Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet

Summer sees the launch of the new style, iconic Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet and what could be better than a drive through the British countryside, roof down with the wind in your hair. Since the restyling of the Beetle back in 1998 Volkswagen have constantly kept to the retro design and classic look of the traditional vehicle and the latest Cabriolet does just that.

While not the cheapest small convertible on the market and you do lose some of the passenger and boot space for the fold down roof, you cannot deny the nostalgia and yesteryear feeling these cars bring.

The interior is typically Volkswagen high quality, plush seating, and expansive dashboard with VW sleek blue back-lighting. The standard model comes with heated front seats; a quality Sirius Satellite Radio system and matching three spoke leather steering wheel and gear stick.

Volkswagen had also returned to the traditional pastel pallet offering buyers a range of subtle shades in pearl, metallic and standard finishes. The Beetle comes with three engine sizes from the 1.4 litre 75PS, the 1.6 litre 102PS petrol engines and the 1.9 litre 105PS diesel. The lower engines reach 0-60mph in 15.6 seconds and the top line engine in 12 seconds, giving a fuel consumption of 48.7mpg for the petrol engines and diesel as far as 60.1 mpg.

Safety is still very much in the manufacturers mind and the new Beetle is as sturdy and well built as you would expect, additional safety features include standard anti-lock brakes, airbags and an ESP system.

On the road prices for the Luna start at £16,215 and while not the cheapest of small car convertibles, you will have to go some to beat the style and prestige that comes with a Beetle.