By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos VW US Media Newsroom
Since it first went on sale in December 2012 as a 2013 model, the third-generation Beetle Convertible has been a success story for Volkswagen. Each iteration has reinforced the Beetle’s iconic design.
Exterior
The Beetle Convertible retains the bold, purposeful stance of the Coupe, thanks to wider tracks and a longer wheelbase than the previous New Beetle Convertible. The latest Beetle Convertible is 71.2 inches wide; 58.0 inches tall; and 168.4 inches long.
Top up, the Beetle Convertible has an even lower roofline than the Coupe’s. Volkswagen decided to stick with a traditional softtop because it allows for a roofline that’s more like the original 1949 type 15’s. Also, a softtop takes up less space than a folding hardtop, thus giving more trunk space.
Pressing and holding the button opens the top, while pulling and holding closes it. The side windows automatically drop when the top is opened and are raised when it closes. There is an indicator light located in the instrument panel. On Beetle Convertibles equipped with keyless access with push-button start, it’s possible to operate the top remotely, from outside the vehicle. Trunk space remains the same whether the top is open or closed.
An integrated wind blocking system is available as a Volkswagen Genuine Accessory. It is housed in the trunk under the convertible top area and can be safely and neatly stowed when folded and not in use. The storage compartment for the wind blocker is designed to allow full use of the trunk area.
Interior
Like the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glovebox integrated into the dashboard. The lid folds upward, while the standard glovebox opens downward, for 2016 all Beetle Convertibles are exceptionally well equipped.
Available features include Keyless access with push-button start; leather seating surfaces; navigation system; the Fender Premium Audio System; a rearview camera; Bi-Xenon headlights; and Sirius XM Satellite Radio.
Even though the latest Beetle Convertible has a sleek and sporty roofline, front and rear passenger headroom remains plentiful, especially compared with its predecessor. The longer roof section results in 0.5 inches more rear-seat headroom. Front leg room is improved, too, by 1.6 inches, and front shoulder room grows by 2.5 inches. Overall, the interior volume has increased from 78 to 81.4 cubic feet.
The trunk is larger, offering 7.1 cubic feet of space, compared with the New Beetle Convertible model’s 5.0 cubic feet. A split-folding rear seat new on this Beetle allows the car to carry bulkier and larger items than is normal with a convertible.
The addition of a new infotainment system for 2016 provides a comprehensive suite of connectivity features. Volkswagen Group of America is one of the first in the industry to support all three available connected car systems: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. The new MIB II system offers USB and VW-Car Net App-Connect, allowing owners with these systems to access select apps from their smartphones directly through the vehicle’s head unit. VW Car-Net’s connected vehicle services umbrella also includes connected car services, advanced telematics, and enhanced navigation available by subscription.
Powertrains
The 2016 Beetle Convertible offers the following powertrain combinations: the 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TSI engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and the 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with six-speed manual or six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
The Beetle models feature a EA888 Gen 3 turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder engine. This 1.8-liter engine produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The EPA estimated fuel economy rating is 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.
A version of the EA888 TSI engine, in 2.0-liter form, also powers the R-Line models, with a double-overhead cam, 16-valve, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine produces 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. While it gives the Beetle R-Line exhilarating performance, it is also highly efficient. With the DSG transmission, the R-Line gets EPA estimated fuel economy of 23 mpg city and 29 mpg highway; for the R-Line with six-speed manual, the figures are 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.
Summary
To simplify the Beetle range, a new naming strategy is adopted for 2016: 1.8T and R-Line models run S, SE, SEL trimlines. Despite the new names, most of the content carries over. The 1.8T S and R-Line S replace the base models; SE models replace 1.8T w/ Technology and R-Line w/ Sound models; all SEL models replace models w/ Sound and Navigation. Automatic headlights are standard on all models now and voice control is added to SE models. In addition, regular gasoline is now recommended for all 1.8T and R-Line models.
The one I drove, the Beetle Convertible S, which has a starting MSRP of $25,490, comes standard with: six-speed automatic transmission; automatic headlights; leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel; trip computer; air conditioning; three-color adjustable ambient lighting; Bluetooth technology; heated front seats; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; 17-inch Turbine aluminum-alloy wheels; eight-speaker sound system; cruise control; additional glovebox; 50/50 split folding rear seat; rear spoiler; power adjustable, heatable side mirrors; and MIB II Composition Color touchscreen radio with USB and 5-inch display. A Lighting Package is available for $795 and includes Bi-Xenon headlights; LED Daytime Running Lights; and LED rear license plate light.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
