skyking
Lifer
Since driving the beetle, Mary has shown some interest in a new convertible. We drove a convert with the 6 speed DSG auto.
It was very refined compared to the 03, with pushbutton start, leatherette interior, many other creature comforts. The beetle converts have a boost gauge, which was very entertaining. The thing spools like crazy! It went to 35 PSI in a blink.
Of course, this was referenced to the sea-level air pressure of 14.7 PSI, so it really is 20 PSI of boost.
We would not buy the DSG, but there are only two clutch cars in the state. We drove it for the convertible experience.
The DSG paired with the TDI was not so good off the line. if you idled away, it was nice and docile and slow. Give it any kick and it would hesitate, then spool, and chirp the tires. Seemed like there was no middle ground as it was set up.
The 'vert body was stiff and stable, due to about 300 pounds of extra structure. The car weighed in at 3300, compared to the 3000 lb hard top.
Ride was quite a bit cushier than the older bug, but did not seem to suffer badly for it. I suspect it would get a little sloppy if you pushed it really hard.
Torque and power are way up compared to the ALH. 140 HP vs 90, and 236 ft lb vs 155. It pulls nicely.
Top is all power, and can go up and down at town speeds. push and hold a button like a window button, till you hear a chime. 9 seconds down, 11.5 up and latched automatically.
Rear view is not so good. top up or down, the rear seat headrests cut about 40% of the window out of the rear view mirror. It took a flat blade or something like that to get the rear rest out, so we did not get to see that view. Maybe next time.
The stowed top is down enough for most drivers to see over, unlike the old cabriolets.
Top up ,the headliner does not even look like a convertible, very nice.
Next, we got into a 6 speed Golf to see how the transmission and engine were with a regular clutch. No surprises, the 6 speed was easy and smooth to operate. It gave us a better comparison to the ALH equipped bug. The improvement in pull was noticeable.
It was very refined compared to the 03, with pushbutton start, leatherette interior, many other creature comforts. The beetle converts have a boost gauge, which was very entertaining. The thing spools like crazy! It went to 35 PSI in a blink.
Of course, this was referenced to the sea-level air pressure of 14.7 PSI, so it really is 20 PSI of boost.
We would not buy the DSG, but there are only two clutch cars in the state. We drove it for the convertible experience.
The DSG paired with the TDI was not so good off the line. if you idled away, it was nice and docile and slow. Give it any kick and it would hesitate, then spool, and chirp the tires. Seemed like there was no middle ground as it was set up.
The 'vert body was stiff and stable, due to about 300 pounds of extra structure. The car weighed in at 3300, compared to the 3000 lb hard top.
Ride was quite a bit cushier than the older bug, but did not seem to suffer badly for it. I suspect it would get a little sloppy if you pushed it really hard.
Torque and power are way up compared to the ALH. 140 HP vs 90, and 236 ft lb vs 155. It pulls nicely.
Top is all power, and can go up and down at town speeds. push and hold a button like a window button, till you hear a chime. 9 seconds down, 11.5 up and latched automatically.
Rear view is not so good. top up or down, the rear seat headrests cut about 40% of the window out of the rear view mirror. It took a flat blade or something like that to get the rear rest out, so we did not get to see that view. Maybe next time.
The stowed top is down enough for most drivers to see over, unlike the old cabriolets.
Top up ,the headliner does not even look like a convertible, very nice.
Next, we got into a 6 speed Golf to see how the transmission and engine were with a regular clutch. No surprises, the 6 speed was easy and smooth to operate. It gave us a better comparison to the ALH equipped bug. The improvement in pull was noticeable.
