The legendary icon is back again in a 2018 Beetle Convertible version, sporting a new and more powerful engine as well as some new colours to showcase the unique exterior styling that many have come to love! The classic bubbly shape is a keeper and has been carried over for more than 50 years, ever since the Beetle’s origins back in the 1940s. The new 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible carries over the same design as the 2017 Beetle Convertible, which is excellent news for buyers seeking a modernized piece of history.
MODERNIZED ICONIC EXTERIOR
The 2018 VW Beetle exterior shape is the most recognizable one on the road, more so than any other classic – even the Mini. The 2018 Beetle is offered as a coupe and convertible, with a sleek design in both variants. The current generation Beetle has been in production since 2012, but it hasn’t lost any of its charm or uniqueness.
You could argue that the 2017 Beetle has no genuine competition. Instead it lives off of former glory, on the customers’ nostalgia. It may seem disappointing that potential buyers wouldn’t instead be drawn in by its amazing cabin, driving capabilities or even its value for money, because people buy it for one thing mainly – the unique and memory-conjuring looks. That distinguishable bubble-like roofline with the round front and rear fascias can’t be mistaken for anything else. As far as styling goes, you either hate it or love it, there’s not really an in-between.
CLASSIC INTERIOR
The 2018 VW Beetle’s modernized interior still sports some retro design cues, while still being miles ahead of the first reborn Beetle we saw over 20 years ago. The 2018 Beetle convertible has much more interior space than the original Beetle, however the low, arching roofline limits the headroom in the rear. A simple solution to the rear headroom problem is to open up the top – it is a convertible after all! The front seats are perfect – lots of headroom and legroom with firm and supportive seating. Finished in cloth, leatherette or real leather, the seating is truly superb.
The cargo area in the rear is very minimal since part of the roof is stored in the trunk, reducing the the trunk space for the convertible Beetle. The non-convertible Beetle has a hatchback with a surprisingly generous amount of cargo space.
The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle convertible’s interior has an overall retro yet modern look with high quality materials and a lot of overlap with the interior of the 2018 VW Golf. The textured dash panel (surf wood grain on the test model) makes for a unique and retro inspired look. Alternatively, the dash panel typically comes in a polished plastic that matches the exterior colour. The Beetle convertible carries over many parts from the Golf, like the steering wheel and climate control knobs but also adds some unique elements like the ambient lighting with selectable colours and brightness.
DRIVING PERFORMANCE
Powered by a 2.0L turbo charged four cylinder engine that puts out 174hp, the 2018 VW Beetle convertible is no slouch! When paired with the six speed automatic with manual mode, you have a 2018 Beetle that’s built for drivers!
While the 174hp power statistic may seem low, keep in mind the turbo charged engine really helps to propel the Beetle at lower speeds. Pop the 2018 Beetle into manual mode and the zippy and responsive accelerations combined with graceful yet sturdy handling makes for a exciting ride around town. Alternatively, you can ease off the gas and let the six speed automatic take over for a smooth and relaxed cruise with the top down.
The small size of the 2018 Beetle allows for easy maneuverability and when using the rearview camera, parking in even the tightest spaces becomes a breeze. When the top is down the visibility around the vehicle is top notch and even when the top is up the large windows around the Beetle make for safe all around visibility.
Even with the higher power (4 more hp) than the 2017 version, the 2018 Beetle convertible still achieves a better fuel consumption of 9.0 L/100km in the city and 7.2 L/100km on the highway.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While most buyers of a Beetle typically use their hearts and reminisce of days long ago, they can rest assured that their modern day 2018 VW Beetle convertible will come equipped with the latest driving technology and some great quality materials. With a starting price of $25,895 for a well equipped 2018 Beetle Convertible Trendline, it’s one of the most economic convertibles around and definitely the most unique!
