Cool new Beetle convertible tops in the tiny department
Cute VW roomier and half the price of Mini, Cabrio
Despite being within millimetres of each other in most dimensions, the Mini Cooper convertible’s upscale fittings and driving demeanour demand a higher price than the Fiat 500 Cabrio. With options that include a six-speed autobox, heated seats and satellite radio (plus freight and PDI), the Mini convertible costs over $7,000 more than the Fiat convertible, or $33,835.
Our third and final candidate is the new-this-year Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. The new Convertible is now based on the roomier compact, front-wheel-drive Jetta sedan platform. While a turbocharged fourcylinder is on the way for 2014 and the American market gets a turbodiesel engine option, all 2013 Canadian Beetle Convertibles are powered by a fivecylinder gas engine matched to a sixspeed automatic transmission.
Base prices for the German brand’s convertible begin at $28,775. But if your budget allows you to move to the top-rung Beetle Highline model with an optional Technology package, you’ll get all the goodies you want for in the VW’s “all-in” $34,425 price.
When most of your driving is on the highway, it’s easy to dismiss the Fiat 500c. While its 1.4L four is good on gas (estimates are 7.4 L/100 km city; 5.7 highway), the wee mill’s 101 horsepower will make passing a chore.
Second to be cut from our list is the Mini Cooper Convertible. While it offers 20 more horsepower than the Fiat and is much more composed at higher speeds, the Mini’s cramped back seat is barely humane for humans, let alone your poor dog.
This leaves us with the VW. Of the three, the Beetle droptop offers the most interior room. And once its cloth-top is fully down, there are no other pieces to hamper your view. As well, the VW’s 2.5L five-cylinder offers 170 hp and a quieter highway experience than either of its rivals. And for about half the BMW’s price, the Beetle ragtop could be the European convertible car of our dreams.