Photo Gallery:
2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
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The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle offers the classic Beetle looks while once again modernizing the iconic shape, this time with a little more aggression and sport in the design.
It seems as though Volkswagen is attempting to attract more male buyers with this Beetle design. For example, gone is the flower on the dash and pastel colours are now a thing of the past.
What they didn’t get rid of though is probably one of the best features of the Beetle and that is the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic (DSG) transmission – my tester is of the latter type.
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In Highline trim with the Technology package my tester comes out to just over $30,000. The technology package adds a Fender stereo system with over 400 watts and SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation and the CD changer is changed to a single disc player.
Standard features include power windows, cruise control, manual climate control with air conditioning and body colour keyed interior panels. Add an extra $1,400 and you can get a panoramic sunroof.
MSRP as tested (including destination): $30,710
For more information on Volkswagen and the Beetle visit VW Canada
For even more on this car FOLLOW James on Twitter
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
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My TDI Highline tester is a little bit of an oddball in terms of content and features for a vehicle in the $30,000 price range – or at least I think it is. First thing I noticed was the lack of sunroof, although that is available for another $1,400. Also noted were the lack of automatic climate control and power heated seats; all these make this Beetle feel less upscale.
The interior is still nice, the colour-keyed interior plastic is a nice touch and doesn’t look too tacky in white. Although I’m not sure I could live with a red interior if I were to choose a red car and the plastics are of the hard variety with no soft touch materials anywhere to be found.
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The gauge cluster and layout is all typical VW and for the most part is the same across their entire lineup. Navigation is a nice add-on and the Fender stereo system is a highlight for sure, although there is some space used up in the trunk by the subwoofer.
Cargo space is good, the Beetle is a hatchback after all, but if you are looking for more space you may just want to look at a Golf if I’m honest. The Beetle is more about style – the rear seats fold but not completely flat, the two-door configuration makes getting into the cramped backseat a hassle and once there you’ll have to keep your head tilted because the roofline is low.
For front seat occupants headroom is good and adjustability of the driver’s seat and steering column should accommodate most drivers as the seat does have height adjustment and the steering wheel is tilt and telescopic. Overall the interior feels solid and comfortable, although I do expect more in this price bracket; you are paying a hefty premium here for the diesel engine.
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
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Although some may not be enamoured by the Beetle shape, I think this latest iteration is the coolest and best of the bunch without a doubt. If you aren’t a Beetle fan I’m not sure anything will change your mind, so you may want to look elsewhere; but if you are, then this new design I’m sure intrigues you, as it certainly seems to be turning many heads out on the roads.
But the real star of the show here is the engine – the 2.0L turbodiesel only offers 140-horsepower but the 236-lb-ft of torque at just 1,750 rpm are what make this engine a joy. It never feels strained and when you demand some “go” in a pinch it delivers and does so quickly and smoothly.
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Yes that is correct, I said quick and smooth and diesel all within the same paragraph. The 2.0L TDI delivers both in the city and out on the highway and the six-speed Tiptronic DSG transmission is perfectly mated to the engine to keep it in the powerband when needed and rarely downshifts due to the mountains of torque.
There is a little clatter to the Diesel but no smell and no “oddities” to speak of really. I guess the only issue is that when I picked up the car, riding with former Autos.ca editor Chris Chase, he forgot it was diesel and we had to drive around for another 30 minutes to fill up the tank as most stations in the city seem to be diesel free.
I’m not a huge fan of the DSG transmission as an automatic. Parking lot speeds and reversing with this transmission feels odd and strained. It is something to get used to, it really is like driving a manual but with no control over the clutch slipping, so some throttle is required to keep your momentum up.
The shape of the Beetle defines its character but it also leads to large blind spots and difficulty with outward visibility, but this is not any different than any other “form” over “function” design.
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
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With an Energuide rating of 7.0 L/100 km city and 5.0 L/100 km highway I was hoping I would get close to the 5.0 L/100 km rating this week. But it wasn’t meant to be and I averaged 5.7 L/100 km. Not a horrible number, just a little higher than I expected with my mostly highway commute.
For me the Beetle is a novelty. If I were shopping for a vehicle with similar features and specifications I’d probably go with the Golf, which is essentially the same vehicle with a more practical, conventional body. But if you are looking for a Beetle or just for something different that still delivers some fun, good fuel economy and some practicality the Beetle has you covered.
MSRP as tested (including destination): $30,710
For more information on Volkswagen and the Beetle visit VW Canada
For even more on this car FOLLOW James on Twitter
