2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI: Design
What’s New:
- The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI is identical to the 2012 model.
The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI’s recent re-engineering effort has allowed it to graduate from ‘cute’ to ‘attractive,’ a feat achieved via the decision to build a modern car informed by its history, rather than defined by it. The 2013 Beetle TDI is firmly anchored in the modern era, and while aspects of its hood and fenders might pay homage to the original Beetle shape, the flatter roof and hood along with the inclusion of sharper lines along the sides of the vehicle give it a fighting chance to take down competitors based on looks alone.
After reveling in the detail and care taken to present a fresh face to the outside world via the Beetle TDI’s exterior styling, we are unable to describe the coupe’s interior trim as anything other than disappointing. The entry-level TDI model that we drove was as plain as could be from a trim perspective, assaulting the eyes with garish, red plastic steering wheel spokes and equally hard-to-the-touch plastic pieces at the top of the doors and intruding into the rear passenger compartment. In addition, the vehicle’s stereo system was one piece of the car that looked like it would have been more at home in the first-generation New Beetle than the latest and greatest version of the car. It’s possible to remedy at least a few of these issues by upgrading trims and signing over a larger monthly payment to VW, but the lack of basic niceties is one of the best illustrations of how cost-cutting in favor of increased volume is affecting Volkswagen’s design reputation.