Volkswagen has a rich history, and for many, the Beetle is synonymous with the brand itself. From classic air-cooled models to the New Beetle, the car has consistently captured hearts with its unique design and fun-loving spirit. However, as tastes evolved, Volkswagen needed to inject a more modern and masculine appeal into their iconic compact coupe. Enter the 2013 Beetle Turbo Convertible – a car that successfully blends retro charm with contemporary performance, aiming to win back enthusiasts and attract a new generation of drivers.
The designers at Volkswagen faced a significant challenge: how to refine the New Beetle’s design to appeal to a broader audience, including young men, without sacrificing the endearing qualities that resonated with female buyers. The solution was a clever combination of subtle yet impactful changes. Gone was the overly cute and bubbly aesthetic, replaced by a more chiseled and assertive stance. Sharper lines, a lower profile, and the addition of sporty design cues gave the 2013 Beetle Convertible a more mature and dynamic appearance. Yet, it undeniably remained a Beetle, instantly recognizable and still carrying that inherent charm. The result is a vehicle that manages to be both retro and contemporary, a nod to Volkswagen’s heritage with its eyes firmly set on the future.
The exterior styling of the 2013 Beetle Convertible is arguably its strongest selling point. It’s the sportiest iteration of the Beetle to date, appearing lower and longer than previous models. This design evokes a sense of sharpness and confidence while retaining the signature “cute” factor that has always been part of the Beetle’s DNA. For those familiar with classic sports cars, the silhouette bears a striking resemblance to the timeless Porsche 356, a nod to Volkswagen’s performance lineage. Whether the top is up or down, the Beetle Convertible exudes coolness and style. With the top raised, it maintains a sleek and sporty coupe-like profile; with the top lowered, it transforms into a beautiful open-air roadster, perfect for cruising.
Stepping inside the 2013 Beetle Convertible, or experiencing it top-down, reveals an interior that complements its sporty exterior. The seats are a standout feature, boasting new ribbed stitching that lends a distinctly sports car feel. The cabin design strikes a balance between tasteful elegance and sporty flair. Carbon fiber-look trim pieces add a touch of modernity and visual interest to the simple, yet elegant dashboard layout. A unique central eyebrow element houses a chronometer, boost gauge, and oil temperature gauge, adding functional and aesthetic appeal. Rounded rectangles and flowing curves dominate the interior, creating an informal and fun atmosphere within the dash and door panels.
Operating the convertible top is remarkably simple. A one-button control allows for opening or closing the roof at speeds up to 31 mph. The system is fully automatic, eliminating the need for manual latches. The top retracts in a swift 9.5 seconds and raises in 11 seconds. When lowered, the top neatly gathers above the rear deck lid. While a tonneau cover is available as an accessory for a cleaner look, it’s not essential. With the top up, the Beetle features a glass rear window equipped with an electric defroster, enhancing visibility and practicality. Wind noise is well-managed with the top raised, only slightly exceeding that of a typical hardtop car. As expected with a convertible, the cabin becomes windier and louder with the top down, part of the open-air driving experience. For those seeking to minimize wind turbulence, especially for hairstyles, Volkswagen offers an accessory wind blocker that can be easily installed when the top is up and conveniently stored in the trunk when not in use.
Under the hood, the 2013 Beetle Turbo Convertible packs a punch with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This is the same engine found in other popular VW models like the Golf and Jetta, known for its robust torque and performance. It delivers 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for spirited driving. However, the front-wheel-drive configuration and the turbo’s eagerness to spool up can lead to torque steer, especially under hard acceleration. Drivers need to maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel to manage this, particularly with the automatic transmission which can exacerbate the effect. While a manual transmission option is available and offers better control over torque delivery through clutch modulation, the automatic prioritizes convenience but requires a gentler throttle input to mitigate torque steer. Despite this, when driven with awareness, the Beetle Turbo Convertible is undeniably perky and fun, with handling that lives up to its sporty appearance. The suspension and steering are well-tuned, offering a significant improvement over previous New Beetle generations, providing a more engaging driving experience. Convertibles often suffer from cowl shake, but the Beetle Convertible impressively minimizes this, demonstrating robust structural engineering to compensate for the open top. While the convertible version is not quite as stiff as the hardtop, the trade-off in rigidity is well worth the joy of open-air motoring. One notable compromise is the limited trunk space. The small trunk offers only 7.1 cubic feet of capacity, and access is somewhat restricted. Larger suitcases will likely not fit, suggesting that for substantial luggage, utilizing the back seat with the top down might be necessary.
In the realm of convertible cars, the 2013 Beetle Turbo Convertible faces stiff competition, primarily from the MINI Convertible. Ultimately, the choice between these two often comes down to personal preference, as similarly equipped models are priced competitively. The VW offers a more driver-centric instrument panel and a genuinely usable back seat, while the MINI features a central instrument binnacle and a more cramped rear space. Some buyers might also consider the Fiat 500c, which, while not a true convertible, offers a dose of Italian style and open-top experience in a smaller package.
The 2013 Beetle Turbo Convertible successfully revitalizes the iconic Beetle for the modern era. It blends retro aesthetics with contemporary performance and features, creating a vehicle that is both stylish and fun to drive. While practical considerations like trunk space are limited, the overall package delivers a compelling and enjoyable convertible experience, making it a worthy contender in its class and a car that could very well bring Volkswagen back onto the radar for those seeking a unique and spirited roadster.
