Volkswagen Beetle

Too expensive and poor to drive, the Beetle Cabriolet TDI fails to impress. Despite offering good fuel economy, the car is beginning to show its age, particularly when compared to modern, metal-roofed rivals. But it's not over for the VW just yet - as cheaper, petrol-powered soft-top Beetles offer much greater appeal.

Let's face it, no one buys a Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet to travel incognito. Despite the advancing years of the original design, the drop-top version of Wolfsburg's fashion statement remains one of the most talked about and distinctive cars seen on the road.

You can barely roll to a halt in the spacious four-seater without being stopped and asked questions by passers-by, such is the attraction of the retro look. And it's exactly this that keeps VW working hard to create an ever-wider range of variants. The latest arrival is the 'new' 100bhp, 1.9-litre TDI diesel-engined version, which uses the popular four-cylinder oil-burner that's available virtually throughout the whole VW line-up, and costs £17,885.

Aimed at rivals such as the 1.9-litre Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet, the diesel is capable of returning 50mpg. Its performance is less impressive though, with the 0-60mph sprint two seconds shy of similarly priced rivals.

Refinement is not a strong point either - no surprise when you realise that the gruff unit has traditionally been used to power entry-level editions of other VW models. But that's not the case with the Beetle Cabriolet - this version is one of the most expensive cars in the drop-top Bug line-up.

However, it's not all bad news. The newcomer has high equipment levels, and features a power-operated roof, electric windows and air-conditioning as standard. Our car also sported optional heated seats, which allow occupants to enjoy fresh-air motoring even when the weather is cold.

Out on the open road, it takes patience to get the best from the engine, as well as a good deal of determination with the gearbox. Though the ratios are reasonably well spaced, the engine just doesn't have enough torque to really push the cabriolet forward with any urgency.

And then there is the handling. Given that the Beetle is based on the previous-generation Golf, which was never renowned for its dynamic abilities, it will come as no surprise to find that the Bug lacks the agility of newer rivals. The ride is reasonable, however, and despite the faintly woolly steering, the car proves relaxing on long motorway journeys.

Aside from its vast cabin and the retro appeal, it's hard to see what this car brings to the sector. Its engine is old, and so is the chassis, and at £17,885 it all adds up to an expensive luxury. If you really must have a rag-top Beetle, we recommend that you look elsewhere in the line-up.