• Award five stars by Euro NCAP
• Roll-over protection for added security
• Optional safety kit includes bi-xenon lights

Euro NCAP awarded the standard model five stars when it was crash-tested back in 2011, suggesting the Volkswagen Beetle Dune Cabriolet has a positive safety record.

Its cabin has four airbags, anti-whiplash front head rests, roll-over protection hoops that pop up behind the rear seats, the usual plethora of electronic stability systems and partial LED lighting to help ensure you’re visible, which automatically illuminate at dusk.

Extra-cost safety-related options for the Dune include cruise control (non-adaptive) and Side Scan which flashes a warning light in the door mirror housing to alert you of vehicles approaching from behind in your blindspot. Bi-xenon headlamps can also be specified to improve night-time visibility compared with the standard halogen units.

• Reasonably practical for a convertible
• Boot access is awkward at best
• Two gloveboxes and decent amount of cubbies

If you’re considering a Volkswagen Beetle Dune Cabriolet because your car needs to ably demonstrate practicality, then it’s advisable to look elsewhere, but it’s reasonably flexible for a four-seater soft-top.

The boot’s not a bad size at 225 litres – big enough for a couple’s weekend away with a pair of soft bags – but accessing it isn’t the easiest of tasks with a narrow little opening and a top-hinged boot lid to duck underneath.

That volume can be extended with the 50:50 split-folding rear seat – VW doesn’t quote a figure for when they’re lowered – released with levers in the boot itself for added security.

Using the rear seat space for extra storage makes sense, especially if you use the optional wind deflector – it’s mesh finish helps make things stored beneath it less visible to prying eyes.

Elsewhere the cabin’s sprinkled with spaces for oddments storage, including two gloveboxes, although the upper one’s not especially deep.