Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback

Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback
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Full 2014 Volkswagen Beetle Review

What's New for 2014

For 2014, the Volkswagen Beetle sees a handful of small but notable changes. A limited-edition GSR coupe model debuts with a yellow-and-black paint scheme that recalls a '70s-era racing Beetle. The Beetle Turbo picks up 10 horsepower and a name change: It's now called the Beetle R-Line to avoid confusion later in the year when VW replaces the base Beetle's 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with a new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. Lastly, the Fender edition is no longer available; the base Beetle picks up a few more standard features; and Volkswagen's telematics system (dubbed "Car-Net") debuts, along with a rearview camera (late availability).

 

Introduction

Producing a retro-themed version of an iconic car can present automakers with quite a challenge. On one hand, they'll want it to pay proper homage to the original, but on the other, they don't want exaggerated styling cues to overshadow sound design. The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, unlike the previous "New Beetle" retro-bug, manages to cruise deftly between the two, appealing both to nostalgic hippies and modern hipsters, not to mention plenty of people in between.

The reasons for this V-dub's broad appeal are many. Within the classic yet tastefully updated shape, there is ample passenger space, sensible ergonomics, a decently sized cargo hold and a suspension that provides an agreeable balance between sporty handling and a comfortable ride. Variety helps, too, as you can choose a coupe or convertible, select from a number of color and trim options and pick a gas or diesel engine.

Speaking of power plants, the base and rather humdrum 2.5-liter five-cylinder gas engine will be replaced later in the model year by a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that boasts a slightly higher power output and notably better fuel economy. Furthermore, because there will be two turbocharged gas engines (the new 1.8 and the carryover 2.0), the Beetle Turbo is renamed the Beetle R-Line.

Also new this year is the limited-edition GSR, which is essentially an R-line with a unique yellow-and-black theme that pays tribute to a 1973 special-edition Beetle (called the Yellow-and-Black Racer) that featured a similar paint scheme. And as before, those looking for maximum mpg should be more than happy with a Beetle TDI. In our experience with various VW test cars, those that were TDI-powered typically did better than their EPA mpg estimates.

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