Volkswagen Singapore is expanding its line-up in the Category A COE segment with the Beetle Cabriolet. This convertible version of the iconic Beetle stays true to the Volkswagen design DNA, with its clean lines and sporty style. The latest technology is integrated into the car, making it the most advanced Beetle of its time. Yet, there is a nod to tradition - certain stylistic elements such as the design of the instrument cluster and the glovebox on the front passenger鈥檚 dashboard hearken back to the days of the first air-cooled Beetle. The design of the Beetle Cabriolet retains the distinctive charisma of the coupe, demonstrating the unmistakable and timeless character of the Beetle. In spite of all its modern features, the Beetle Cabriolet with its top up is reminiscent of the early period of the automobile when all cars had rag tops. The weather-proof fabric of the roof is installed in multiple layers, and the entire roof system can be put down in a very compact space thanks to the K-fold feature. This allows for the boot volume (225 litres) to remain the same even when the soft top is closed.
The top can be retracted in just 9.5 seconds, and this is an almost noiseless process thanks to an electric motor. Closing the top requires 11.0 seconds; the additional 1.5 seconds is necessary to allow the roof to be locked to the windscreen frame. With a length of 4,278 mm, the Beetle Cabriolet is 152 mm longer than its coupe counterpart. It is also 84 mm wider (with a total width of 1,808 mm excluding the exterior mirrors). With a height of 1,473 mm, these proportions alone give the Beetle Cabriolet a distinctively sporty appearance. The rear spoiler is homogeneously integrated as a standard feature, helping to maintain stability at high speeds and sharpens the aerodynamic profile of the convertible. The bottom surface of the rear spoiler is finished in black, while the top is painted to match the colour of the car. The Beetle Cabriolet also comes with bi-xenon headlights. The modules are surrounded by 15 LEDs, which serve as daytime running lights and parking lights.
In this case, LEDs are also used to illuminate the number plate. The Beetle Cabriolet offers a great deal of space and comfort for four occupants. Both driver and passengers enjoy generous headroom even with the roof closed, thanks to the additional 12 mm in height compared to the previous generation. When not in use, the symmetrically divided rear seat backrest can be folded down thanks to the rollover protection system, allowing for the transport of long items. Many details make the interior of the Beetle Cabriolet pleasantly unique. For instance, the relatively upright windscreen is reminiscent of classic sports cars. The instrument panel combines innovative technology and controls with an enamel-finished surface and glove compartment. In combination with the additional glovebox with a top-hinged lid integrated into the front trim on the passenger side, these features create a visual bridge back to the era of the first Beetle. The instrument cluster on top of the dashboard injects a modern flair to this timeless classic.
Next to the multi-function steering wheel, the Beetle Cabriolet not only has a small wheel for regulating the brightness of the instrument panel; it also has a second wheel with the scale markings 鈥?鈥? 鈥渞鈥? 鈥渨鈥?and 鈥渂鈥? This wheel allows selection of the colour for the ambient illumination in red, white or blue. Indirect illumination is provided on the top rail of the door, while direct illumination emanates from around the outer circumference of the door speakers in the form of a light ring. The above shows "w" - the white illumination lining around the circumference of the door speakers. And "r" for red - it seems more pink to me.. This ambient lighting package comes with the Fender sound system, which is standard in the Beetle Cabriolet. The legendary American musical instrument and amplifier manufacturer worked in collaboration with Panasonic to create the Fender sound system exclusively for Volkswagen.
