The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible has hood props that look like french fries, but how does the rest of the car stack up?
Back in the late 1990s, Volkswagen introduced a modern take on the original “people’s car” with the New Volkswagen Beetle. The company also released a cabriolet version, a model that’s carried through to this day. In 2011, Volkswagen redesigned the Beetle for the new decade, but its roots are still unmistakable. Once upon a time, it was fashionable for automakers to build “retro-styled” cars that hark back to their decades-old heritage. Fiat did it with the 500 and Volkswagen did it with the Beetle. Coincidentally, they both also spawned soft-top versions.
The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle uses the “Budack” cycle
The 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible uses the latest generation of the brand’s 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 engine. It runs on the “Budack” cycle, which is a variation of the Miller Cycle that closes the intake valve early, reducing the effective compression ratio and making it easier to turn the energy created during the power stroke into downward motion for the piston. That results in better fuel economy: the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible achieves 26 City/33 Highway/29 Combined MPG. Thats a couple miles per gallon better than the old generation.
Optional equipment on Beetle includes keyless entry and a 6.3-inch infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple Carplay support on the S model, Bi-Xenon headlights on the SE and the Coast, as well as a Fender premium audio system on the SE. Find out more about the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible in the video above! Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow for more news, views and real-world reviews.
