 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. Click image to enlarge |
And that brings us to the Canadian market. For 2013, there will only be two trims in Canada, Comfortline and Highline. With Comfortline you pick your colour, and with Highline you pick your colour, and if you want the tech package, that is all. Comfortline Beetle Convertibles come standard with leatherette seating surfaces, 16-inch wheels and heated seats. All 2013 Canadian-sold Beetle Convertibles will be powered exclusively by the 2.5L five-cylinder engines and six-speed automatic transmissions; there will be no TDI or Turbo in 2013 north of the border. The reason behind this decision is that since the Beetle Convertible will not go on sale in Canada until early in February, the 2013 models will spend most of the their sales cycle in non-premium convertible weather before the 2014’s begin to be produced this summer. It will be then, with the 2014 model, that Canada will receive the 2.0L turbocharged motor and manual transmissions. At this time, it is still undecided if the TDI convertible will make its way into Canada.
I had a chance to drive all three vehicles while in California and although the Beetle with the turbo or diesel are more my preference, the base Beetle is not a bad car. The 2.5L five-cylinder engine produces the same 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque as found in its other Volkswagen applications. Combined with the six-speed automatic, the 2.5L engine feels plenty powerful enough for this car. The car pulls moderately in all gears and the transmission is quick to react when a downshift is called for, especially in sport mode. Those not interested in an absolutely sporty ride will be happy enough with this drivetrain. Those wanting a bit more performance may want to wait for the 2014 models.
   2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. Click image to enlarge |
Volkswagen knows that the Beetle Convertible is bought on style and, to some degree, an emotional connection. They consider their chief rivals to be the Fiat 500c, Mini Cooper Convertible and Mazda MX-5, quite a mishmash of vehicles. With the improvements made to style and practicality of this new Beetle Convertible, I expect it will do alright in this niche market when it hits showroom floors late this winter.
Pricing
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Comfortline $28,775
2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Highline $31,740
