2014-2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 1.8L

Overview

The Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, produced between 2014 and 2017 with the 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, represents the second generation of the “New Beetle” lineage, internally designated as the A5 platform. Moving away from the rounded, retro-heavy aesthetic of its predecessor, this version adopted a more aggressive, masculine stance characterized by a flatter roofline and a more pronounced hood. This design shift aimed to broaden the car’s appeal beyond the niche market of the original New Beetle, positioning it as a more serious contender in the subcompact segment while retaining the iconic silhouette that defined the brand for decades.

Under the hood, the 1.8-liter TSI four-cylinder engine replaced the aging 2.5-liter five-cylinder unit found in earlier models. This transition provided a significant improvement in both fuel efficiency and low-end torque, making the convertible more responsive in urban driving conditions. Manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico, the vehicle utilized the PQ35 platform, sharing structural components with the contemporary Jetta and Golf. The convertible mechanism featured a fully automatic soft-top that could retract in approximately 10 seconds, even while the vehicle was in motion at low speeds, offering a blend of open-air driving and modern convenience.

Marketed as a lifestyle vehicle, the Beetle Convertible targeted buyers seeking a blend of nostalgia and contemporary performance. While it faced stiff competition from other compact convertibles, its distinct styling and the refinement of the 1.8-liter powertrain helped maintain a loyal following. By the end of its production cycle, the model remained a recognizable fixture in the Volkswagen lineup, serving as a bridge between the company’s historical roots and its modern engineering standards.

Vehicle Overview
Brand	Volkswagen
Model	Beetle Convertible
Model Year	2014-2017
Generation	A5
Trim	S, SE, SEL, Denim, Classic
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	2014
Production End	2017
VIN Identifier	3VW
Base MSRP	$25,000
Destination Charge	$820
Total MSRP	–
Powertrain
Powertrain Type	Internal Combustion
Engine Family	EA888 Gen 3
Engine Name	1.8L TSI
Engine Code	CPRA/CPKA
Engine Configuration	Inline-4
Displacement	1.8 Liters
Bore x Stroke	82.5 mm x 84.1 mm
Compression Ratio	9.6:1
Aspiration	Turbocharged
Fuel Delivery	Direct Injection
Valve Train	DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Engine Block Material	Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material	Aluminum Alloy
Oil Capacity	6.0 Quarts
Oil Specification / Viscosity	VW 502 00 / 5W-40
Horsepower	170 hp @ 4,800 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
Redline	6,000 rpm
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Transmission	Automatic (S6)
Final Drive Ratio	3.87:1
Axle Ratio	–
Fuel Economy
Fuel Type	Regular Gasoline
Recommended Octane	87
EPA City MPG	24
EPA Highway MPG	32
EPA Combined MPG	27
Fuel Economy (L/100 km)	8.7 L/100 km
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)	14.5
Estimated Driving Range	460 miles
Annual Fuel Cost	$1,650
CO₂ Emissions	328 g/mile
Greenhouse Gas Score	5
Smog Rating	5
Performance
0-30 mph	2.8 seconds
0-60 mph	7.5 seconds
0-100 mph	21.0 seconds
Quarter Mile	15.8 seconds
Top Speed	125 mph
Braking Distance (60-0 mph)	128 ft
Lateral Acceleration	0.82g
Power-to-Weight Ratio	18.2 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)	62.1
Rear Track (in)	61.0
Ground Clearance (in)	5.6
Curb Weight (lbs)	3,100
GVWR (lbs)	4,000
Towing Capacity (lbs)	Not Recommended
Payload Capacity (lbs)	950
Passenger Volume (cu ft)	81.0
Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seats) (cu ft)	7.1
Cargo Volume (Max) (cu ft)	15.4
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	6.3-inch Touchscreen
Instrument Cluster	Analog with Multi-function Display
Apple CarPlay	Available (2016+)
Android Auto	Available (2016+)
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	1 year / 10,000 miles
Specs.Autos Exclusive Data
Engine Assembly Plant	Silao, Mexico
Transmission Supplier	Aisin
Gear Ratios	1st: 4.04, 2nd: 2.37, 3rd: 1.56, 4th: 1.16, 5th: 0.85, 6th: 0.67
Differential Type	Open
Cooling System Capacity	8.5 Quarts
Roof Load Capacity (lbs)	N/A
Safety Recall Count	–
Production Volume	–
Units Sold in USA	–

Consumer Insights & Market Appeal

The 2014-2017 Beetle Convertible is generally regarded as a reliable daily driver, provided that routine maintenance is strictly followed. The EA888 1.8L engine is known for its efficiency and punchy power delivery, though owners should monitor the water pump and thermostat housing for potential coolant leaks, which are common points of failure in this engine family. Carbon buildup on the intake valves is another factor to consider due to the direct-injection system, often requiring cleaning at higher mileages. In the used market, this vehicle appeals to those prioritizing style and open-top motoring over maximum cargo utility, as the trunk space is notably limited by the folding roof mechanism. When inspecting a used unit, prioritize models from 2016 or later to benefit from the updated MIB II infotainment system, which includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, significantly enhancing the car’s daily usability.