Test Drive with Kyle Ashby

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

The Volkswagen Beetle’s slogan is “Practical Fun for Four.” According to dictionary.com, the definition of fun is: “Enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure.” Driving the new 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, during the first few days that Northern Utah has been above 70 degrees this year, was definitely a fun driving experience by all definitions.

The 2013 Beetle Convertible starts off with a bold look with its wider tracks and longer wheelbase compared to the previous new design in 2006. With the top closed, the roofline is lower than the Coupe’s roofline but still allows for maximum head room from inside the heated leather front seats and leather rear seats. During the week that I test drove the Beetle, there were a couple of times all four seats were occupied with full size adults. Although the front seats needed to slide forward, there weren’t any complaints from the occupant’s in the rear seats, even after longer rides with the top open or closed.

Volkswagen has taken the soft top technology to a whole new level, starting with the materials used. The soft top’s outer shell is made from three layers: an outer layer of polyacrylic woven fabric, a middle layer of synthetic rubber, and an inner lining of polyester. Underneath, there’s a three layer design for the insulation, made from polyester nonwoven fabric, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) insulating fleece, and polyester spunboard. The headliner is made from foam laminated fabric. The two electric motors that power the automatic top, controlled by one button located on the upper rail of the windshield, really pull the top snug to the windshield rail mounts. All of this technical terminology equates to a very quiet ride at faster highway speeds. The top can also be opened or closed very quickly with one touch of a button with car traveling at speeds of up to 31 mph which is unusually high compared to other convertibles.

The integrated wind blocker is easily installed. With the flexible V-Tex leatherette top boot in place, and the top open the Beetle really comes to life and promotes a retro and fun filled driving experience. The award winning 8-speaker Fender Premium Audio System with Sirius XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth, accessed from a touch screen or steering wheel controls, allows for an amazing sound quality with the top open or closed. An iPod cable can be accessed from the glove box. I was impressed with the quality of the sound while driving at freeway speeds with the top open.

The VW Beetle’s interior comes with style consistent with older Beetles including the three round gauges arranged in front of the driver and integrated multifunction display encompassed within the overall shape and design of the dashboard. The audio/navigation touch screen system is framed by two air vents and positioned in the center of the dash for convenient operation.

Equipped with a 2.5 liter five cylinder engine that averages 27 mpg highway, a six speed automatic transmission, 17” aluminum alloy wheels and three color adjustable ambient lighting really makes the Beetle practical and fun for four.

Visit a Volkswagen dealer and ask them about a similar driving experience.

Base MSRP: $24,995
Price as Driven: $28,495