2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune
By Joe Mavilia
Overview:
This is the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8T Dune. Well, where do you start. So many applications….. all except space for many people or luggage. BUT, this would be my top pick for my college son or daughter. It is fun to drive and a very capable car. It is stable, solid and feels totally safe on the curvy roads or highway speeds.
It is a fun car because it speaks Beach, travel, out of doors top down adventure. The top is a one button down and up with no hastles to be ‘topless’ in seconds. I recently completed a test of the Fiat 500 Cabrio (convertible of sorts) and the contrast is notable. The Cabrio is a slide back soft top that is more like a large sunroof. And as is often the case, there is that buffeting feel and noise that is not the case with the Beetle that is a conventional convertible.
General Information:
It is assembled in – Puebla, Mexico; Parts – US/Canadian 12%, Mexico 33%; Engine – Mexico, Transmission – Japan; Classification is Sub-Compact. Cars from Volkswagen: Atlas, Beetle, CC, e-Golf, Eos, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Gti, Golf R, Golf Sportswagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan & Touareg.
Handling & Performance:
Excellent feel, easy rider. And for the racing buffs the Beetle posted over 205 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Ok, so it had a 2.0-liter engine (vs the 1.8) and they tweaked the engine a little more… but I have to say this stock one would do over ½ that land speed record for a VW Beetle. I truly enjoyed the ride. Try it, you’ll like it.
Styling:
Classic VW of course.
Fit and Finish:
Excellent.
Cost:
The Fiat 500 I spoke of above is under $20,000 so you’ll be the final word on whether $10,000 is worth the difference in a similar car.
Conveniences and comfort:
For the money, I think this should be equipped with Adaptive (smart) Cruise, Lane Assist, Blind Spot and cross traffic detection at the very least.
Consumer Recommendations:
Include Fiat 500 in your test drives, because it is a lot less money and worthy of consideration. But if a convertible is your thing this one is pretty cool. In my travels, I have driven a lot of V-Dubs but I’ve put my money where I speak and before we got married my wife to be and I chose a Carmen Ghia as our first car together. Then we followed that during college wrap up years with a less expensive Bug and later when our first born came along we bought a brand new 1970 Beetle. All great cars in their league. Meanwhile brother John was buying Ferrari’s – ok he’s also the better looking one.
Recognized Competition:
Volkswagen Beetle $30,000, MINI Conv. $30,000, Mazda Miata MX-5 $27,000, Buick Cascada$33,000.
Good News:
Fun, fast, solid ride, great easy to use convertible.
Bad News:
I don’t know, there probably is something we can all bitch about, but size is the only thing I can think of – IF you need more room.
Standard Equipment:
1.8 liter TSI (meaning it is a Gasoline Direct Injection as for a distinction between the TDI that designates Diesel Direct Injection) 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, 6-speed auto transmission, four wheel independent suspension, front and side airbags, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, stability control, intelligent crash response system, LATCH child safety system, tire pressure monitor, 16” alloy wheels, auto headlights, fog lights and cornering lights, power heated foldable mirrors, intermittent wipers, power convertible roof, climate control, multifunction steering wheel, leather trimmed steering wheel, brake lever and shift knob, Dune cloth and leatherette seating with yellow piping and stitching, heated manual front seats, split folding rear seat, rearview camera, park distance control front and rear, keyless entry with push button start/stop, 6.5” touchscreen, AM/FM/HD radio with CD player, USB and Aux-in, 6-speaker sound system, Bluetooth mobile telephone connectivity, Sirius XM satellite radio, cruise control, multifunction display with trip computer, power windows and door locks.
Gas Stats:
$3.05/ Gal avg. July 8, 2017
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
24 City and 31 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $29,395.