In the dead of a winter like this one, it helps to think warm thoughts. While the snow’s
blowing outside, it can brighten the mood to dream about summer a bit, and there’s no better
car for doing that than the stylish Volkswagen Beetle convertible, which always has a bit of summertime in its heart.
After all, the droptop Beetle’s classic predecessor could be the official poster car of
California. Nothing says, “Welcome to the Sunshine State” quite like that
round-smiling face, those fat fenders and the open convertible roof all scrunched up in back
like a jacket’s hood. The newest incarnation of the convertible Beetle holds on to that
spirit, while updating the overall package nicely. For 2014, Volkswagen has added a more
efficient base engine and electronic power steering.
This car’s looks are definitely iconic. Ultimately of course, style’s the name of the game
with the Beetle. The longer hood and upright windshield are shared with the new Beetle
coupe, and do a great job of evoking the original Beetle without being too retro-cute. The
redesigned Beetle looks good in topless form. Compared to the previous New Beetle
convertible, this car is longer and wider, and the roofline is even lower than the coupe’s
Volkswagen’s even managed the slick trick of making the convertible top’s stack stand up
high, like in the classic car, but without blocking visibility to the rear. The Beetle R-
Line adds a touch of sport, with a revised front spoiler and unique nineteen-inch wheels.
The interior reflects the Beetle convertible’s halo status as well, with a more upscale look
whose retro touches have become less cute and more elegant. The trim panel stretching from
wall to wall can be had in body color or with a satin-gray metallic finish, and it’s touched
here and there with aluminum. Materials feel good, and the triple-auxiliary gauges riding
in a pod on top of the dash are a nice touch that’s both sporty and luxurious. The optional
Fender sound system adds cool A-pillar speakers. In the new R-line, piano-black trim tops
the doors and there’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel. The ribbed-leather seats are
comfortable, and the convertible manages not to be completely claustrophobic with the top up
too, though the back seats are small. A backup camera is a new option for 2014, as is the
new VW Car-Net connected-vehicle service. VW Car-Net provides automatic crash notification
and other concierge services, as well as vehicle health reports and extended point-of-
interest navigation via iPhones and other smartphones.
The transition from closed to open is fast–the Beetle’s top drops in under ten seconds, and
can be operated at speeds up to 33 miles per hour. Spontaneity is a key part of this car’s
carefree attitude, after all. The three-layer top is reasonably quiet, even on the freeway,
and keeps the weather at bay. The trunk is smallish, but at 7.1 cubic feet still provides
enough room to be useful.
On the road, the Beetle convertible exhibits the awesome road manners that Volkswagen is
known for. Unlike the classic Beetle convertible, the modern interpretation is available
with a wide range of powertrains, from the new 1.8 liter four-cylinder to a powerful
turbocharged unit. The Beetle convertible can also be had with the 2.0 liter TDI diesel
engine, and will return a hybrid-like 41mpg on the freeway thus equipped. The base 1.8
liter four, which replaces the 2.5 inline five-cylinder, is turbocharged and puts out 170
horsepower while improving fuel economy and offering a much quieter drive. Since both base
engines are turbocharged, there’s no point in calling the performance Beetle “Turbo;” the
name has been changed to R-Line. The Beetle R-Line raises the bar with a 210-horsepower 2.0
liter turbocharged powerplant, as well as a stiffer sport suspension and bigger brakes. No
matter which powertrain, this is a smooth-running car, and though it’s a compact the Beetle
convertible is quiet at idle and has plenty of power to get going when demanded. Shifting
duties are handled by a standard six-speed automatic. The R-Line is available with
Volkswagen’s entertaining DSG dual-clutch selectable automatic, which provides a sportier,
more engaging drive.
VW’s put a competent chassis underneath the Beetle as well. The new electronic power
steering is light and responsive, and the fully independent suspension provides satisfying
feedback and response without being too stiff for long trips or rough roads. Stability
control is standard, and the R-Line improves stability with VW’s XDS limited-slip
differential. A stiff structure means there’s very little cowl shake and the Beetle doesn’t
feel significantly less rigid than the coupe.
Volkswagen’s updated icon looks great at the curb, but it’s also a genuinely good car. Good
fuel economy and great driving dynamics mean that this car will satisfy drivers long after
the charm of its looks has worn off. And of course, the joy of driving with the top down
never wears off. Beetle convertible pricing starts at $24,995. The TDI stickers for
$28,495 and the R-Line starts at $28,995.
