New 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback New 2018
Volkswagen Beetle Hatchback

Available as a coupe or convertible, the turbocharged 2018 Volkswagen Beetle is all about affordable fun. With a new more powerful and fuel-efficient engine, along with its iconic and timeless shape, the new VW Beetle perfectly blends a retro vibe with modern style, safety and features. The desirable combination makes it a standout against a small pack of rivals including the Mini Cooper and the Fiat 500. The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle is available in four trim levels; S, Coast, SE and Dune, with prices starting just over $21,000 for a Beetle S coupe. A Beetle S convertible costs about $5,000 more. All new Beetles are front-wheel drive, come with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission and they’re powered by a new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 174 horsepower, which is strong for its class.

For 2018, every new Volkswagen Beetle gets a larger and more powerful 174-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that also improves the VW’s fuel economy. Also new is the Coast trim level, which gets a surfboard-inspired wood-look dash pad, and a longer warranty that covers every new Volkswagen for six years or 72,000 miles. The Beetle R-Line has been discontinued.

FENDER PREMIUM AUDIO SYSTEM
One of the strongest audio systems available in this class, the VW Beetle’s optional Fender Premium Audio System packs 400 watts of power and a subwoofer mounted in the trunk. Created in collaboration between Fender and Panasonic, the Beetle’s Fender system features four speakers and four tweeters for high-quality sound.

DRIVER-ASSISTANCE TECHNOLOGY
A rearview camera is standard on every 2018 VW Beetle, as is an 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. The Beetle’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System also slows the vehicle after an accident to avoid secondary collisions. A Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert as well as bumper-mounted parking sensors are also available.

Front-seat space and comfort are exceptional. The Beetle’s front bucket seats are well-shaped and supportive and there’s enough headroom for Shaq in a 10-gallon hat. The Beetle’s back seat can handle two, but it’s tight back there for tall adults. The interior design is clean and modern with simple and easy-to-use controls, but there’s just enough retro to be found in the shape of the dashboard and the gauges, which keeps things interesting. Multiple storage bins hold cell phones and small items, and there’s an upper, secondary glove box. Coupe models have a hatchback design and surprising cargo space -- 15.4 cubic feet with rear seats upright. Convertibles have less than half that room, and trunk access is awkward.

One the most recognizable shapes in all of automobiledom, the Beetle’s arching roof, curvaceous fenders and short front and rear overhangs are as iconic as any low-slung Ferrari. And the design still turns heads. A rear spoiler adds sporty appeal and a visual break from the rest of the Beetle's mounds of round, and we dig the retro wheel design on the Coast trim level. Convertible Beetle models have a power-operated folding fabric top and a trunklid instead of the hardtop's liftgate. The Beetle Dune is slightly wider and rides a tad higher, which gives it a rugged off-road-ready look, kinda like a Baja Bug if you want to turn back the clock that far.