Don’t panic.  Someone hasn’t gone and installed one of those horrible aftermarket vinyl tops on a Volkswagen New Beetle!  This is the real deal.  After five years on the market, the New Beetle finally gets the inevitable convertible version for 2003.  Even though winter is already in full swing, Volkswagen has sent us a reminder of more pleasant seasons to come.

The original Beetle convertible was almost as iconic as the Beetle itself.  Introduced in 1953, its compact shape and big, ungainly folded top became hallmarks of all future Volkswagen convertibles, from the Rabbit to the recently departed Cabriolet.  The New Beetle convertible replaces the Cabriolet in the lineup, but the compact shape and tall top stack are still there.

Expect the kids to take notice first.  While most of us boring old folks have gotten used to the New Beetle’s arched shape over the past five years, the Pokemon generation is still very enamored with the round-eyed little cutie.  Shouts of, “I like your car!” and “Nice Slug-Bug!” from preadolescent throats punctuated our test drive.  And that was just fine.  There’s something inherently cheerful about the New Beetle, and the cabriolet simply amplifies that.  Top up, it’s the same as a New Beetle inside, with a bit less rear seat room and the blind spots to the rear that are common to all convertibles.  Drop the top, and everyone smiles, not just the kids.  The top mechanism takes a bit of learning; the yoke-like latch has to be pulled and then twisted before the top is released.  From there, it depends on whether you’ve chosen the manual or the optional power top.  It’s a large top, and manual closing is more cumbersome than on little roadsters like the Miata.  The power top opens the side windows and does its dance in 13 seconds.  It takes a big chunk of the windshield header with it, too.  In fully lowered position, the New Beetle’s top stands up alarmingly, but never fear–it’s supposed to look like that.  After all, the original Beetle convertible featured a big, ungainly-looking top stack as well.  Look close–there’s handsome chrome trim that runs around the passenger compartment, accenting the New Beetle convertible whether it’s top-up and top-down.

You won’t be claustrophobic when the top’s up, either.  The New Beetle convertible retains the coupe’s shape, so there’s more headroom than most minivans provide.  A noisy 10-speaker sound system is standard equipment, the better for showing off when the top’s down.  There is comfortable seating for two, and slightly uncomfortable seating for four. The trunk is miniscule, so pack light.  Minor ergonomic complaints, such as the air conditioning controls that are placed perfectly to whack the driver’s hand while shifting, are shared with the Beetle.  The center console is lockable, an important feature for any droptop.  Naturally, there’s a huge blind spot with the top up, but that’s also a common convertible feature.

Unlike the one-model lineup of its predecessor, the New Beetle convertible is available with a choice of engines and trim levels.  A 2.0 liter four-cylinder starts the lineup, but the New Beetle convertible can also be had in 150-hp 1.8T form, with the same turbocharged engine that powers the frenetic New Beetle Turbo.  We drove a 2.0, and found its 115 hp to be more than adequate for around-town cruising or freeway jaunts.  The 2.0 was retuned specifically for the convertible, with a healthy torque curve.  Buyers who have been turned off by the 2.0′s anemic attitude in the Golf will be pleasantly surprised by its performance in this car.  A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and it drives, well, just like a New Beetle.  No surprise there.  New Beetle convertible buyers can also opt for a six-speed automatic tranny with Tiptronic manual shifting.  Once found only in Porsches and high-end sports cars, Tiptronic’s appearance in the New Beetle convertible means that this bit of technology has officially trickled down to the affordable cars.

The New Beetle convertible certainly doesn’t feel like an “affordable car.”  That’s a good thing.  Volkswagen’s fantastic build quality ensures that the New Beetle convertible is free of cowl shake or any hint of looseness.  Handling is surprisingly good, too.  MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam axle in the rear aren’t anything special, but Volkswagen includes unique track-correcting bushings which keep the tail in line with the nose during hard cornering.  The ride is a bit stiffer than that of the New Beetle coupe.  Anti-lock brakes are standard.  On Turbo models, locking differentials, traction control, and Volkswagen’s Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) yaw-control system are standard.

On the safety front, a cool rollover support deploys automatically should the New Beetle convertible turn turtle.  The Automatic Rollover Supports, as VW calls them, deploy from their position behind the rear seats whether the top is up or down, and work with the front seat headrests to improve passenger protection.  Front and side airbags are also standard.

Here’s another cool thing about this cute little newcomer; it’s just about the lowest-priced European convertible out there.  The New Beetle convertible starts at $20,450 for the 2.0 liter GL model.  Want a power top?  Step up to the GLS and top-of-the-line GLX convertibles.  New Beetle convertibles can be further dressed up with bigger and louder sound systems, Xenon headlamps, leather interiors and, curiously, a Cold Weather package.  If you like the New Beetle, you’ll love the convertible.  If you’re sick of the New Beetle, try not to let your sneer spoil fun for the rest of us, okay?

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 2.0 convertible, which we tested.
Length:         161.1 in.
Width:            67.9 in.
Height:            59.1 in.
Wheelbase:        98.8 in.
Curb weight:        3082 lb.
Cargo space:        5.0 cu.ft.
Base price:        $20,450
Engine:         2.0 liter inline four-cylinder
Drivetrain:         five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Horsepower:         115 @ 5400
Torque:         125 @ 3200
Fuel capacity:        14.5 gal.
Est. mileage:        24/30