The Volkswagen Beetle has always held a special place in automotive history, and for many, including myself, it evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. Growing up surrounded by VWs – from Rabbits and Things to Beetles and Cabriolets – the brand is practically woven into my family’s story. While life and changing car preferences led us away from Volkswagen for a time, the allure of the Beetle, especially a sporty convertible, remains undeniable. The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Convertible aims to recapture that magic, blending iconic design with modern performance and features, potentially bringing back long-time fans and attracting a new generation of drivers.
For Volkswagen designers, reimagining the New Beetle was a delicate balancing act. The goal was to inject a dose of masculinity and broaden its appeal to younger male buyers without sacrificing the inherent charm and “cuteness” that resonated so strongly with female drivers. The solution? A clever combination of subtle aggression and refined retro styling. Gone are overtly feminine touches like the bud vase, replaced by sharper lines, a more muscular stance, and available performance enhancements like a Fender premium audio system and sporty auxiliary gauges. The result is a Beetle that feels both contemporary and a respectful nod to its heritage. This design philosophy is brilliantly applied to the 2013 Beetle Convertible, creating a drop-top that’s arguably the most visually striking Beetle to date.
Visually, the Beetle Convertible is a resounding success. It achieves a sporty and assertive aesthetic, appearing lower and longer than previous iterations, yet somehow retaining its signature “cute” factor. The silhouette subtly echoes the timeless Porsche 356, a nod to VW’s sporty lineage. Whether the top is up or down, the Beetle Convertible exudes style. With the top raised, it maintains a sleek profile; lowered, it transforms into a head-turning open-air cruiser.
The interior of the Beetle Convertible complements its striking exterior. Stepping inside (or simply looking in with the top down), you’re greeted by a cabin that blends sporty cues with classic Volkswagen simplicity. The newly designed seats, featuring stylish ribbed stitching, offer a sporty look and comfortable support. Tasteful carbon fiber-look trim accents the clean and elegant dashboard. A distinctive central binnacle houses a chronometer, boost gauge, and oil temperature gauge, adding a touch of performance-oriented flair. The interior design language, characterized by rounded rectangles and gentle curves, creates an inviting and informal atmosphere throughout the cabin and door panels.
Operating the convertible top is remarkably simple and user-friendly. A single button controls the entire process, allowing for opening or closing 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 stacks above the rear decklid. While a tonneau cover is available as an accessory for a cleaner look when the top is down, it’s not essential. When the top is up, the insulated cloth and glass rear window with an electric defroster contribute to a surprisingly quiet cabin, only marginally louder than a typical hardtop. As expected with any convertible, wind noise increases significantly with the top down. For those concerned about wind turbulence, particularly for hairstyles, Volkswagen offers an accessory wind blocker that can be easily installed when the top is up and stored in the trunk when not in use.
Under the hood, the Beetle Turbo Convertible packs a punch with its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, shared with the Golf and Jetta. This engine delivers a robust 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. The readily available torque provides brisk acceleration and makes the Beetle feel genuinely quick. However, the front-wheel-drive configuration, combined with the turbo’s power, can result in noticeable torque steer, especially under hard acceleration. A firm grip on the steering wheel is necessary to manage this, particularly if you have a penchant for spirited driving. The automatic transmission in the test vehicle seemed to accentuate the torque steer effect. A previous experience driving a manual transmission Beetle suggested that clutch modulation helps mitigate this characteristic, offering more control over power delivery. With the automatic, smoother throttle inputs are key to maintaining composure, although this can slightly diminish the fun factor of the turbo engine. When driven with awareness, the Beetle Turbo Convertible is undeniably lively and enjoyable, and the handling lives up to the sporty visual promise. The suspension and steering are notably improved compared to previous New Beetle generations, providing a more engaging driving experience. Convertibles often suffer from cowl shake, but the Beetle Convertible exhibits impressive structural rigidity. While not quite as stiff as the hardtop version, the slight compromise in rigidity is a worthwhile trade-off for the open-air driving experience. The trunk space, as is typical with convertibles, is limited, offering a modest 7.1 cubic feet of capacity with a somewhat restricted opening. Larger suitcases may not fit, suggesting that for substantial luggage, utilizing the backseat with the top down might be necessary.
The primary competitor in the convertible segment is the MINI Convertible. Ultimately, the choice between the Beetle and the MINI often boils down to personal preference, as similarly equipped models are closely priced. The Volkswagen arguably offers a more driver-focused instrument panel and a genuinely usable rear seat compared to the MINI’s centrally mounted speedometer and vestigial rear seating. Some buyers might also consider the Fiat 500c, which, while not a true convertible, offers a dose of Italian charm and a unique open-top experience.
While the practicalities of dog ownership may currently keep my family out of a Beetle Convertible, this model has undeniably rekindled my appreciation for Volkswagen. As a halo vehicle, the Beetle Convertible successfully elevates VW’s brand image, demonstrating their ability to create desirable and stylish cars. If Volkswagen can produce a car as compelling as the Beetle Turbo Convertible, it certainly sparks curiosity about the rest of their model lineup and their future direction.
