High 80s, roof down and AC on max.
Ahh — automobiling bliss.
The 2013 VW Beetle convertible, with its powerful 2.0 L Turbo engine, continues a decades-long tradition by being one fun summer ride. We had the loaded $32,395 top of the line ’60’s edition that adds comfortable two-tone leather seats and denim blue paint.
The proven turbo cranks out 200 horsepower and really gets this Bug moving. With no lag on acceleration and instant response without getting bogged down by turbo lag, the Beetle demands its place on the road. VW employs a dual clutch automatic transmission that makes shifting seamless and smooth. The DSG technology picks the ideal shift points for the car, maximizing performance and good mileage. I averaged about 26 mpg in spirited driving, splitting the 21 city and 30 highway estimates.
The car rides solidly and transmits some road bumps, more than its shared chassis-mate the Golf because of the larger antiroll bars on the suspension. The firmer ride doesn’t diminish the fun factor at all, and thanks to the aggressive exterior remodel a couple of years ago, the car remains a head-turner.
Steering on the Beetle is sharp and precise. I liked how connected to the road you feel through the response — very European!
I also love how VW pays homage to its iconic predecessors by keeping the retro interior metal dash and small glove box (a larger one is under the dash) and easy-to-read gauges. Generous with tech features, the navigation and Fender stereo are well done and easy to use. Even the Bluetooth phone operated well in open air. Because it’s a convertible you do pick up road noise with the top up, but the interior noise is relatively muted compared to other models I’ve driven recently.
One drawback with the top up is the limited vision out the small rear window.
I ran across a vintage 1960s Beetle convertible during my test and the difference in the vehicles was stunning. A wider, longer, front-mounted and more powerful engine, far more aggressive body styling and a roomier interior all demonstrate how far the VW convertible has evolved since its introduction in 1949. The oldster looks downright petite parked next to our test model. What they do share is a relative lack of storage space, but the rear seat roominess is a good trade-off.
There are eight price points for the convertible, starting at $24,995 and maxing out with our model. There are a few other convertibles in this price range to compare against: the Fiat 500, Chrysler 200, VW EOS and the Mini Cooper. I think the Beetle offers the driver a high degree of spirit and fun driving.
