Test drove the new VW beetle convertible today

Julia · Post by **Julia** » Sat Aug 16, 2003 6:49 pm

Yep was just passing the garage "as you do!"

Really nice sales man who was proactive rather than the t*sser in the Renault garage who didn't wanna know.

Ended up taking the 6 speed tiptronic top of the range (even though it wasn't a demonstrator!) out for a spin! (eyelashes worked overtime!)

Quite impressed with the looks, the gears and drive were LURVELY but the roof was cr*p!
You think the hooks for the CC are a pain! It took the sales man all his might to sort the VW out.
Price for the top of the range was just over Â£19k which doesn't include a cd player

(Â£400 extra for 6 disc changer) but the option I would choose is the heated leather sports seats. But.... Â£1995 is a tad expensive!

Decided I wouldn't buy one but it wasted an afternoon and I got plenty of looks in this fun looking car!
Oh also don't like the way the roof sits on the back of the car.

But I will praise VW on their sales staff. VERY helpful and proactive which is more than I can say for pug and Renault.

Julia - looking for possible new car!

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Sat Aug 16, 2003 9:23 pm

Yep I liked the look of the new beetle convertable big time, except for the way the roof sits while folded - must have been a 10 minute after thought by VW which is a real shame cos it spoils a lovely cool looking car.

I also like the look of the Street KA, especially mid-metallic blue, might even try one out if I can sit my 6"3 frame in it.

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Sat Aug 16, 2003 10:22 pm

not too keen on the beetle but also don't like the way the roof sits on the back. saw 2 on the motorway last week within 5 mins of each other

Pauline · Post by **Pauline** » Sun Aug 17, 2003 11:06 am

Well I DO like the way it looks - going right back to its roots to the original air cooled version

I took a demo out a couple of weeks ago and you're right Jules about the roof - but the drive is just so much nicer than the CC... the engine, gearbox, even the paint are leagues ahead than Pug

So I'll wait a year or two until the 1.8T comes out and get a 2nd hand/import then

Or I could get one now - just take a can opener to Steve's!

Julia · Post by **Julia** » Sun Aug 17, 2003 12:42 pm

Your right - the build is sooo much better than the pug. The drive was lovely and smooth and I have fallen in love with the 6 speed tiptronic gearbox!

Interesting though is both the VW and the Renault megane convertibles have a diesel version. (turbo)
But... nowadays I don't think diesel makes much of a difference as its more expensive than fuel (correct me if Im wrong!)
You would have found a massive saving a few years back but not so much now.

Hmmmm decisions decisions!
What with it being my birthday tomorrow - anyone wanna buy me a new car!?

Cappy · Post by **Cappy** » Sun Aug 17, 2003 9:18 pm

Diesels have better fuel economy so it is one advantage, we looked at a T5 Vw Beetle, did not drive it though, not my cup of tea

Got the Mini to drive and the 180 will let you know how it goes.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 2:14 am

Not much difference between diesel and petrol prices these days but u get way better milage economy from a diesel engine. However, diesels are more expensive to buy and your not likely to recouperate the extra outlay from fuel savings if the car is a private short term purchase ie under 3 years, or covers fewer than the adverage 12K annual miles.

I would recommend diesels for people who keep their cars a long time i.e. more than a few years and/or covers higher than adverage milage for work. This way your more likely to recoup the extra cost of a diesel through economy fuel savings and because the engine is more durable and lasts longer, this should also bring much better residual/trade in values for higher milage cars.

col · Post by **col** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 6:11 pm

But... nowadays I don't think diesel makes much of a difference

Lets put it this way (as top gear did) You cruising with your top down, pulling up to a bar/club, looking good, feeling dead important, possing, looking cool but all everyone else can hear is chug chug chug of the diessel engine.........You'll lose all your street cred in a split second!!

Cappy · Post by **Cappy** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 8:21 pm

True, but deisels are quite and you can hardly hear them.

Cappy · Post by **Cappy** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 8:23 pm

I drove a cooper s today from Dick Lovett , not impressed are they all so noisey. It was awful!!!!

Erm · Post by **Erm** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 8:31 pm

i see everyone now agreeing with me sayin how bad the pug is compared to other cars..........

:rolleyes: i seem to remember gettin abuse thrown at me when pointing that out

Derek · Post by **Derek** » Mon Aug 18, 2003 11:44 pm

u merit abuse erm

Mr_AWOL · Post by **Mr_AWOL** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 12:39 am

Diesel fuel economy doesnt have such a high advantage when you start talking turbos - and lets face it you couldnt drive a diesel without one.

Turbo diesels are also more likely to give servicing/breakdown expense to anyone who keeps them long term

Or at least thats all what a mechanic friend told me a couple of years ago when i was thinking of buying a 306 DTurbo

Darth Bourj · Post by **Darth Bourj** » Tue Aug 19, 2003 1:24 pm

I donâ€™t see anywhere on here people slating Pugs? Thereâ€™s nothing wrong in saying one car is better in a certain area.

Sorry Diesels and cabrios do not mix. Turbo diesels can sound great when above a few thousand revs. The trouble is when starting a diesel cabrio up whilst putting some ingenious hood down. It is going to be like watching a beautiful ballerina breaking wind.

There are just 2 cabrios I like that are coming out or just come out:

Pluriel. Cute in the old fashion beetle way. With 4 seats and very practical. Not bad handling either.

Daihatsu coupen. CC roof in a cappuccino size car. At the last motor show it was the only hard top cabrio to have it roof constantly going up and down. Looks great as it hasnâ€™t gone for too cute a look. A bit like a modern spitfire, but doesnâ€™t look like a toy. Which is what most small cabrios are looking like nowadays. Itâ€™s so nice I might forget where it is made.