Topless Beetle a great way to savour spring
All-season fun has appealing package
The Scoop
Some Canadians are getting a special car out of winter storage, polishing it and taking it out for what they hope will be a long season of fair-weather driving. But the reality is that few people can justify owning a second car for pure pleasure. This is where a four-passenger convertible such as the all-new Beetle comes into play. With room in the front and back seats, surprising amounts of storage and a starting price under $30,000, the idea of having a car that is both practical and fun isn’t far fetched. The recent European launch of the new Beetle was held in Nice, France, a perfect spot to get some sun, experience the driving dynamics of the new platform, and live the dream.
The Skin
The new Beetle features a cropped roof, edgier styling, great-looking wheels and an optional turbo power plant that will attract both women and men. The cloth roof is fully automatic and retracts in just over nine seconds and can be dropped or put into place while the car is driving at speeds up to 50 km/h. In addition, that cloth roof still collects at the back of the cabin much the same way it did in Beetle Convertibles of old, yet another retro touch that buyers will appreciate.
The Cockpit
What makes this Beetle a legitimate car for everyday use is the room for four adults and a cargo system that isn’t often found in a convertible. The front passengers are supported in comfortable, highly adjustable and heated seats. Leatherette is standard on the base, Comfortline model for $28,775, which also includes Bluetooth connectivity, iPod integration, leatherwrapped steering wheel, hand brake and shifter. The Highline model is fitted with leather sport seats, additional chrome accents, keyless entry and a multi-function steering wheel. Standard on both models is a 50/50 folding rear seat that allows added storage capacity for longer objects. This is one area that is surprising. The use of a cloth roof over a hard, retractable design means the amount of space the roof requires when folded is minimal, keeping more room for personal items.
The Ride
Both models are equipped with a 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder engine matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 170 horse-- power and is used extensively throughout the VW range with good results. The vehicle I drove was the turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 200 hp. It will arrive in Canada this fall as a 2014 model. Not only will the optional engine be available but a 6-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic (DSG) transmission will be included for crisper shifts. Handling is improved on all convertible Beetle models, thanks to a multi-link rear suspension borrowed from the Golf GTI, which makes corners a blast to carve, and the body structure is stiff and up to the job. This is an upgrade over the coupe, which gets a torsionbeam design on the non-turbo models.
The Good, The Bad
Good: A fun-to-drive convertible for all seasons.
Bad: No diesel engine is offered in the convertible model, just the coupe.
Zack’s Verdict
The VW EOS retractable hardtop model is not being discontinued; it will remain for buyers who want a more conventional car design, plus the added winter comfort and safety that a fixed roof affords. That being said, today’s ragtops are well insulated and provide more storage space, so it is a bit of a tradeoff. While in Nice, I had a glimpse at the Golf Cabriolet, which, for now is only available in markets outside North America. So, there could be a time when VW offers three convertibles. The 2013 Beetle Convertible ranges in price from $28,775 to just over $33,030 when equipped with leather and navigation (2014 turbo model prices have not been announced). This is what makes the Beetle so attractive; it’s an affordable four-seat convertible with usable storage and appeals to both men and women.
The Lowdown
Power: 2.5-litre, five-cylinder with 170 hp
Fill-up: 9.8L/7.3L/100 km (city/highway) Backup: 3-year/60,000 km Sticker price: $28,775$33,030