2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Overview
What’s New for the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
The 2014 Beetle will see a few changes in the year 2014 with a slight boost in horsepower and a new name—the Beetle R-Line. The base Beetle will hve a few more standard features, while the Volkswagen telematics system, which is called Car-Net, will debut with a rearview camera.
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Exterior
Old-school Bugs are back in the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible exterior. Rounded, pronounced wheel wells and curvy front create the classic, yet tasteful silhouette, reflecting the Beetle Convertible’s ancestors, while making sure the design is still functional. A soft-top shell goes down with the touch of a button, illustrating everything owning a Beetle stands for.
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Performance
A 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine will power the Beetle Convertible 2.5L, boasting 170 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Later in 2014, this engine will be replaced by a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that will generate 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5L comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel-drive is standard on every Beetle model, no matter the engine.
The Beetle R-Line convertible has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 210 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard, though a six-speed automated manual is optional.
Finally, the Beetle TDI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel engine with 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain also comes standard with six-speed manual, though the six-speed automated manual is also an option.
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Efficiency
Fuel economy for the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined. The R-Line convertible will see a 25 mpg combined with the automated manual transmission, while the diesel gets the best with an EPA estimated 32 mpg combined for the manual and 31 combined for the automated manual.
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Interior
A combination of old and new come together in the 2014 VW Beetle Convertible’s cabin, reflecting characteristics of its ancestors, while also providing modern amenities. The trim running across the dash and doors can reflect the exterior color, just like the old Bugs, while the control placement and construction makes everything easy to use. For such a small car, tall people can comfortably sit, especially in the front seat. The rear legroom is modest, but comfortable.
2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Safety
Government crash tests haven’t tested the 2014 Beetle Convertible, but its coupe sibling received five out of five stars for overall crash protection. The insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave it the top “Good” rating in its moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side impact, and roof-strength tests. Antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, and front side airbags are all standard safety features for the 2014 Bug, along with VW’s new Car-Net telematic system which has many safety assistance features, like crash notification and roadside assistance. A rearview camera is optional.
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