2013 Volkswagen Beetle Release date, Price, Interior, Exterior, Engine. - The New Beetle which preceded the current Beetle was loved by press and public alike at its introduction, and for many, the love affair continues, but in truth, neither the design nor the packaging forced on it by the architectural shape has held up over time. Thats all done with now the 2013 Beetle is both its own car and at the same time, tied solidly to its past.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle :
Starting MSRP $19,795$28,130
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Exterior :
Volkswagen combined retro and modern design cues in styling the Beetle. While the front represents an evolution of the prior generation, which was sold in the U.S. from the 1998 to the 2010 model year, the rear half draws heavily on the original Beetle with its flattened roofline and C pillars that form an arc extending to the rear bumper. Those might seem like subtle changes, but they significantly change the cars appearance.
Aiding that new sensation is the Beetles chassis, which is longer, lower and wider than its predecessor, not to mention stiffer VW officials tell us that key reinforcements have been made all over, including the A pillars and front roof crossmembers, along with the lower bodysides and between the B posts. Altogether, the changes account for a 20 percent increase in rigidity, though theres a weight penalty. As a result of those strengthening measures and the one touch power top mechanism, curb weights start at just over 3,200 pounds, representing a 220 pound increase. The result is worth it, though, at least over the LA Basins well tended roads riding on 17 inch rubber. The Beetle Convertible delivers a smooth ride with almost no perceptible cowl or steering column shake. Theres also surprisingly eager turn in thanks to the adeptly tuned front strut and rear multilink suspension and new electric power steering (the base 2.5 model sticks with hydraulic assist, but its no more or less engaging).
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Interior :
The prior generation Beetles interior aged remarkably well, but it was time for an update, and last years redesign provided it. Premium cabin materials and attention to detail result in the kind of high grade interior weve come to expect from VW. Throwback features include dual glove boxes and optional auxiliary readouts an oil temperature gauge, a clock and a boost gauge that sit atop the middle of the dashboard.
Front bucket seats and a two person backseat provide room for up to four people. Folding the split backseat expands the 10.9 cubic foot cargo area. Interior features include :
>. Available touch-screen CD stereo and navigation.
>. Available Fender premium stereo.
>. Available keyless access and push button start.
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Performance :
The base 170 horsepower, 2.5 liter five cylinder engine works with a five speed manual or six speed automatic transmission. The turbo 2.0 liter diesel four cylinder engine makes 140 hp while the performance oriented turbocharged 2.0 liter gas four cylinder makes 200 hp and works with a limited slip differential. Both the diesel and turbocharged gas engine team with a six speed manual or a six speed dual clutch automatic.
Of course, for the less adventuresome, VW will happily sell you a gasoline-fed Beetle Convertible motivated by its enduring 2.5 liter five cylinder with 170 horsepower and 177 pound feet of torque, or its 2.0 liter turbocharged TSI four with 200 hp and 207 lb ft. Both are reasonable alternatives the 2.5 is a lazy revver with a funky soundtrack and a standard automatic, but it makes for a perfectly serviceable (if uninspiring) cruiser, and the 2.0T delivers additional fun thanks to its added power, flatter torque curve, sport suspension and manual or dual clutch gearbox ($1,100) choices. But despite monumental dynamic improvements over their New Beetle predecessors, neither model is really likely to make an enthusiasts shopping list.