Volkswagen's Triple White Beetle truly a fine convertible

There's lots of similarities between riding a motorcycle and driving a convertible. Both, for example, give you an unparalleled illusion of freedom. However, unlike a motorcycle, you won't get wet when it rains or snows, and for many, that's the tie-breaker. This week, Thunder Road takes Volkswagen's Triple White New Beetle Convertible for a test drive, a "retro" car that harks back to its slab-sided ancestors.

Up front, the Triple White, a limited-edition trim package that brings the Convertible Beetle's price to $26,630 base, boasts twin vinyl height adjustable buckets. The door armrests are relatively soft and the glovebox small; the steering column tilts and telescopes. On the rear bench, there's room for two, but only if they're kids. The cargo compartment is tiny, especially with the triple-layer top down. This isn't a vehicle for long road trips.

Turning to the top itself, you'll find it easy to raise or lower. It's not quite fully automatic, but its less-than-30-seconds time can't be criticized. The rear window is glass and includes a defroster. Lest people worry about this convertible's safety, automatic rollover supports are standard.

Looking around the interior, you'll find a decent number of analog gauges with novel blue and red backlighting. Cup holders and power points are standard, surprising in a German car. Power rack-and-pinion steering, power four-wheel antilock disc brakes, dual front and side airbags, daytime running lights, Stability Control, AntiSlip Regulation and an Electronic Differential Lock will help keep you safe.

Electric locks, windows and mirrors, an alarm system, high-capacity heating and air conditioning with a dust and pollen filter, an above-average AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and an input jack, keyfob entry and a powertrain warranty that's one of the industry's best are also standard. Powering the 3,248-pound Beetle is a fuel-injected 2.5-liter "5" with five valves per cylinder. This advanced 150 HP power plant produces good low-end torque with performance from 0-60 on regular observed at 9.8 seconds. Fuel economy was measured at 19 city and 28 highway (EPA 22/30) using VW's new Tiptronic six-speed automatic. It shifted smoothly.

Even over large bumps, the Beetle keeps occupants comfortable, its four-wheel independent suspension stabilizing it through corners. The turning circle, at 35 feet, is better than average for the genre. The tires were adequate all-season types.

Overall, the Triple White - still equipped with a dash-mounted plastic vase sprouting artificial flowers - is a truly fine convertible. Quality control is excellent, too. It's a decent vehicle that's nicely priced.

(c) 2007 DBR Media Inc.

Source: [url=http://suburbanjournals.stltoday.com/articles/2007/08/31/business/sj2tn20070830-0831stc_auto_1.ii1.txt]St. Louis Post-Dispatch[/url]