Used 2019 Volkswagen Beetle

The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle enters its last year of production. All good things, etc. Over the course of its existence, the Beetle — available in coupe and convertible form — has been one of the few cars that transcend mere personal transportation to become a statement. Although it started out mimicking the looks of the original Beetle (the archetypal “people’s car”), this version has made its own impact on motoring society. Which might be a long-winded way of saying that it’s cute and it’s fun. The retro styling mixes with modern features and safety equipment to form a desirable combination. Now VW is closing this chapter in its story, but the Beetle is going out on a high note, with decent equipment levels and a punchy engine.

Although it’s no enthusiast’s dream, the 2019 Beetle has tidy handling that’s more comfortable than rivals like the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500, with a smoother ride quality and less noise on the freeway. The Beetle feels stable rather than nimble. The 174-horsepower turbocharged engine is satisfying, providing strong acceleration and reassuring passing power. It’s well-matched to the 6-speed automatic transmission, which has a Sport mode for more aggressive response, and a manual mode for those who like to get more involved. Outward vision is generally good, although rear-three-quarter vision is compromised in the convertible, both when the fabric roof is up and down.

Up front, the VW Beetle sports bucket seats that are well-shaped and supportive, while space is exceptionally generous. A couple of passengers can fit in the back, but the smaller they are, the better. Overall, the interior design is clean and simple, with a blend of modern and retro touches. There are several stowage places for phones and the like, plus a double glove box. Coupe models are basically hatchbacks and a surprising amount of luggage area sits behind the rear seats: 15.4 cubic feet. There’s only 7.1 cubic feet in the convertible’s trunk and accessing that space is awkward.

The VW Beetle pays homage to the VW Beetle. In other words, the current model was inspired by the old classic. As such, its profile is one of the most recognizable car shapes ever. The curved hood, curved fenders, curved roof, round headlights and short overhangs at each end evoke Volkswagen’s cool pedigree. The convertible’s power-operated roof doesn’t fold completely into the body (as so many modern convertibles do), so the general effect is now unintentionally retro. But still quite pleasant in its way.

FENDER PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM
One of the strongest audio systems in this class, the VW Beetle’s optional Fender-branded premium audio system sends 400 watts through four speakers, four tweeters and a subwoofer in the trunk. Fender is renowned for its electric guitars and amplifiers, and this system is made in collaboration with Panasonic.

DRIVER-ASSISTANCE TECHNOLOGY
Even the entry-level 2019 Beetle S trim has blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It also has VW’s Intelligent Crash Response System that cuts the engine’s fuel supply, unlocks the doors and activates the hazard lights in the event of an airbag deployment. Plus, automatic post-collision braking to avoid secondary impacts after an accident.

The 2019 Beetle range begins with the S trim, which has 16-inch alloy wheels, 5-inch infotainment touch screen, leather-wrapped steering wheel, cloth upholstery, and an 8-speaker audio system that includes AM/FM radio, CD player, Bluetooth, USB port and an auxiliary input. It has the aforementioned safety features as well. SE models improve matters with rain-sensing wipers, heated washer nozzles, 17-inch alloys, keyless entry/ignition, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, 6.3-inch touch screen, and ambient cabin lighting. A Final Edition SE brings stainless-steel pedals and cloth/simulated-leather seating surfaces. This trim is cheaper than the regular SE, but still enjoys much of the same equipment. The Final Edition SEL has 18-inch alloys, leather upholstery, Fender audio and parking sensors.

Final Edition versions of the 2019 VW Beetle aren’t really eligible for many options; the top model already has pretty much everything as standard. It’s the regular SE that offers the most extras, such as bigger wheels, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and taillights, navigation, parking sensors front and rear, and the Fender-branded audio system.

Every 2019 Beetle is propelled by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 174 horsepower. That’s sufficient muscle for most purposes. Highway cruising and city zipping are equally well served, especially in conjunction with the 6-speed automatic transmission and its Sport mode. Many turbocharged engines require premium fuel, but this unit is happy enough with regular. And fuel consumption (29 mpg combined) is unaffected by body style. Front-wheel drive is the only setup; there’s no option for all-wheel drive.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
174 horsepower @ 4,400 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/33 mpg (standard coupe & convertible)