“VW’s New Beetle
  Cabriolet — Is it
  the Ticket to Ride?”

Looking to win friends and influence people? Well, save yourself a lot of heartache by spending the cash not on a designer wardrobe and dating agencies but on a New Beetle Cabriolet. Before you can say 'Push the pedal to the metal' you'll be as popular as a lottery winner.

First, forget the 60's and flowers-in-your-hair. Back then, the original Beetle enjoyed a 'cult' following — sometimes in the guise of Beach Buggies — and still has its fans today. But its modern namesake is, well, different.

The front-engined New Beetle — introduced into the UK in January 2000 — is, despite the iconic look, a true child of the 21st Century. Under its shiny retro shell it makes good use of the Golf's platform and running gear. From day one people either loved it or hated it. Most loved it, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Now available as the full four-seat convertible, the Beetle Cabriolet — an eagerly-awaited model that has made 'cool' once again a term that means 'great' other than just 'okay'.

See one in the metal and you'll have to agree that Volkswagen has produced one of the most covetable, affordable convertibles on the road. The paintwork gleams and panel fit is excellent. There are lots of smart details from the colour-coded bumpers, door mirrors and door handles and white side indicators to the attractive 7-spoke 'Route 66' alloy wheels running 205/55 Goodyear rubber.

A continuous slim chrome trim runs from the base of the nearside A-pillar, around the car's waistline and all the way back to the base of the offside A-pillar that emphasises the stylishly-shaped folding soft-top that completely lifts the Beetle's looks. It suits the Cabriolet so well that it's actually quite hard trying to decide if it looks better with the roof up or down.

For us, thanks to a simple-to-use windbreak that can be fitted in seconds and a supremely efficient heating system, there's no contest. Roof down, all day and every day. Why do people buy convertibles and then drive round with the top up? If you've ever driven topless on a starry summer night long past the witching hour then you'll share our passion. Equally invigorating, top down, super-heated air washing over you, the five-stage seat warmers at max on a frosted winter's day is another one of life's finer experiences.

Getting the Beetle's roof down is simple: just push and twist the handle to unlock, hold down a switch and the roof electrically folds back. The three sections concertina neatly on top of each other in a 'Z' to form a full-width 'whale-tail' behind the rear seats. Simultaneously, the four side windows automatically lower themselves. The whole process takes just 13 seconds.

Not only does this look neat, but it allows the rear seats to be more accommodating than if the roof had to fold down behind them into the body. The luggage compartment has a volume of 201 litres so get used to 'travelling light', but there is a ski-hatch with a load-through facility. A 'must-have' option is a parking sensor to make reversing so much easier. Well worth the extra £295.

We tested the 2.0-litre model that works out at £17,695 on-the-road. Its 115bhp and 127lb ft of torque provides fun performance with 62mph coming up in 11.7 seconds and maxing out at 115mph. Fuel economy is good — we recorded a combined figure of 32mpg overall, with long motorway journeys working out at an economical 40mpg.

Make yourself at home in the comfy driver's seat (both front seats are contoured and height adjustable) and you'll quickly appreciate the clean ergonomics and quality touches of the distinctive interior styling. And the roominess, with large glass areas providing good visibility. While the neatly laid out dashboard is essentially the same as that of the saloon model, the console between the seats has been extensively reworked to accommodate a lockable — and a good solid lock it is, too — storage box and an integrated armrest that houses the optional six CD autochanger.

A particularly thoughtful touch is the remote boot release and filler flap switch sited in the driver's door. Both can be 'locked off' by a single turn of the key. Front electric windows have a one-touch facility and, of course, the leather-trimmed three-spoke steering adjusts for both height and reach. Manual air-conditioning is standard, as is an anti-dazzle rear-view mirror that dims automatically, and wipers that are activated automatically by the first drop of rain. Glance out of the heat-insulating, tinted window and you'll see that the heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors also feature integrated indicators to make your intentions totally clear.

A car as visually appealing as the Beetle Cabriolet needs to handle and go as well as it looks. The Golf DNA ensures that it does. It goes, stops, grips and corners as well as you would hope, and eats speed humps for breakfast, although you can get so precious about your Beetle that might want to avoid them altogether!

The convertible body is extremely rigid — thanks to it having been designed from the outset as a cabriolet — with no sign of the dreaded scuttle-shake and shudders that have been associated with drop-tops in the past. The five-speed manual's stubby gearlever affords good, positive changes. Serious drivers will appreciate the firm under-thigh support, the soothing blue backlit instruments, the spacious footwells and a proper left-foot rest.

Just because there's no steel roof doesn't mean safety is compromised. With the top down, the first thing you notice is that there's no rollover bar to obstruct your view of the clear blue sky. But then, at the slightest hint of a roll or impact sturdy safety bars eject upwards from the rear backrests. Together with the reinforced windscreen frame, they provide secure protection for the occupants of all four of the Cabriolet's seats.

Driver's and front passenger's airbags are fitted as standard, as are front seat side impact airbags. In addition, you get ABS and ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) which incorporates ASR (traction control) and EDL (Electronic Differential Lock).

Cruising al fresco is definitely this cabrio's forte. Large comfortable seats, a pleasingly uncluttered dash and outstanding ride comfort make the Cabriolet a car to cruise in. Accept that and you won't complain that it doesn't burn rubber like a GTI or steer quite as sharply as does a Golf. If you want a hot hatch, buy a Golf. That said the good-mannered Cabrio's steering is easily up to the job, especially at speed when its directional stability, enhanced by failsafe handling, is suitably reassuring.

Those of you who prefer to do your cruising in the shade are equally well-served. The multilayered textile hood is beautifully made and lined, and when in place it is not only a perfect fit but a key element of the car's design. It's so well constructed it will even stand up to the brushes of a car wash without flinching! An elaborate door, roof and window sealing system keeps the wind where it belongs, firmly on the outside, so progress at speed is hushed.

Alternatively, you can drop all four windows out of sight, turning the Cabriolet into a very slick-looking pillarless coupé. For the colder months, a heated glass rear window is integrated into the hood. Also well considered is the problem of easy exit and entry to the rear seats. Passengers will find it easy thanks to large doors and front seats that automatically slide forward as the backrest is unlocked.

Consider all of the equipment that comes as standard with the Cabriolet, and all the other plus points — the impressive fit and finish using first-class materials, the switchgear that all works perfectly and is tactilely rewarding, the substantial hood that makes the Beetle a genuine all-weather proposition. Then factor in Volkswagen's warranties and intelligent servicing (a service will be required anywhere from 9,000 miles or twelve months — whichever occurs first — up to a maximum of 30,000 miles or 24 months) and you almost feel its a logical decision to go out and buy one tomorrow.

That is, if you haven't already made up your mind today.

Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 Cabriolet | £17,317 Maximum speed: 115mph | 0-62mph: 11.7 seconds Overall test MPG: 32mpg | Power: 115bhp | Torque: 127lb ft Visit Volkswagen's website