The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible TDI Is Not Your Grandfather's Beetle

Originally conceived of by legendary car designer Ferdinand Porsche in the early 1930s, the VW Beetle was soon co-opted by German Chancellor Adolph Hitler -- who "encouraged" Porsche to throw out an elaborate design and instead create "The People's Car" that would be a testament to German ingenuity and a slap in the face to American car moguls like Henry Ford. More than 80 years later and with global sales exceeding 20 million, the humble people hauler has little DNA left from its earliest ancestors, but is nonetheless instantly recognizable as a Beetle.

The Volkswagen Beetle has gone through significant upheaval over the years. From enjoying pop culture fame due to its starring role in several Walt Disney movies to being banished to production in Brazil and Mexico in 1978 to being discontinued all together in 2003, the little car that could certainly has. The 2013 Clean Diesel VW Beetle pays respectful homage to its lineage, continuing the company's trend of incremental improvements over the last decade to become popular once more -- with baby boomers and generation x'ers alike.

Vital Stats

What sets the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible TDI apart from other Beetles -- and every other vehicle inside and outside its class -- is that it lays claim to being the first diesel powered convertible for sale in North America. Here are vital stats that you can experience at your Volkswagen car dealership:

The latest iteration of the venerable Beetle is a four seat, front wheel drive model boasting an impressive 140 horsepower turbo diesel that somehow still manages to sip gas to the tune of 41 miles per gallon on the highway
Available five speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission
Generous cargo space of 7.1 cubic feet
Safety features that Volkswagen is famous for, including anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, electronic stability control, front and side-impact airbags, and a tire pressure monitoring system

One of the main attractions on display at your local Volkswagen dealer is the 2013 convertible. Give VW's engineers credit for working on noise reduction with the top down, especially at highway speeds. Wind is bearable, and the car's well-appointed interior makes it a pleasure to drive on just about any road.

Like any convertible, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible TDI is meant to be driven and enjoyed. Slide behind the wheel, and take it anywhere -- the grocery store, the movie theatre, or for a leisurely Sunday drive -- but just do not expect much room for anything else beside a passenger or two and an overnight bag. Of course, there is room for groceries and small items, but this is not a vehicle for transporting lumber, large trash receptacles, or other big items from the store to your home.

The Bottom Line

When you visit a Volkswagen car dealership and take the 2013 convertible for a test drive or, better still, buy one to take home, the ride is impressive all the way around. If you're looking for a fun car that gets reasonable gas mileage and still has a hint of nostalgia in its DNA, you'll be hard pressed to find a vehicle more appealing from any manufacturer, foreign or domestic.

This article is written by Jillynn Stevens of Be Locally SEO on behalf of Strong Volkswagen of Salt Lake City, Utah. In the car dealership business since the mid 1950's, Strong VW is the largest and favorite dealership among Utahans and residents of surrounding states including Wyoming, Idaho, and Nevada. Take a look at their online inventory and see for yourself!