Road Test: 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Coast Edition
Story by Brenda Washington, photos courtesy of VW Canada
Specifications:
Price: $24.895.00 (base) $26,865.00 (tested)
Engine: 2.0 turbocharged 16-valve DOHC inline-4
Trans: 6 speed- auto with Tiptronic
Power: 174 hp@ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
Curb Weight: 3,100 lbs./ 1,406 kg
Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy) 9.0/7.2
New for 2018: The Volkswagen Beetle is beating to a new rhythm of a 174 hp turbo 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. The other upgrade this year is a new trim line called “Coast Edition” which is based on the entry level S edition but with added small luxuries like the electric sunroof, push button start and heated seats. The 6.33” touchscreen radio offers Sirius XM, a CD player, voice control and USB audio input. The Coast dashboard is a “surfwood” design and the seating is done in Pepita Cloth (houndstooth). On the technical/safety side it has blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 17” Heritage alloys come standard on the Coast Edition.
Segment Competitors: Fiat 500, Mini Cooper HT
The Skinny: The Volkswagen definitely got a lot of looks. We found the Tiptronic a bonus for when we really wanted to feel old school and shift gears. The Fender stereo system lets you crank those old tunes (tuned into ‘70’s & ‘’80’s channel) and enjoy the eight speakers throughout the car. With the new turbo engine you still get decent gas mileage while gaining a little more power. Open the sunroof…because the Coast Edition doesn’t come in a convertible…sigh. It’s still fun to drive to the beach but you just won’t be showing up in windblown hair. Rumour has it this will be the last year that they make the beloved Beetle. So if you want something somewhat retro looking but with the modern conveniences, keyless entry and start, you best head down and pick one up!
Pros: Huge windows, 15 cubic foot cargo area & 50/50 seats,.
Cons: Didn’t care for the stretchy straps in the door cargo area.
The Verdict: Although our tester was a real beauty, Deep Sea Teal, and earned a lot of nods, the retro styled wheels didn’t quite look right to some of us. It’s kind of like moving into a new modern house and using the old couch that you had back in college. It’s comfy and holds memories but they visually conflict. All in all a super fun car to drive that stands out from the rest …‘cause sometimes we all like to be a little different!
