For 2015, the Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible still remains a cute and rather sexy looking stunner of a drop top. On the outside the first thing apparent is how bigger the Beetle is, with a more pleasing heft and weight to the design. The 2015 Beetle also has more rear headroom and a practical user-friendly rear seat. There are now three engine choices: a 2.5-litre, 170-hp, 5-cylinder with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder (210 horsepower) with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speedDirect Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic and the new 2.0 TDI diesel engine.
Our tester was the slick 1.8 TSI version that arrived in a smart toffee brown metallic exterior paint, black roof and Nutria Beige – Vienna leather interior. Features included KESSY – keyless access and stop start, ‘Fender’ premium audio system with 400 watt digital sound package, 8 speakers and Subwoofer. air conditioning, Dual zone climate control50/50 split-folding rear seats, keyless entry, power windows, three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, heated washer nozzles, interior chrome package, (Around the gauge cluster, radio/Nav system and air vents.) heated mirrors, and CD stereo with touchscreen display. To operate the Convertible’s automatic power roof, one button on the console takes the well- finished, and durable looking top up or down.
Our tester rang in at a base $30,550 price point with two option packages; the Appearance package and the Technology package adding $3,560 to the price. Features included17- inch “Rotor” alloy wheels , Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, leather upholstery, heated front seats rear spoiler, tonneau cover, three-colour ambient lighting (lights up the door speaker rings and the door caps under panel in three different colors.) Cargo capacity is 436 L (15.4 cu.ft.). The interior dash maybe retro- looking, but the Beetles interior is modern, well finished and very nicely equipped whichever Beetle you choose to drive.
I for one really like the ease of getting in and out, and the nice high driving position, great visibility and comfortable seats. Front-seat cabin room by the way is exceptional with plenty of room to stretch out. On the road, the Beetle feels very smooth and offers a comfortable fun driving experience. It drives stable and composed thanks to its McPherson struts up front and torsion beam suspension out back that absorb less than perfect road bumps, potholes and irregularities. The Sports suspension package does of a good job of offering decent enough handling without a jarring, overly harsh ride. Cowl shake, the bane of convertibles is undetectable. The very responsive transmission in the 1.8 TSI is a smooth operating transmission option that makes great use of the engines power band.
The 2015 VW Beetle is actually great fun to drive around town and on curvy roads, thanks to typically firm direct and responsive VW steering. Electronic Stability control and ASR, (Traction Control.) also offer safety and better control in slippery conditions.
Overall the Beetle Cabriolets high level of good looks, comfort, performance and unique style makes it a winner as a retro classic with a modern twist. If performance, fuel economy, reliability and long-time enjoyment and ownership are what you desire, you cannot go wrong especially when the weather turns warm. Highly recommended for rag top lovers everywhere.
2015 Volkswagen beetle Cabriolet: Price as tested $34,110 plus Freight, PDI and Excise AC tax.