Volkswagen has published details of its new Beetle Cabriolet, due to makes its international debut at next January's Detroit Motor Show.
It will hit the European marketplace in the first quarter of 2003 with an Irish launch date planned for April next.
Two models will be available here initially - a 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre petrol versions. These will be followed in time by a 1.9 TDI diesel and a 1.4 litre petrol. No indication of price is available at this stage .
The new Beetle follows in the footsteps of two of the highest-selling cabrios in the world, the Golf Cabriolet and Beetle Cabriolet.
Just like the former Beetle Cabriolet, the open soft-top rests on the area of the imaginary C pillar, reminiscent of the classic Beetle Cabriolet. However, when folded down the top will rest much lower thanks to a new folding system.
The automatically deploying roll over protection has been integrated into the silhouette of the open convertible. The system is located behind the rear seat.
A rollover and crash sensor detects when the car is in danger of rolling and triggers the protection system. When this happens two profiled supports spring out and together with the windscreen frame these protect the passenger compartment.
The passive safety items, including front and side airbags and energy-absorbing side panels designed especially for the convertible, are combined with the active safety equipment.