2018 Volkswagen Beetle

2018 Beetle Photos
The revival of the Volkswagen Beetle, now two decades old, appears to be ending. Though never as good in its time period as the original, an icon dating back to 1949, the revived product launched in 1998 suggested easygoing fun. But the New Beetle is old now, headed for extinction.

Last reworked for the 2012 model year, the 2018 Beetle is available in a new Coast trim level. Under the hood, engine possibilities have been reduced to one: a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four. The old R-line engine is gone. New Style & Comfort, Lighting, and Premium option groups are available. Volkswagen also offers a new warranty, valid for six years or 72,000 miles.

Beetles now come in four trim levels: S, Coast, SE, and taller-riding Dune. All have front-wheel drive. The Coast version is available in a Deep Sea Teal hue. Inside is a surfin' themed dashboard with wood-look pad, above rugged floor mats. Each version is available as a hatchback coupe or a convertible.

Substituting for the previous 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the modestly more powerful and economical 2.0-liter rendition develops 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission.

Each Beetle is amply equipped, though advanced safety systems are lacking. A rearview camera is standard. Coast and SE versions get blind-spot monitoring. Parking sensors are standard on Dune models, and optional for SE.

Crash-test scores are incomplete. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2017 Beetle a five-star rating overall and for side-impact, but four-star for the frontal-impact incident. For 2018 models, the agency lists only the four-star frontal-impact score. Convertibles have not been crash-tested for several years.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the driver's side of the 2018 hatchback a Marginal rating for the small-overlap frontal-impact test. No passenger-side score has been issued, but the Beetle gets Good rating for the moderate-overlap crash, as well as for side-impact.

Nominally a four-passenger vehicle, the retro-themed Beetle is more suitable for two. The backseat is definitely snug. Overall, the still-quirky interior has aged more than the Beetle's body. Details aren't quite as impressive as the overall effect.
Full Review

The revival of the Volkswagen Beetle, now two decades old, appears to be ending. Though never as good in its time period as the original, an icon dating back to 1949, the revived product launched in 1998 suggested easygoing fun. But the New Beetle is old now, headed for extinction.

Last reworked for the 2012 model year, the 2018 Beetle is available in a new Coast trim level. Under the hood, engine possibilities have been reduced to one: a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four. The old R-line engine is gone. New Style & Comfort, Lighting, and Premium option groups are available. Volkswagen also offers a new warranty, valid for six years or 72,000 miles.

Beetles now come in four trim levels: S, Coast, SE, and taller-riding Dune. All have front-wheel drive. The Coast version is available in a Deep Sea Teal hue. Inside is a surfin' themed dashboard with wood-look pad, above rugged floor mats. Each version is available as a hatchback coupe or a convertible.

Substituting for the previous 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, the modestly more powerful and economical 2.0-liter rendition develops 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic is the sole transmission.

Each Beetle is amply equipped, though advanced safety systems are lacking. A rearview camera is standard. Coast and SE versions get blind-spot monitoring. Parking sensors are standard on Dune models, and optional for SE.

Crash-test scores are incomplete. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2017 Beetle a five-star rating overall and for side-impact, but four-star for the frontal-impact incident. For 2018 models, the agency lists only the four-star frontal-impact score. Convertibles have not been crash-tested for several years.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the driver's side of the 2018 hatchback a Marginal rating for the small-overlap frontal-impact test. No passenger-side score has been issued, but the Beetle gets Good rating for the moderate-overlap crash, as well as for side-impact.

Nominally a four-passenger vehicle, the retro-themed Beetle is more suitable for two. The backseat is definitely snug. Overall, the still-quirky interior has aged more than the Beetle's body. Details aren't quite as impressive as the overall effect.
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Retail Price

$20,220 - $32,090 MSRP / Window Sticker Price
Engine 2.0L I-4
MPG Up to 26 city / 34 highway
Seating 4 Passengers
Transmission 6-spd auto w/OD, 6-spd w/OD
Power 174 @ 5000 rpm
Drivetrain front-wheel
Curb Weight 3,020 - 3,272 lbs
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