It's certainly been a long, strange trip for the Volkswagen's most recognizable, long-running and beloved offering, the Beetle. Known to many as simply the 'Bug,' (thanks in part to round, eye-like headlights) the two-door domed hard top first arrived to the American shores in bulk in the 1950s as a no-frills, basic transport helping Volkswagen (the People's Car) grab the title of Europe's largest automaker.
The basic baseball cap silhouette has not changed much since renowned VW designer Ferdinand Porsche first debuted the icon to Germany in the late 1930s. Mr. Porsche later went on to start a performance-inspired enterprise bearing his name. Until the Beetle arrived, the automotive experience was usually reserved for the wealthy class in Germany and most of Europe. The low-cost Beetle set out to change the paradigm and did so with gusto after the close of World War II.
A second-generation Beetle arrived with great fanfare in 1998, helping stir up a sense of nostalgia and hefty sales for the German Automaker. By this time, the two-door Bug had evolved into a front-engine, front-wheel drive unlike Gen. One, where the engine and drivetrain were rear-oriented.
All this set the stage for the 2012 model year, bringing a longer, lower and wider third-generation effort. A stretched hood now meets up with a front windshield shifted further back with a steeper incline. Unlike the first generation, Beetles of today find more compact-sized competition most with pricing less than what's posted on the Bug's window sticker. However, none are as eclectic or 'sculpturally seductive' as this two-door four-seater.
While the 2012 model year signaled a next-generation makeover, 2013 brings back a soft-top convertible (with glass rear window and defroster mechanism) variant into the lineup. Sorry to report, no Midwest-friendly hard-top convertible is available. The last model year Beetle offered a convertible opportunity was 2010. Also new for 2013 is the addition of Volkswagen's well-tested, fuel-extending, turbo-charged diesel four-cylinder engine delivering combined city/highway mileage of 41 mpg. This impressive, clean-running, turbo diesel (TDI) has been available to U.S. drivers during the past several years in several Volkswagen models including the Jetta.
Two other available engines include a dual overhead cam, 2.5-liter, naturally-aspirated five cylinder cranking out 170 horsepower and delivering 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available. Rounding out the powertrain trifecta is a gasoline-driven 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, delivering 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. A six-speed automatic transmission joins a six-speed dual clutch transmission requiring no foot-clutch or manual shifting while incorporating the responsiveness and fuel economy of a traditional manual.
All three engines are available in hard top and power soft-top editions. The Beetle TDI diesel rates as the highest-mileage convertible sold in America. Our tester was a bright red base model with 2.5-liter five-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission starting at $24,995 and a bottom line of $25,790 after $775 destination charge. Cruise control, air conditioning, eight-speaker stereo, iPod cable, power windows and locks, power heated mirrors and heated front seats come standard. A technology package with push-button start, sound-system touch screen upgrade and Satellite Radio starts at $26,695. Add an in-dash navigation, and the starting price checks in at $28,495.
The Beetle convertible with the TDI diesel engine starts at $27,895 with six-speed manual transmission; add $1,100 with six-speed automatic transmission. It's also available with the optional Sound and Navigation system. The turbo gas convertible offers both the sound package and sound/navigation package. The lowest-priced Beetle hardtop with 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine starts at $19,795.
The soft top motors back in a swift 9.5 seconds with no latches to manually unhook. With the press of a latch near the rear-view mirror, side windows motor down and the top settles back behind second row seats. Convertibles make up less than two percent of total sales in the U.S. and even these tepid numbers have been hampered the last couple of years with the shaky global economy. Third-generation convertible versions began arriving at VW dealers in December of 2012.
Beetle's simplistic yet effective dash design welcomes drivers upon entry. The dash, side doors and manually tilt-and-telescoping three-spoke steering wheel share accent color schemes with the outside hue. The instrument panel features a three-leaf clover design with the large center portion housing the analog speedometer flanked by a right-side analog fuel gauge and left-side tachometer. A rectangular digital window along the bottom includes digital outside temperature, time, secondary gear shift indicator and odometer. To the left of the steering column is a circular dial controlling headlights. Three, easy-to-grab dials monitor single zone fan speed, direction and temperature. A dual glove box design includes a shallow holding bin with top-hinged door built into the far right dashboard with a more traditional under-dash bin below. Cloth-style bucket seats skew toward firmer cushioning. In between is a hand-operated parking brake and dual in-line beverage holders. The driver's door is home to power lock functions next to the diminutive handle. Both doors have thick, 45-degreed angled grab bars and power window tabs.
Volkswagen thankfully markets the Beetle as a four-seater, foregoing the notion (in some circles) that three adults can manage together harmoniously in row two of a compact coupe. Entry is made easier with manual bucket seats easily sliding forward once seatbacks tilt forward via a top-side tab. Some rivals only provide an easy-slide system on the passenger-side bucket. When situated in the back buckets, enough headroom is found for those six-foot two inches and shorter. When not in use, back cushions fold down with a 50/50 split once trunk-bound release locks are engaged. Easy-to-grab, ring-styled, under-seat pull tab helps regulate front bucket movement easier than the long, bar-style design.
Exterior mirrors smartly include narrow blinker bands acting as secondary turn-signal indicators. A small spoiler is found at the intersection of the canvas roof and trunk lid's upper hinge region, which curves smoothly down to the bumper area. The trunks exterior unlocking mechanism is smartly cloaked within the circular VW logo, which lifts upward when gaining access to the small 7.1 cubic cubic-foot playground, about half the room of a hard-top version. Strut-like hinges outside the cargo area helps maximize space. The front hood also gently curves down to the bumper region, eliminating a traditional grille look. Besides a wider length and width, a key visual distinguishing a second-generation Beetle from this newest incarnation are tail lights. Circular shaped-housing has given way to an inward, vertical 'U' design.
No matter what the engine, Beetle's fuel tank holds 14.3 gallons. Regular 87-octane fuel suffices in five-cylinder models while Premium unleaded is recommended for the Turbo four cylinder. The TDI only accepts diesel fuel.
With a wider stance, this third generation soaks up small pot holes and road blights with a pleasant ease; one of the smoothest compacts driven in recent memory. At highway speeds, tire feedback/slap seeps into the cabin with a fair amount of wind noise. Just a gentle, gentle tap of the right foot brings the brake system to attention.
At a glance:
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
Price as tested: $25,790
Engine: 2.5-liter five cylinder
Horsepower: 170
Fuel estimates: 22 city/ 29 highway
Length: 168.4 inches
Wheelbase: 99.9 inches
Height: 58.0 inches
Width: 71.2 inches
Curb weight: 3,206 pounds
Drivetrain warranty: five-year 60,000 miles