2019 Volkswagen Beetle

The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle is the modern-day interpretation of the iconic “Bug” that took America by storm in the 1960s. The current model is the second generation of the revived Beetle, and it’s reasonably fun to drive.

Beetle production will end after the 2019 model year. Two new “Final Edition” trims have been added to commemorate the car’s last year in production.

The 2019 Beetle is a compact car that comes in coupe and convertible body styles. Each model seats four. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive and an automatic transmission are standard. It comes in S, SE, Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL trim levels. This small car competes with models like the Honda Civic, Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Golf.

Exterior

With its classically curved roofline, round halogen headlamps and bulbous fenders, the Volkswagen Beetle is impossible to mistake for any other vehicle. It’s available as either a two-door hatchback or a convertible with a power-operated top that can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 31 mph.

All trims feature body-colored side mirrors with integrated turn signals, body-colored door handles, body-colored side sills with chrome accents and a rear spoiler. The base Beetle S comes with 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, while the SE and Final Edition SE trims upgrade the wheels to 17-inches. Eighteen-inch rims are optional on the SE as part of the Premium package. They are included with the Final Edition SEL. SE and above trims further receive automatic headlights, heated washer nozzles and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights and fog lights are optional on the SE coupe and convertible and standard with the Final Edition SEL model.

Interior

The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle has a cleanly styled interior and is far more accommodating than its 1960s predecessor. The Bug’s uncluttered dashboard features round instruments, an LCD display for the car’s infotainment system and analog buttons and dials for the audio and climate control systems.

The front seating area can easily accommodate taller occupants in comfort, though rear leg- and headroom is tight. Legroom in both models is 41.3 in the front and 31.4 in the rear. Cargo volume with the hatchbacks is at 15.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, and 29.9 cubic feet with them folded flat. It’s a mere 7.1 cubic feet in the convertibles.

Standard interior items include cruise control, cloth upholstery, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and brake lever. Interior upgrades include leatherette or leather upholstery, sport seats, three-color ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof.

The Final Edition trims add what VW calls a “Beetle Bin,” which is essentially a small second glovebox on the passenger’s side. Those models also receive stainless steel pedal caps, metal scuff plates and a gloss-black center console.

Performance

The Volkswagen Beetle performs admirably. Electric-assist power steering and a modestly sporty suspension setup make the Beetle relatively entertaining to drive. At that, it maintains amenable road manners around town and a reasonably smooth ride.

The car comes nicely powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates a peppy 174 horsepower with 184 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2019 Beetle’s fuel economy rating is 26/33 mpg city/highway.

Technology

The 2019 Volkswagen Beetle covers many of the proverbial bases in terms of technology, though it lacks most advanced safety features. The standard eight-speaker audio system includes a CD player, USB and auxiliary connectors, Bluetooth connectivity and a 5-inch touchscreen display.

Available features include a 6.3-inch display and add satellite radio and Volkswagen’s Car-Net app-connect and telematics services. Optional on the SE and standard with the Final Edition SEL is a navigation system and a premium 12-speaker Fender audio array with 400 watts of power.

All trims include a rearview camera and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. SE and above models come standard with push-button entry/start and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A rear park-distance warning is optional on the SE and is included with the Final Edition SEL.