Three years after the arrival of the New Beetle in South Africa, Volkswagen has announced that they’ll be bringing the cabriolet version to this country in time for summer. The open top Beetle will come with an 85 kW two-litre engine – good enough for a claimed 185 km/hr and a 0-100 sprint in a shade under 12 seconds.
Volkswagen says that safety has been adequately addressed in the cabriolet, with rollover protection being activated in a quarter of a second. Electronic sensors activate roll bars behind each seat that act as head protection for both front and rear seat passengers. This system works in tandem with a reinforced windscreen frame to create levels of rigidity and passenger protection on par with those of cars with a closed roof. The sill, B-pillars, walls and floor have all been reinforced to compensate for the open roof, along with the energy-absorbing side panelling designed specifically for this car.
The Beetle Cabriolet’s Electro-hydraulic top can be opened and closed in just 13 seconds at the push of a button. Once opened, the Beetle Cabriolet’s cover is stowed away neatly behind a special cover.
The New Beetle Cabriolet will be priced at just over R255 000. As with all Volkswagens a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and 60 000km/5 year AutoMotion Maintenance Plan are all standard.