two profiled supports spring out and together with the windscreen frame these protect the passenger compartment. The passive safety items, including effective front and side airbags and energy-absorbing side panels designed especially for the convertible, are combined with proven active safety equipment. In Germany the New Beetle Convertible is equipped with side airbags, ABS, and ESP as standard.
Related articles:
- New Beetle Cabriolet launches the 2003 open-air season on 21st February
- 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible: Delivering even more safety and fun
- Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible - Reflects the most famous design in the world
- Volkswagen sends Eos to launch the open air season
- New Beetle Ragster Study revealed at Detroit Motor Show
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