2013-2014 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L

Overview

The 2013-2014 Volkswagen Beetle, often referred to by its internal code A5, represents the second generation of the “New Beetle” lineage. Unlike its predecessor, which leaned heavily on the retro-futuristic aesthetic of the 1990s, this model adopted a more aggressive, flattened roofline and a wider stance intended to evoke the silhouette of the original Type 1 Beetle. Built on the Volkswagen Group PQ35 platform, the vehicle shares much of its underlying architecture with the contemporary Jetta and Golf, providing a more mature driving dynamic than the previous generation.

Manufactured at the Volkswagen de México plant in Puebla, the Beetle 2.5L served as the volume-selling entry point for the North American market. The 2.5-liter inline-five engine was a staple of the Volkswagen lineup during this period, prized for its robust power delivery and distinct exhaust note. While the Beetle was marketed as a lifestyle-oriented compact car, its engineering prioritized daily usability, featuring a more spacious interior and improved ergonomics compared to the rounded cabin of the earlier New Beetle. By the 2013-2014 model years, the car had established itself as a niche offering, appealing to buyers seeking a blend of heritage-inspired design and modern German-engineered mechanicals.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Beetle
Model Year	2013-2014
Generation	A5
Trim	2.5L
Body Style	2-door Hatchback
Vehicle Segment	Compact
Vehicle Class	Compact Cars
Market	USA
Platform	PQ35
Assembly Plant	Puebla, Mexico
Country of Origin	Mexico
Production Start	2011
Production End	2019
VIN Identifier	3VW
Base MSRP	$19,995
Destination Charge	$820
Total MSRP	$20,815
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Family	EA855
Engine Name	2.5L I5
Engine Code	CBTA/CBUA
Engine Configuration	Inline-5
Displacement	2,480 cc
Bore x Stroke	82.5 mm x 92.8 mm
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Aspiration	Naturally Aspirated
Fuel Delivery	Multi-point Fuel Injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	6.3 qts
Oil Specification / Viscosity	VW 502 00 / 5W-40
Horsepower	170 hp @ 5,700 rpm
Torque	177 lb-ft @ 4,250 rpm
Redline	6,200 rpm
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Manual 5-spd
Final Drive Ratio	3.65:1
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	22
EPA Highway MPG	31
EPA Combined MPG	25
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	9.4 L/100 km
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	14.5
Estimated Driving Range	360 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$1,950
CO₂ Emissions	355 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	5
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	2.8 s
0-60 mph	7.8 s
0-100 mph	21.5 s
Quarter Mile	16.0 s
Top Speed	125 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	128 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.82 g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	0.057 hp/lb
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	168.4
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	71.2
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	79.4
Height (in)	58.5
Wheelbase (in)	99.9
Front Track (in)	62.1
Rear Track (in)	61.0
Ground Clearance (in)	5.5
Curb Weight (lbs)	2,939
GVWR (lbs)	4,012
Towing Capacity (lbs)	–
Payload Capacity (lbs)	1,073
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	85.0
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	15.4
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	29.9
Turning Circle	35.4 ft
Approach Angle	14.5°
Departure Angle	17.2°
Breakover Angle	11.8°
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	4 Stars
NHTSA Frontal Crash	4 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash	5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover	4 Stars
IIHS Award	Top Safety Pick
Small Overlap Front	–
Moderate Overlap Front	Good
Side Impact	Good
Headlights Rating	–
Front Crash Prevention	–
Technology & Connectivity
Infotainment Display	6.5-inch touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	Analog
Apple CarPlay	No
Android Auto	No
Navigation System	Optional
Audio System	Fender Premium Audio
Speaker Count	8
Wireless Charging	No
Wi-Fi Hotspot	No
OTA Updates	No
Digital Key	No
Warranty & Ownership
Basic Warranty	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles
Corrosion Warranty	12 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance	3 years/36,000 miles
Complimentary Maintenance	3 years/36,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Salzgitter, Germany
Transmission Supplier	Volkswagen
Gear Ratios	1st: 3.77, 2nd: 2.09, 3rd: 1.32, 4th: 0.98, 5th: 0.77
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	8.5 qts
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	165
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2013-2014 Beetle 2.5L is generally regarded as a reliable, straightforward vehicle, largely due to the proven nature of the five-cylinder engine and the manual transmission. Common maintenance items for this generation include vacuum pump seals, ignition coils, and periodic carbon cleaning for the intake valves, though the 2.5L engine avoids the more complex high-pressure fuel system issues found in the turbocharged variants. In the used market, this model appeals to buyers who prioritize a unique aesthetic and solid highway stability over cutting-edge infotainment or fuel economy. While it lacks modern connectivity features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, its mechanical simplicity and distinct character make it a popular choice for those seeking a stylish, daily-drivable compact that avoids the high repair costs associated with more complex forced-induction engines.