Beetle goes lidless as new convertible debuts

If the evolutionary process has its way, the Volkswagen Beetle might grow up to be a Porsche. Just kidding, of course. Still, there’s no getting around the fact that a 2012 redesign brought the familial ties into sharper relief than ever. It’s the natural byproduct of a growth spurt in which the Beetle grew 7.23 inches in length and 3.3 inches in width, while trimming its height 0.3 inches. Though it remains indisputably a Beetle, the new car grows leaner and more dynamic in appearance. VW’s goal was to broaden the Beetle’s appeal, to lift the “chick car” curse it has endured during the New Beetle’s 13-year tenure. To underscore the shift, VW dropped the “New,” allowing the Beetle nomenclature to return to its roots. For 2013, the big news cuts across the gender divide; a new Beetle Convertible debuts, and VW adds its 41-mpg Clean Diesel engine to the three-engine lineup. Rather than a hardtop, VW bestows the Convertible with a traditional, three-layer soft-top. The choice is both aesthetic and practical. Open, the fabric top lies flat on the rear deck, echoing the look of the original 1949 Convertible. It also folds into a more compact package than would a hardtop, taking up less trunk space. The power top can be raised and lowered in around 10 seconds — and at speeds of up to 31 mph. The Convertible rolled into my driveway in deepest February, so no report on its top-down road-worthiness. When closed, the lid fits snugly and produces a remarkably quiet cabin. The 2012 makeover yielded a roomier, more comfortable cabin. Though the roof is lower, its greater length boosts rear-seat headroom (though rear legroom remains pinched). The windshield has less slope than before, eliminating the soccer-pitch dimensions of the New Beetle dashboard. Instrumentation is surprisingly straightforward. The tach and fuel gauge flank a large speedo, which houses a multifunction digital display. In turbocharged models, a secondary set of gauges sits atop the dash. As with the old Bug, dashboard and door trim panels can be painted the same color as the exterior. A 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine powers the base 2.5L ($19,975 Coupe/ $24,995 Convertible). A five-speed manual is standard, with a six-speed automatic optional. With the manual, estimated EPA fuel economy is 22 city/31 highway/25 combined; with the automatic, it’s 22/29/25. The Turbo ($23,395/$27,795) gets a 200-hp turbocharged four that can be paired with a six-speed manual (21/30/24) or VW’s six-speed DSG automated manual (22/30/25). The 2.0-liter turbodiesel ($23,395/$27,895) makes 140 hp and is available with the same transmissions as the turbo (28/41/32; 29/39/32). Both the Turbo and TDI (diesel) trims produce a respectable amount of go-power and the Turbo’s optional sport suspension firms things up a bit, but the Beetle is more boulevard cruiser than gymkhana athlete. In short, the Beetle retains its Beetle-essence. A saucy charmer, it’s spunky enough to be interesting without tipping into boy-racer mode. Evolutionary possibilities notwithstanding, Porsche’s domain remains secure. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 50s Edition Vehicle base price: $24,995 Trim level base price: $26,095 As tested: $26,890 Optional equipment: the tested 50s Edition Beetle Convertible included 17-inch alloy wheels, black exterior, beige interior with leather seating surfaces, chrome exterior mirrors, rear spoiler. EPA ratings: 22 city/29 highway Regular unleaded fuel specified