2004 Volkswagen Concept C

The 2004 Volkswagen Concept C was a bold cabriolet-coupe concept designed to merge the best attributes of both body styles into one seamless package. The "C" in its name stood for cabriolet and coupe, emphasizing its dual-purpose nature. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Concept C featured a new-generation fold-away steel roof, which could transform the car from a coupe into a convertible in just seconds. This electro-hydraulic hardtop system was unique in that it incorporated a glass sunroof, allowing it to function as a coupe roof, a sliding sunroof, and a full cabriolet. This innovative feature set it apart from other convertibles on the market, particularly those from Peugeot and Renault, which had popularized the modern coupé-cabriolet segment.

Designed from the ground up as a standalone convertible rather than a modified version of an existing model, the Concept C avoided the awkward proportions that many compact hardtop convertibles suffered from. It measured 4.41 meters long, 1.81 meters wide, and 1.43 meters high, making it wider than both the Golf and the Passat, lending it a more athletic and planted stance. The car’s bold styling cues, including a distinctive aluminum radiator grille and the signature eyebrow-shaped headlights inspired by the Volkswagen Phaeton, hinted at Volkswagen’s evolving design language.

Inside, the Concept C boasted a luxurious yet contemporary cabin, with a two-tone interior featuring rich green ("Deep Storm") and beige ("On Shore") upholstery. The dashboard, instrument panel, and spandrels were finished in high-quality materials, with elegant wood accents on the side panels enhancing the premium feel. Although production models would likely replace the natural wood and aluminum trim with more affordable materials, the concept car showcased Volkswagen’s ability to merge elegance with modern technology.

Under the hood, the Concept C was powered by a 2.0-liter FSI naturally aspirated engine, delivering 150 horsepower to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. While not a high-performance sports car, it provided a balanced mix of power, efficiency, and everyday usability. The car also featured impressively large tires, with 235/35ZR19s in the front and 245/35ZR20s in the rear, further enhancing its sporty character.

One of the most notable engineering feats of the Concept C was its innovative hardtop mechanism. Unlike other coupe-cabriolets, which had simple folding roofs, the Volkswagen system featured an electrically operated glass hatch that could slide open or tilt upwards before retracting. This allowed the roof, rear window, and metal section to fold into a compact "sandwich", which was then stowed neatly in the trunk. Even with the roof down, Volkswagen designed the cargo space efficiently, allowing a pass-through tunnel for long objects like skis.

Although Volkswagen never officially confirmed a production version, the Concept C was developed with such a high level of refinement and feasibility that it was often considered a prototype rather than just a concept. Had it reached production, it likely would have slotted between the Beetle-based convertibles and the Audi A4 Cabriolet, offering a stylish and practical alternative for customers seeking both open-air freedom and coupe-like refinement.