Flash Drive

2019 VW Beetle

July 22, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2019 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0T Final Edition SE

After decades of various iterations the Volkswagen Beetle still has its unmistakeable shape.

Engine:2.0-liter turbo I-4, 174-horsepower 184 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 26-mpg city/33-mpg highway, 29-mpg combined

Base Price: $23,045

As Tested: $23,940

Performance:

Peppy acceleration, easily merges and keeps up with traffic

High twenties to low thirties fuel

The 2019 VW Beetle Final Edition is available in coupe and convertible body styles.

economy—our best was 32.9-mpg

Easy to maneuver around town, parking, U-turns

Smooth transmission

Blind spot monitor

Comfort:

Great front seats legroom, stretch-out

Very good headroom

Supportive cloth/leatherette seats

Manual adjustment

Three temperature heated seats

Over the impressive life span of the VW Beetle its size and performance have grown substantially, but the fun factor has remained.

Tilt/telescopic steering column, but stiff adjustment lever

Thin, flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel

OK auxiliary controls

Snug rear seats depending on front seat position

Only two passengers can sit in back seat

Ample rear headroom

Tall center floor hump

Power tilting and sliding sunroof greatly brightens interior

The 2019 VW Beetle interior is quiet and comfortable. Front seat room is great.

Effective sunshade

Utility:

Rain sensing wipers

Hatchback with ample clearance for tall people

OK cargo capacity, but roof slope compromises space

Flat cargo floor

Substantial lift-over

Split folding rear seats have significant slope

Big height difference between cargo area and folded seats

Small door bins with elastic straps

The VW Beetle has always been a great city commuter car because of its compact size and nimble performance.

Two non-locking gloveboxes—one small, one larger

Two fabric seatback pouches

WOW Factors:

Nimble, fun to drive

Still gets lots of positive attention

Roomy front seats, comfortable

Strong value proposition

Solid door shut

Handsome, timeless interior styling

Whines:

Tight 2-passenger rear seat

Big rise between cargo floor and folded seats

The 2019 VW Beetle Final Edition is a fine long distance traveler for two people.

Minimal small items storage

Bottom Line:

The 2019 VW Beetle Final Edition marks the end of one of the best retro vehicles ever produced. Volkswagen expertly captured the essence of the original iconic Beetle in a modern front wheel drive economy coupe/convertible. Twenty years after the introduction of the New Beetle the car still elicits smiles and looks great. It’s fun to drive, economical, affordable, and we’re sad to see it go.