The Volkswagen Beetle has always been known as a happy car. It’s no different in 2016 so whether you opt for the coupe or the convertible like I drove, you will be smiling about it. I also noticed that Volkswagen owners stick together. During the week that I drove the Sandstorm Yellow (one of the new colors) Beetle, every time I parked anywhere I noticed another Beetle would park next to me in the parking lot.
For 2016, this Volkswagen offering has added new technology like a touch screen interface and an easier understanding of trim level options. There are also four new colors to choose from like the aforementioned yellow or a Silk Blue Metallic, Habanero Orange or Dark Bronze Metallic. With these four color additions, that brings a total of 13 fun colors to choose from no matter the mood you want to set when owning this car.
The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle definitely stands proud against the competition like the Kia Forte Koup, Scion tC, Fiat 500 and the Mini Cooper.
The Beetle comes with two doors in either a hatchback or convertible and two choices of engines. There is the 1.8T and R-Line with the 1.8T coupe model offering the Wolfsburg Edition, S, SE, and SEL trims. The R-Line coupe has the SE and SEL trims and the convertible comes in the S, SE and SEL trim levels as well as the special-edition Dune coupe and Denim convertible.
For the base, Wolfsburg Edition coupe you get 16-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors and front seats, power accessories, cruise control, adjustable driver seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, “V-Tex” vinyl upholstery and a 50/50-split folding rear seat. Technology on the base trim includes Bluetooth phone and audio connect, five-inch touch screen, USB port and eight speakers.
On the S coupe, it’s automatic headlights, a rear spoiler, cloth upholstery, but a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The 1.8T SE coupe will give you 17-inch wheels, rearview camera with heated front seats that are the “V-Tex” upholstery and ambient lighting. There is a 6.3-inch touch screen and the Car-Net smartphone feature. For the R-Line SE, you get a sporty suspension with 18-inch wheels, fog lights and a sportier seat with unique gauges and an upgraded audio system.
The SEL version of the 1.8T coupe trim adds a large sunroof, blind-spot warning with a navigation system and keyless ignition and entry. On the R-Line SEL version, the wheels are 19 inches with automatic bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights and leather upholstery.
The Dune coupe is much like the SE trim with a unique suspension offered that makes the ride a bit easier and do take note of the LED tail lights and the “V-Tex” upholstery.
For the Convertible Beetle 1.8T S option, this offering comes with 17-inch wheels and heated front seats along with a power-retractable roof and ambient lighting. The Denim trim has sportier seats and some additional cool styling tweaks. For the R-Line S convertible, it is performance that shows off here and the 1.8T SE and R-Line SE convertible add keyless ignition and entry features.
There are a few packages to add to the trims like the lighting package offering bi-xenon headlights and LED running lights. On the Dune trim, there is a Technology package that will give you a sunroof and an upgraded sound system.
Under the hood, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle with the 1.8T trim has a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with a five-speed manual transmission. On the SE coupe, there is a six-speed automatic option. But for the other trim levels, be it coupe or convertible, the six speed is the norm.
For the R-Line trims, the engine is a six-speed automatic with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offering 210 horsepower and 207 pound feet of torque. You can also opt for a six-speed manual on the coupe trim level.
For safety consideration, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle has antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control as well as front side and side curtain airbags. The rearview camera comes on the SE trims and the SEL has the added blind-spot warning. On the SE and SEL trims, the Car-Net Security and Service emergency is standard and there is an automatic crash notification as well as remote door unlocking and geo-fencing.
Over the years, the Beetle styling has been tweaked, but it’s still easy to see the original bug resemblance even with this year’s offering. Regarding the interior, the gauges and dials have evolved as have the comfortable additions. Who would have thought way back when that this hippy-vibe offering would ever have a touch screen inside — but there is even in the very base model.
Passengers and the driver will be pleased that there is plenty of room inside. Even in the backseat, the headroom is acceptable. The legroom in the rear won’t be quite up to par for taller passengers, but it’s comparable with the competition.
With 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space for the coupe trunk and 30 cubic feet with the rear seats down its an average offering. The convertible comes in with just 7.1 cubic feet though, but even if you are missing cargo, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle convertible is worth it to drive. The power-retractable soft top is down in 10 seconds and can be operated while driving at up to 30 miles per hour.
The Beetle is an easy drive no matter which engine you choose. Both engine choices and styles are respectable road warriors for this market. Expect all to be smooth and easy just as you’d suspect in this vehicle. Handling — check, taking corners — check, getting on the highway – check and driving overall; complete satisfaction. Take it easy and be cool in this year’s Beetle version and remember, smiles are allowed and included.
Should You Need to Know: The basic warranty on the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle is 3 years/36000 miles.
Miles Per Gallon: The 2016 Beetle Dune Convertible I drove 24 and 31
Cost: The 2016 Beetle Dune Convertible price tag is roughly $26,500.
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