2013-2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 2.5L

Overview

The 2013-2014 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible represents the second generation of the modern, water-cooled Beetle, known internally as the A5 platform. Following the discontinuation of the “New Beetle,” this model introduced a more masculine and aggressive aesthetic, characterized by a flatter roofline and a more pronounced hood. The convertible variant arrived for the 2013 model year, offering a traditional soft-top mechanism that retracted fully behind the rear seats, preserving the iconic silhouette while providing an open-air driving experience.

Engineering for this generation moved away from the Golf Mk4 platform used by its predecessor, adopting the more robust PQ35 architecture. This change allowed for improved handling dynamics and a more spacious interior cabin. The 2.5-liter inline-five engine served as the volume-selling powertrain for the North American market, favored for its linear power delivery and distinct exhaust note. Manufactured at Volkswagen’s Puebla assembly plant in Mexico, the vehicle was positioned as a lifestyle-oriented subcompact, targeting buyers who valued the historical design cues of the original Type 1 Beetle combined with contemporary safety and convenience features.

Throughout its production run, the Beetle Convertible maintained a reputation for solid build quality and a high-end interior finish relative to the subcompact segment. While the 2.5-liter engine was eventually phased out in favor of turbocharged four-cylinder units, the 2013-2014 models remain recognized for their mechanical simplicity and character. The model serves as a bridge between the nostalgic design of the late 1990s and the more performance-focused engineering that defined the final years of the Beetle nameplate.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Beetle Convertible
Model Year	2013-2014
Generation	A5
Trim	2.5L
Body Style	2-Door Convertible
Vehicle Segment	Subcompact
Vehicle Class	Subcompact Cars
Market	USA
Platform	PQ35
Assembly Plant	Puebla, Mexico
Country of Origin	Mexico
Production Start	2013
Production End	2014
VIN Identifier	3VW
Base MSRP	$24,495
Destination Charge	$820
Total MSRP	$25,315
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion Engine
Engine Family	Volkswagen 07K
Engine Name	2.5L I5
Engine Code	CBTA/CBUA
Engine Configuration	Inline-5
Displacement	2.5 Liters
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	Automatic (S6)
Final Drive Ratio	3.65:1
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	21
EPA Highway MPG	27
EPA Combined MPG	23
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	10.2
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	14.5
Estimated Driving Range	333 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$2,250
CO₂ Emissions	385 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	5
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	3.2 s
0-60 mph	8.5 s
0-100 mph	23.4 s
Quarter Mile	16.6 s
Top Speed	125 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	128 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.82 g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	18.5 lb/hp
Dimensions & Capacities
Length (in)	168.4
Width (Without Mirrors) (in)	71.2
Width (With Mirrors) (in)	79.0
Height (in)	58.5
Wheelbase (in)	99.9
Front Track (in)	62.0
Rear Track (in)	61.2
Ground Clearance (in)	5.5
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,144
GVWR (lbs)	4,101
Towing Capacity (lbs)	–
Payload Capacity (lbs)	957
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	81.0
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	7.1
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	–
Turning Circle	35.4 ft
Approach Angle	–
Departure Angle	–
Breakover Angle	–
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Overall Rating	–
NHTSA Frontal Crash	–
NHTSA Side Crash	–
NHTSA Rollover	–
IIHS Award	–
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 with Multi-function Display
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 / 120,000 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	Aisin
Gear Ratios	1st: 4.15, 2nd: 2.37, 3rd: 1.56, 4th: 1.16, 5th: 0.86, 6th: 0.69
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	8.5 qts
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	–
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2013-2014 Beetle Convertible is generally regarded as a reliable, character-driven vehicle, though it requires consistent maintenance to remain in peak condition. The 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is known for its durability, but owners should monitor for vacuum leaks, ignition coil failures, and occasional issues with the vacuum pump seals. The Aisin six-speed automatic transmission is robust, provided the fluid is changed at recommended intervals. In the used market, this model appeals to buyers seeking a unique aesthetic and a refined open-top experience without the complexity of more modern, tech-heavy vehicles. Prospective buyers should inspect the soft-top mechanism for smooth operation and check for any signs of water intrusion in the trunk or footwells, as clogged drainage channels can lead to interior dampness. Overall, it remains a strong value proposition for those prioritizing style and a straightforward driving experience over high-performance metrics.