The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is immediately recognizable as a descendant of the hippie-inspired 1960s Bug. The shiny standard wheels are even modeled after the Bug’s wheels from decades ago. Under the surface, though, the Beetle shares most of its parts with workaday Volkswagens such as the Golf and Jetta. Since it is sold as both a coupe and a convertible, the Beetle decides to change up its Powertrain lineup in 2014.
Trim Levels
2014 Beetle is available in three trim levels differentiated by engine: base (1.8-liter turbo), TDI (diesel) and R-Line (2-liter turbo).
Exterior and Interior
The exterior of the 2014 Beetle is really fascinating and head turning. Standard features on all Beetle models are power operated fabric top, heated mirrors, heated windshield washer nozzles and three wheel choices, 17 inch alloy, 18 inch and 19 inch wheels.
The 2014 Beetle’s interior uses some nice materials, though the Golf is still the winner here. At least the dashboard can be dressed up with body-color inserts, which is necessary, to compete against MINI and Fiat. VW is proud of the R-Line’s standard Kaeferfach glove box, which is a heritage feature with an upward-opening door. The R-Line also has three secondary gauges atop the dashboard.
The 2-person backseat is certainly useful, but headroom in the hatchback is naturally limited by the sloping rear roof line. Cargo space in the hatchback is good 15.4 Cu ft in the trunk, but maximum capacity is only 29.9 Cu ft.
The Beetle was redesigned two years ago for both male and female buyers. The New Beetle met almost universal acclaim for its design when introduced but was not a big success. To attract more male buyers, its look is now more masculine, especially with the lower, flatter roofline and much upright windshield. It’s modern, but not in a trendy way. This shape should hold up over the years.
Safety Features
2014 Volkswagen Beetle has 4-wheel, anti-lock disc brakes and four airbags (front and full-length side-curtain). The R-Line’s (and GSR’s) front brake discs are slightly larger. It has good frontal and side impact safety. VW’s Car-Net connected services include crash notification, stolen-vehicle location, boundary and speed alerts, all accessed via a nifty Smartphone app.
Power and Performance
Beetle started the 2014 model year with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder in the base model, but Volkswagen replaced this engine with a new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The 2.5-liter five-cylinder rated 170 horsepower and up to 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway; VW rates the new 1.8-liter turbo at 170 horsepower as well. The new turbo four-cylinder boosts gas mileage by 16 percent, however, for the best mileage, there’s the Beetle TDI Clean Diesel, scoring 28 and 41 mpg city/highway. The 2014 Beetle R-Line offers 210 horsepower from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Most Beetles offered with a choice of five- or six-speed manual or six-speed automatic or dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
Another 2014 Beetle GSR has limited sales to 3,500 GSRs in total, each having a unique interior and exterior color theme and special equipment. It uses the same Powertrain as the Beetle R-Line.
Pricing and Availability
- MSRP of $45,100 – $72,300 and is available for sale.
Competitors
- Ford Mustang V6 convertible, Mini Cooper convertible, Fiat 500, Chevrolet Camaro
Pros
- Modern take on classic Beetle linesVintage touches available
- R-Line’s turbo thrust
Cons
- Small back seat
- Weak base five-cylinder
- Gas mileage less than impressive on non-diesels
The Verdict
The Beetle is a fantasy. It gives most of the Golf’s fundamental goodness and it packages those qualities in a uniquely eye-catching wrapper, particularly if Convertible models are chosen. Furthermore, the beetle is a nice and impressive choice for female.
Source: http://www.autoscraze.com/2014-volkswagen-beetle-r-line-review.html
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