New Car Review of the 2005 New Beetle Cabriolet Sub-Compact Convertible Coupe

Description: Sub-Compact Convertible Coupe
Base MSRP Range: $21,290 - $26,525
Invoice Price Range: $21,408 - $30,920
Where built: Mexico

The convertible variation for New Beetle is a modern conversion based on the coupe and worked out by Karmann Coachworks in Germany. With its top raised, the convertible maintains the familiar arched roof of the New Beetle coupe, so the generous dimensions in a spacious cabin remain relatively the same. The fabric-lined top has three layers for insulation plus a rear window constructed from glass and imbedded with a defroster element.

The top opens and closes by either a manual mode or optional semi-automatic power. When the lid's down, it rests in a ring behind the rear seats and looks similar to the top-down style of the vintage Beetle convertible.

New Beetle as a convertible in 2005 comes with a choice of two different trims (GL and GLS) and two 4-cylinder engine options, plus manual or high-tech automatic transmissions. And it appears in cool paint, including new tints like Tornado Red.