yet, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is an attractive selection in its own right, with all the mechanical, technological and feature benefits you would expect from Volkswagen. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle manages to pay proper homage to an icon of the past while still being thoroughly modern in important areas such as powertrain, features and performance. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle isn’t what you’re thinking, it’s better. with Unique styling; powerful turbo engine; fuel-efficient diesel; high-style interior; lots of features; more interior space than most two-door competitors.
The New Beetle 2013 which preceded the current Beetle was loved by press and public alike at its introduction, and for many, the love affair continues, but in truth, neither the design nor the packaging forced on it by the architectural shape has held up over time. That’s all done with now–the 2013 Beetle is both its own car and at the same time, tied solidly to its past.
For 2013, the Volkswagen Beetle lineup receives some new additions. A turbocharged diesel engine debuts, and it carries an EPA highway rating of an impressive 41 mpg. A soft-top convertible version of the Beetle is also new this year. Finally, there’s a new Fender-signature version that sports a dash treatment inspired by the finish seen on the company’s popular guitars.
this new release 2013Volkswagen beetle, a convertible body style and a fuel-sipping turbocharged diesel (“TDI”) engine join the model line. The convertible will no doubt appeal to sun lovers, since the fabric roof can be lowered in just 10 seconds. The TDI, meanwhile, has the same turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel engine found in the Golf and Jetta and earns an impressive EPA estimate of 41 mpg highway.
With the addition of the TDI, there are now three flavors of 2013 Volkswagen Beetle to choose from. The base 2.5L handles and rides well, but its five-cylinder engine is rather blasé for such a stylish car. The Turbo is naturally a kick to drive, if not quite as capable and as much fun as a GTI (with which it shares some hardware). Still, the Turbo should please most folks looking for spirited performance along with a comfortable ride. And, of course, for those seeking max fuel efficiency the TDI delivers with its respectable performance and meager thirst.
everyone said that, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is a surprisingly well-rounded small car. It may not be as functional as some other small (and less expensive) cars such as the Ford Focus or theVolkswagen Golf, but compared to other high-fashion compacts like the Fiat 500 and Mini Cooper, it’s no contest, as the Beetle boasts a backseat and trunk that are actually usable. If you’re looking for a small coupe or convertible that provides equal amounts of style and function, the Volkswagen Beetle should be a great pick.
Interior Design and Special Features 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback
The 2013 VW Beetle has a cabin that draws design inspiration from the original flower-power model, yet includes the same features, controls and construction as modern Volkswagens. The trim that runs across the dash and doors can be painted the same color as the exterior just as in old Bugs, while the Turbo gets secondary dash-top gauges and available two-tone seats.
It’s a pretty cool passenger environment, and unlike a Mini Cooper, it doesn’t suffer for its coolness with head-scratching and/or frustrating ergonomics. The optional navigation system is easy to use, though its small screen limits usefulness. The premium Fender sound system, on the other hand, is well worth the extra cost and provides impressive sound quality.
Despite its seemingly low roof line, the Beetle still provides plenty of room for tall drivers. The backseat is also fairly spacious, though not as roomy as the related Volkswagen Golf. The 15.4-cubic-foot trunk is actually bigger than the Golf’s with the 50/50 split-folding seats raised, though if you lower them, the Beetle only provides 29.9 cubes of maximum space versus the Golf’s 46 cubes.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Feature 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is a four-passenger, two-door hatchback available in three main trim levels that denote the engine: Beetle 2.5L (2.5-liter gasoline), Beetle Turbo (turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline) and Beetle TDI (turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel). For now, only the two-door hatchback is offered, but a convertible version will debut later in the model year.
The Beetle 2.5L comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated windshield-washer nozzles, heated mirrors, full power accessories, air-conditioning, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, heated and height-adjustable front seats (with lumbar adjustment), leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a trip computer and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, an iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack.
The Sunroof package adds a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, a multifunction steering wheel, a front center armrest, an upgraded trip computer, satellite radio, a touchscreen audio interface and a six-CD changer. The Sunroof, Sound & Navigation package includes the above plus 18-inch wheels, a navigation system and a premium Fender audio system with a subwoofer.
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo additions to the Beetle 2.5L’s equipment include 18-inch wheels, foglights, a rear spoiler, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, Turbo-specific cloth upholstery and alloy pedals. The Sunroof and Sound package adds the same items as the 2.5L’s Sunroof package along with the Fender audio system and shift paddles (when equipped with the DSG transmission). The Turbo’s Sunroof, Sound and Navigation System adds a navigation system to the above package along with leather upholstery. Bi-xenon headlamps and 19-inch wheels can be added to this package.
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI includes the 2.5L’s standard equipment along with satellite radio. It similarly offers the 2.5L’s optional Sunroof and Sunroof, Sound & Navigation packages.
Later in the model year, the Beetle Fender edition will debut as an option for the 2.5L and Turbo. This package includes unique styling tweaks that include Deep Black metallic paint, brushed-chrome outside mirrors, 18-inch “Disc” wheels, bi-xenon headlights and a “sunburst” dashboard scheme that echoes the finish seen on many of Fender’s famous guitars.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback Safety
Because the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is a brand-new model, it has not yet been fully tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2013 Beetle Coupe has scored five-star side-crash and four-star rollover ratings from the NHTSA, however, and the 2012 model scored four stars overall. In IIHS testing, the 2013 Beetle rates a top mark of Good in moderate overlap frontal offset crashes and in roof-strength measures; a complete IIHS rating isn’t yet available due to lack of side- and rear-impact data.
All Beetles offer the requisite standard front, side and curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes and stability control; and active head rests. Fairly large rearview mirrors mean it’s not difficult to get a good view of the driving environment from the driver’s seat, though there is slightly less rearward visibility than in the New Beetle.
Hands-free talking reduces distraction behind the wheel, and Bluetooth is standard or available on all models of the 2013 Beetle. Some of the more high-tech safety equipment Volkswagen does not yet fit to the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle includes: parking sensors, rearview camera, and blind-spot monitors–options we’ve come to expect on vehicles in the $30,000 price range, and more and more, the $20,000 price range.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback Powertrains and Performance
There’s a definite dichotomy in the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle’s performance character, but it’s not drawn on the tradition coupe/convertible lines. Instead, it’s a bright line between the peppy and sharp Beetle Turbo and the rest of the range.
In either convertible or coupe format, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo is fairly quick, sprinting to 60 mph from a stop in under eight seconds. At 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine isn’t overpowering, but it does deliver good torque, and hence acceleration, from about 2,500 rpm. A brusque sound and more controlled suspension calibration complement the thrust level with firm-but-compliant handling–as you’d expect from a car that’s essentially a coupe version of the GTI. Steering feel is good, but not all that natural, a common fault for electric power steering systems.
A 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine rated at 170 horsepower motivates the standard Beetle. While it’s noticeably less powerful, a good wringing-out can muster some better-than-average acceleration. In coupe form, the base car can be had with either a manual or automatic transmission; in convertibles, it’s automatic only with the five-cylinder engine. Neither combination is particularly inspiring, nor is the suspension tune.
There’s also a 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI diesel option, with a 140-horsepower, 236-pound-foot rating and 41 mpg on the highway. Those are solid figures on all but the horsepower account, and the car’s performance reflects it. The tall gearbox used to extract the high gas mileage ratings uses up much of the torque, but once the engine is on boost, the Beetle TDI is good fun, with a settled chassis and an almost classic-Beetle burble.
In all models where it’s available, the DSG dual-clutch gearbox is a welcome addition, changing gears smoothly for the most part–there is a slight hesitation or bog when rolling away from a stop.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle’s brakes give a bit too much travel but seemed to bite deeply enough around West Virginia switchbacks to make this Beetle more engaging and more serious than the bubbly old New Beetle ever was, even after you got it to stop giggling.
Interestingly, 2013 Beetle Convertible models perform almost exactly the same as their hardtop counterparts, with the stiffened chassis performing admirably, communicating to a reasonable degree from all four corners to the driver’s seat.
Driving Impressions
How the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle drives largely depends on the engine you choose. The base five-cylinder is respectably powerful, but it sounds unrefined and gets disappointing fuel economy. The Beetle Turbo, on the other hand, has plenty of punch, sounds great and gets better mileage than the disappointing base engine. As with other Volkswagen diesel models, the Beetle TDI provides plenty of low-end grunt and ample passing/merging power along with stellar fuel economy.
The six-speed manual is quite possibly the most easily shifted do-it-yourself transmission around, while the sophisticated DSG gearbox is a nice compromise for those who want the simplicity of an automatic with the performance and control of a manual. However, throttle response with the DSG can be frustratingly slow when left in the normal drive mode.
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle’s handling is respectably adept, though the car’s overall abilities and steering response are well short of what you’ll get from a Fiat 500 Abarth or Mini Cooper S. When just cruising on city streets or on the highway, however, the Beetle is pretty comfortable. Even the Turbo’s optional sport suspension shrugs off bumps and ruts in the road. You can still feel every imperfection, but there’s no harshness to speak of. Road noise is reduced to a hollow rumbling, yet isn’t intrusive. All things considered, the Beetle makes for a decent choice for a long-distance road trip.
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2013 Volkswagen Beetle Review Best Hatchback, fashion before function
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