Her and His Reviews
August 2013
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
There are always two sides to everything, right? Well, the truth is there are many more than that!
To keep our car reviews innovative and well-rounded, we are providing you with not just one, but two points of view on the same exact vehicle –
Her and His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate, women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| Priced at $27,795 for the Turbo | Prices for other base convertible start at $24,995, the Turbo version starts at $27,795. |
| Performance | |
| This car continues to amp up its performance every year. The ride is a unique one, handing well, but not stealth-like. There is pick up with its 200 horsepower and it sounds a little loud. Not the car you want in inclement weather as it's not count-on-able. Dry conditions allow it to be a hero. | Pretty healthy. Not a race car mind you, but it will certainly have you sitting up and taking notice. It's powered by a 2.0 liter, 210 horsepower, and four. You can expect to reach 60 in about 6.0 to 6.2 seconds. Handling is much improved over the last generation Beetle. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 21 city and 30 highway miles. Our average was a tad over 25. | 21/30 miles per gallon. |
| The Car | |
| Wanting to appeal to a non-exclusive female audience, Volkswagen muscled up the car in an appealing way... love it. The convertibility makes it all the more fun. Our model sported a spoiler and gave it all the more of a distinct look. Reliability is still what is needed in the newer model. More leg room in the front. Tricky visibility in the rear, so be on the lookout (no pun intended!). Love the 5 star hub design and 17" alloy wheels. Very nice 3 color ambient lighting. Heated, leather seats in the front. Nice padded seats in rear. Keyless entry. Trunk space is what it is. | This is a Beetle Convertible quite unlike any that you've likely driven. If you're looking for a Beetle Convertible that has a cute little flower in a vase, a secretarial pool personality and a rather modest presence, you'd better brace yourself. This is a Beetle Convertible with teeth. Or maybe we should say fangs. |
| Safety | |
| The car performs well on the safety scale, which is categorized as "Good". Features included are 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes, Disc Brakes, Driver and Passenger Air Bag, Side Head Air Bag, Side Air Bag, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control. Automatic Rollover Support System. | The usual stuff, but we should also add that the car is particularly stable and quiet as a convertible. Not the usual shaking and quaking, and the top lowers in less than ten seconds. |
| Technology | |
| Nicely done on this model. Terrific special layout of the dash with appealing touch points. Jam all day long with the 8-speaker stereo, Bluetooth and media interface with iPod cable. Optional features include an eight-speaker Fender sound system, love that satellite XM radio so I can listen to the Swedish Eagle on 33, and has HD Radio. Comes equipped with a navigation system, Bluetooth for hands-free driving. | Standard equipment for the convertible is pretty generous. The base 2.5-liter model has standard 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; an eight-speaker sound system with aux-in; Bluetooth� technology; a Media Device Interface with iPod� cable; three-color adjustable ambient lighting; heatable front seats and exterior mirrors; cruise control; and V-Tex leatherette seating. Available features include a multifunction leather-trimmed steering wheel, Keyless access with push-button start, leather seating, the RNS� 315 navigation system, the award-winning Fender� Premium Audio System, and Sirius XM� Satellite Radio. Standard safety features include an Automatic Rollover Support System. |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| Classic design with a true blue bold 21st design language. The grill lines add texture and depth and the 'bug' is def a bug-looking like from the front, which we love. Chrome accents are a nice tough without being pretentious or too bling-y. Interior layout and design is clean and gives the driver the sense of comfort, not closed-in, in this smaller vehicle. | The styling is classic, writ large and bold. Meant to draw more male buyers, the VW Beetle Convertible will certainly blend in well with previous generations. It's as we said: Classic. Meanwhile, inside, as is quite customary with Volkswagen products, the interior is both beautiful and well-done. Beautiful leather and sturdy looking knobs and controls abound, and there's plenty of room in front; while the back seat has less room, it's still comfortable enough for two adults, we think. Only thing we missed: VW's trademark purple lighting for the instruments, which by the way, were quite well done, legible, and attractive. |
| Warranty | |
| Basic warranty, 3 year, 36,000 miles: Drivetrain 5 year, 60,000 miles and Roadside Assistance is 3 year, 36,000 miles. Rust 12 year / Unlimited miles. See dealer for details. | |
