AUBURN HILLS, Mich.-The Volkswagen Cabrio, America's best-selling European designed convertible, can trace its roots back to the classic Beetle Cabriolet. For 1999, Volkswagen is updating this legendary open-air tradition with dynamic new styling.

For almost 20 years, the Volkswagen Cabrio has represented individuality and an understated, timeless style in a fickle here-today-gone-tomorrow ragtop market. Through it all, the Volkswagen has remained true to its own standards.

The 1999 Cabrio is no exception with a new Euro-style that updates the lasting charisma of this popular and fun car. Its fresh look is more aerodynamic with a strong family resemblance to the completely redesigned Golf, a fact highlighted by the innovative twin headlights with their intricate interior elements clearly visible behind the lens.

For 1999, Volkswagen will offer two versions of the Cabrio: a value-packaged GL version priced just below $20,000 and a supremely equipped, high-end GLS.  Standard equipment on both versions includes CFC-free air conditioning; a premium eight-speaker cassette stereo with CD capability; a real-glass defoggable rear window; ABS brakes; a folding, center cut key with central remote locking; an anti-theft alarm system; side impact airbags (front only); a pollen and dust filter; and much more.

The Cabrio GLS adds such items as a power operated convertible top (cloth or white vinyl), leather seating, and power windows with the one-touch up or down feature and pinch protection.

Both Cabrio, models will be powered by a newly designed 115 horsepower, 2.0 liter, four-cylinder gas engine with a cross-flow cylinder head.

With its redesign, the new Cabrio has remained nearly the same size as its predecessor. Inside, the four-seat Cabrio offers a fresh, high quality new interior with new seat upholstery and countless styling details, including very fashionable chrome accents inside the door handles, at the automatic shift lever, the glove box, and steering wheel.

The Cabrio's newly styled instrument cluster uses two large dials and fits harmoniously with the panel. At night, a striking indigo blue illuminates the cockpit while glowing red dials inform. On the whole, the interior gives one a feeling of high quality and modem sophistication, detailed down to the touch of the textured "soft" paint. Cargo space is surprisingly accommodating in the new Cabrio, with eight cubic feet and a standard folding rear seat. For convenience, the trunk can be opened via the key remote or with the interior trunk release.

Mated to both engines is a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic.

Active safety in the Cabrio comes from its precise handling, the security of frontwheel-drive, advanced ABS braking, and other accident avoidance aids like daytime running lights (DRL).

For protection when an accident can't be avoided, the 1999 Cabrio offers a highly advanced passive safety system that comprises a multitude of state-of-the-art safety features and structural elements designed to work together to help protect its occupants.

All Volkswagen Cabrios use a fixed, integrated roll bar. This unique feature works together with the Cabrio's many other safety features, including an exceptionally rigid body structure that includes energy absorbing crumple zones. In a severe crash, these deformation zones sacrifice themselves in an accordion-like fashion, absorbing the energy to help spare the critical central structure.

The Cabrio utilizes standard side airbags for front seat occupants. This system is integrated into the front seats for good reason: no matter where the front occupant adjusts his or her seat position, the airbag maintains its protective relationship. This cannot always be assured if the side airbag is installed in the door or the roof pillar. Side protection is further ensured by special reinforcements and structural members, including anti-intrusion tubes and foam padding at all four doors.

Additional frontal impact protection comes from the steering system via a collapsible steering column and a steering wheel specially cushioned and designed to manage impact energy.

Further details of how the Cabrio interior provides occupant protection are found in the use of adjustable headrests in front, the absence of sharp interior edges, recessed handles and control switches, crushable sun visors, a foldable rearview mirror, and nonoverride door locks.

Protection Plus