Overview

What's New for 2013:

• Beetle TDI Clean Diesel added to lineup
• Beetle Convertible model added to lineup
• Beetle Fender Edition added to lineup
• Top Beetle Turbo model receives new wheels, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights

Exterior Features
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is a 4-passenger coupe (hatchback, actually) or convertible available in 2.5L, Turbo and TDI trim levels. Standard equipment includes 17-inch aluminum wheels designed to resemble vintage VW hubcaps, heated power side mirrors, and heated windshield wiper nozzles.

Interior Features
The 2013 VW Beetle 2.5L is equipped with air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, and an 8-speaker stereo with an auxiliary audio input jack. Additionally, the Beetle includes Bluetooth connectivity and music streaming, trip computer, outside temperature display, floor mats, leatherette upholstery, and heated front seats with manual height adjustment.

Optional Features
Options for the various Beetle models and trims include a power panoramic sunroof, touch-screen radio, Fender premium sound system, navigation system, keyless entry with push-button start, upgraded wheel designs, fabric or leather seats, and more.

Under the Hood
The 2013 Beetle 2.5L is equipped with a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine that generates 170 horsepower. The Beetle Turbo model comes with a turbocharged, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 200 horsepower between 5,100 and 6,000 rpm, and 207 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,700 and 5,000 rpm. The new-for-2013 Beetle TDI has a 2.0-liter, turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine providing 140 horsepower and 236 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Beetle 2.5L comes standard with a 5-speed manual gearbox, while the Turbo and TDI models are equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. All three engines can be paired with Volkswagen's Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), an automated manual transmission that operates just like an automatic. Power flows to the front wheels in all Beetle models.

Fuel Economy
As this overview was written, the EPA had provided final fuel-economy estimates only for the Beetle TDI with the manual transmission: 28/41/32 mpg (city/highway/combined).

Safety
The 2013 Beetle is equipped with dual front air bags and dual side-impact air bags that are designed to protect both the head and the body. Additionally, each Beetle is equipped with 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction and stability control, and an Intelligent Crash Response system that unlocks the doors, shuts off the fuel supply to the engine, and activates the hazard flashers if the air bags deploy.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2013 Beetle a 4- (out of 5) star overall crash-test rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not performed crash tests on the Beetle when this overview was written.