The Beetle is iconic- there is no question about that. It is the most manufactured and longest running car in the world based on the same design. With a history dating back to the 1930s, the Volkswagen Beetle has evolved from a purely functional small car to the cheerful face of the German carmaker. The classic Beetle was sold until 2003, when the ‘New Beetle’ came to replace it. Last year, the New Beetle was replaced by a completely new version that stays true to traditional and recalls the original Beetle. Unlike the previous generation of cutesy New Beetles, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is more aggressive and closer to the shape of the classic Beetle of the 20th century. Its dimensions have changed, and so have its internal mechanics. When it was launched last year, the Beetle wowed customers and proved to be an enjoyable car with a rich character and history.
New For 2013
The third-generation Beetle debuted for 2012 with a more muscular stance and
a retro design. New this year is a diesel-powered Beetle TDI and a convertible model available with the same three engines as the coupe. The new Fender Edition features a Fender premium audio system, a sunburst-style dashboard, Fender logos, special seat stitching, brushed chrome mirror caps, xenon headlamps, and eighteen-inch wheels.
Exterior
The exterior design of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle combines the modern look of the previous generation with the retro look of the classic Beetle. As mentioned before, Volkswagen has made a conscious effort to make the current Beetle more aggressive-looking than before. The front is a longer version of the previous generation with the headlights getting more prominence this time. The rear of the car is a throwback to the original Beetle with the arc-shaped C-pillars that extend to the rear bumper and the flattened roofline. The changes may seem subtle from afar, but they make a big difference in changing the whole personality of the car. The 2013
Volkswagen Beetle is wider than the previous generation by 3.3 inches and longer by six inches. It is available as a hatchback, with standard features like 17-inch alloy wheels and heated windshield washer nozzles. A panoramic sunroof is available as an option for the hatchback, and higher-end models come with 18-inch wheels, rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, and fog lights.
Interior & Cargo
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is available in two trim levels- 2.5L and Turbo. The base model 2.5L comes with full power accessories, air conditioning, cruise control, heated front seats, height and lumbar adjustments for front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescoping functions, faux leather upholstery, trip computer, Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, and an eight-speaker stereo system. Optional features include keyless entry and ignition, multi-functional steering wheel, upgraded trip computer, touchscreen stereo interface, six-CD changer, and a front center armrest. The top-end Turbo model comes with sport seats, distinctive upholstery and alloy wheels, and optional leather upholstery, bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch wheels, a Fender stereo system, and a new navigation system. As is evident, the cabin of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is rich with features. The overall design of the interior is based on the original Beetle, but with the controls, build quality, and features expected from a modern Volkswagen. Like the old Beetles, the dash and door trims can have the same color of the exterior if needed.
The cabin, while stylish and cool, does not lose out on functionality like the Mini Cooper does. Ergonomics are perfectly in place with easily usable controls on the dash. The optional navigation system is a breeze to use despite its small screen. The top-end Fender stereo system is a huge step up from the base model’s stereo, and the difference in sound quality is worth the cost. Considering the size of the Beetle, its cabin is quite spacious. Even though the roofline seems low, headroom is not a problem at all and even tall drivers can sit comfortably inside the car. The backseat may not be as roomy as the slightly bigger Volkswagen Golf, but it is good nonetheless. Cargo space is fairly decent; it is 15.4 cubic feet with the seats up, which is slightly more than that of the Golf. However, it provides only 29.9 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down, as compared to the 46 cubic feet of space offered by the Golf.
Safety
Traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags, and front side airbags are standard features in the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. Braking performance is surprisingly poor, even with the top-end Turbo with 18-inch wheels. It stops in 129 feet from 60 miles per hour. The base model provides a slightly better stopping distance of 122 feet.
Driving Experience
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L gets a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque combined with a five-speed manual as standard and an optional, six-speed, automatic transmission. The Turbo model gets a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, combined with a six-speed, manual, or six-speed, automated manual transmission. The base engine provides average acceleration; the 2.5L goes from standstill to 60 miles per hour in nine seconds. Fuel economy is average too at 22/31 mpg city/highway. The Turbo model offers better acceleration- it crosses the 60 miles per hour mark in 6.6 seconds.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
- Hyundai Veloster
- Mini Cooper
- Nissan Juke