Convertibles are distinguished by an exterior chrome strip that surrounds the greenhouse and by a different trunk design with an integrated third brake light. Color is an important part of the New Beetle convertible experience, and new combinations for 2004 include Uni-Red with cream interior; Platinum Gray with black and gray interior; Cyber Green with black and cream interior; Aquarius Blue with gray interior and Sundown Orange with cream interior. All of the above come with a black top, but for 2004 VW now offers gray and cream tops as well.
Turbo S looks similar to the other New Beetles, but with hunkered-down aerodynamic enhancements that suggest a more expensive German performance car. Smoothed-out wheel wells and revised bumpers give it a sleek and seamless appearance. Double exhaust pipes hint of compressed aspiration under the hood, while special 17-inch alloy wheels and tires suggest a sports suspension. A subtle Turbo S badge, styled after Porsche badging, adorns the back hatch on which sits a rear valance. On all turbocharged Beetle coupes, a rear spoiler pops up at speed to maintain stability in corners; unfortunately, it tends to retract with an annoying "thunk." VW has promised to replace it with a fixed spoiler during the 2004 model year (although it appears as though the GLS 1.8T will keep the telescoping spoiler). Next Page