The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Turbo epitomizes fun

When Volkswagen introduced the 2013 Beetle, they wanted it to have a more manly appeal in order to get out of its relatively niche market as a “woman’s toy car.” With the Beetle Turbo in convertible form, they definitely did what they set out to do and did it without destroying their core market appeal to women.

It can be said that the 2013 VW Beetle Convertible Turbo is the best rendition of the car and the must-have model for anyone who really wants to maximize the fun factor this great little goer offers. Everything about the Beetle Convertible Turbo is impractical, which is the whole point of owning a topless sports car with seating for 2+2.

The wide, low stance of the New Beetle means it’s more aggressive and has better handling on the curves. The powerful little 2.0-liter inline-four, turbocharged engine outputting 210 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed transmission adds Germanic growling to the fun performance of the Beetle, making this rendition a true sports car. The rag top lowers the profile and straightens its look as well, further adding to the beef factor this tiny car employs to redesign its image.

Even with all of that manliness, though, another apt description of the Beetle Convertible Turbo is “chick magnet.” Like all Beetles throughout their history, the 2013 VW Beetle has a universal appeal to women young and old. In a convertible, it’s virtually irresistible. Even those who claim to be immune to this are merely covering up their passions for the car.

Interestingly, the same phenomenon can be observed in men who sit behind the wheel of the 2013 Beetle Convertible Turbo. It has a universal magnetism to testosterone that comes from any machine whose genetic feel has “Porsche” stamped on it.

Yes, the VW Beetle is a Porsche underneath that nostalgic exterior. This is easily seen in the rear spoiler and trunk lid at the back of this modern machine and is felt through that powerful drivetrain with its sub-seven 0-60 mph capability cornerstoned by the prominent stopwatch and turbo gauge at the center of the dash.

No matter where you go with the Beetle Convertible Turbo, you’ll have fun getting there. It’s a very fun, highly engaging, and beautifully designed sports car hiding in a nice little Beetle body.

This review of the 2013 VW Beetle Convertible Turbo was made after a week of driving one as a manufacturer’s loan. A total of 470 miles were put on the car in that time on a mixture of rural, town, and city roads as well as highways and interstates.

While the Beetle Convertible has its limitations, they are no different than those most vehicles in this class include. MSRP for the vehicle as driven is $31,765 while the base model Convertible Turbo runs about $27,795.

Aaron Turpen
Aaron Turpen is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. He is accredited through the International Motor Press Association (IMPA) and the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP). His background includes commercial transportation, alternative fuels and drive trains, and DIY automotive mechanics. He writes for websites and news outlets around the Web and in print and is co-founder of www.CarNewsCafe.com.