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10th
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Los Angeles, CA - Southern California is widely known for sun-kissed tans, surfing and phenomenal coastlines. Not to mention the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) that captivates commuters from all over, luring them in to experience its full glory with cascading waves and steep cliff drop-offs.
On a sunny day, with a gentle breeze, the smell of salty ocean fills the lungs while the palm trees rustle in the background.
On a rainy day, you don't really get that!
Rain on my Parade
Seemingly appropriate, the launch of the 2013 VW Beetle Convertible took place in Santa Monica, California. Despite it being late in the year, rain isn't usually on the menu. And up until our test day, precipitation had not manifested itself. But alas, the weather systems served up a dish of torrential downpour with a side of fog, leaving my driving partner and I with limited visibility and the wiper blades working harder than they've probably ever worked in their lives. That didn't mean it was a total loss. Despite raining on our parade, the Saturn Yellow exterior colour of our drop top brought a little sunshine into our dismal day.
Going Topless
Despite the not-so-favourable conditions, I'm happy to say that the weather did cooperate (somewhat) with us, so we had a small window of drop-top driving. And I mean really small.
The Beetle Convertible's fully automatic, power-operated roof requires only the push and hold of a button to drop. It takes 9.5 seconds on the way down, and can be lowered while travelling at speeds of up to 50 km/h. On the way up, it takes 11 seconds.
Nevertheless, we were topless in California. I felt like a local, minus the tan and surfboard.
When equipped with the additional windscreen, air flow through the cabin is minimized so your hair doesn't get as tousled as it would without. And if you're wondering where you store the windscreen when you're not using it, there's a shelf in the trunk where it fits perfectly so it doesn't really impede on the 201 litres of cargo capacity. That figure is up 60 litres from 141 litres in comparison to the last generation of Beetle Convertible.
Also, take note that when the roof is lowered, it doesn't take up any room in the trunk. Thank goodness.
On the Road
For the 2013 Beetle Convertible, it's 20% stiffer than the outgoing model. What does that mean? It feels more firmly planted on the road. Not to mention it's 29 mm lower, giving its silhouette a sportier feel. It's also long, wider and has an increased wheelbase, but drops 19 kg (42 lbs) along the way.
While taking it along the PCH, noise, vibration and harshness in the 2.5L version of convertible was pretty good. The windshield wipers weren't the quietest, but that could easily be fixed. The other models which I drove, including the Turbo and the TDI had a much better set of blades, so I'm thinking this was a one-off type deal.
Coming down the Pipeline
Canadian VW Beetle Convertible enthusiasts can expect these drop-tops to arrive in the first quarter of 2013 (late January/early February). Initially, there will only be one engine/transmission combination available. That's the 2.5L, 5-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to 6-speed automatic transmission.
Coming later on in the year is the Turbo and, potentially, the TDI.
My Two Cents
Having had the opportunity to drive all three engines, I felt the best put together was the 2.5L. It was the quietest ride of them all and felt good while winding through the various canyon roads. Yes, it's a little sleepy for me in the acceleration department, especially with the 6-speed automatic, and it takes a little patience to get it going even with your foot all the way down on the accelerator, but it competently gets the job done.
As for its more gender-neutral looks: From what VW reported, 42% of sales from the previous convertible were by men. With the lack of a flower vase, a spoiler standard on all trims and an overall more athletic look, I'm curious to know how this new version will do with the dudes.
Pricing
Two different trims are available: There's the Comfortline that has an MSRP of $28,775 and comes standard with 16” alloy wheels, Bluetooth and air conditioning. Then there's the Highline ($31,740), which comes with 17” alloy wheels, fog lights and leather upholstery. Adding the Technology Package ($1,290) gives you navigation and an awesome Fender premium audio system.
Overall
The 2013 VW Beetle Convertible has funky styling, a cool interior and a nicely balanced ride slated to make both sexes happy behind its wheel.
On a sunny day, with a gentle breeze, the smell of salty ocean fills the lungs while the palm trees rustle in the background.
On a rainy day, you don't really get that!
 |
Rain on my Parade
Seemingly appropriate, the launch of the 2013 VW Beetle Convertible took place in Santa Monica, California. Despite it being late in the year, rain isn't usually on the menu. And up until our test day, precipitation had not manifested itself. But alas, the weather systems served up a dish of torrential downpour with a side of fog, leaving my driving partner and I with limited visibility and the wiper blades working harder than they've probably ever worked in their lives. That didn't mean it was a total loss. Despite raining on our parade, the Saturn Yellow exterior colour of our drop top brought a little sunshine into our dismal day.
Going Topless
Despite the not-so-favourable conditions, I'm happy to say that the weather did cooperate (somewhat) with us, so we had a small window of drop-top driving. And I mean really small.
The Beetle Convertible's fully automatic, power-operated roof requires only the push and hold of a button to drop. It takes 9.5 seconds on the way down, and can be lowered while travelling at speeds of up to 50 km/h. On the way up, it takes 11 seconds.
Nevertheless, we were topless in California. I felt like a local, minus the tan and surfboard.
When equipped with the additional windscreen, air flow through the cabin is minimized so your hair doesn't get as tousled as it would without. And if you're wondering where you store the windscreen when you're not using it, there's a shelf in the trunk where it fits perfectly so it doesn't really impede on the 201 litres of cargo capacity. That figure is up 60 litres from 141 litres in comparison to the last generation of Beetle Convertible.
Also, take note that when the roof is lowered, it doesn't take up any room in the trunk. Thank goodness.
 |
| The Beetle Convertible's fully automatic takes 9.5 seconds on the way down, and can be lowered while travelling at speeds of up to 50 km/h. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
On the Road
For the 2013 Beetle Convertible, it's 20% stiffer than the outgoing model. What does that mean? It feels more firmly planted on the road. Not to mention it's 29 mm lower, giving its silhouette a sportier feel. It's also long, wider and has an increased wheelbase, but drops 19 kg (42 lbs) along the way.
While taking it along the PCH, noise, vibration and harshness in the 2.5L version of convertible was pretty good. The windshield wipers weren't the quietest, but that could easily be fixed. The other models which I drove, including the Turbo and the TDI had a much better set of blades, so I'm thinking this was a one-off type deal.
Coming down the Pipeline
Canadian VW Beetle Convertible enthusiasts can expect these drop-tops to arrive in the first quarter of 2013 (late January/early February). Initially, there will only be one engine/transmission combination available. That's the 2.5L, 5-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to 6-speed automatic transmission.
Coming later on in the year is the Turbo and, potentially, the TDI.
My Two Cents
Having had the opportunity to drive all three engines, I felt the best put together was the 2.5L. It was the quietest ride of them all and felt good while winding through the various canyon roads. Yes, it's a little sleepy for me in the acceleration department, especially with the 6-speed automatic, and it takes a little patience to get it going even with your foot all the way down on the accelerator, but it competently gets the job done.
As for its more gender-neutral looks: From what VW reported, 42% of sales from the previous convertible were by men. With the lack of a flower vase, a spoiler standard on all trims and an overall more athletic look, I'm curious to know how this new version will do with the dudes.
 |
| That's the 2.5L, 5-cylinder with 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to 6-speed automatic transmission. (Photo: Alexandra Straub) |
Pricing
Two different trims are available: There's the Comfortline that has an MSRP of $28,775 and comes standard with 16” alloy wheels, Bluetooth and air conditioning. Then there's the Highline ($31,740), which comes with 17” alloy wheels, fog lights and leather upholstery. Adding the Technology Package ($1,290) gives you navigation and an awesome Fender premium audio system.
Overall
The 2013 VW Beetle Convertible has funky styling, a cool interior and a nicely balanced ride slated to make both sexes happy behind its wheel.