The new generation Volkswagen Beetle made its debut back in 2011 at the New York Auto Show and the cabrio version will arrive almost two years later at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. Sales on the US market will begin at the end of 2012.

The third generation Beetle->ke318 Cabrio features a sportier and more dynamic silhouette - just like with the coupe version and is equipped with a traditional soft-top that can be opened and closed just in 10 seconds at the push of a button at speeds up to 30 mph.

When compared to the coupe version, the new Cabrio will be distinguished by strengthened A-pillars and an "Automatic Rollover Support System" that offers better protection in case of a crash.

The US customers will have to choose between three different engines, two petrol and one diesel with power ranging from 140 HP to 240 HP. The three engines can be mated to with either a six-speed manual or DSG automatic.

UPDATE 11/29/12: Volkswagen has released the pricing details for the Beetle Cabriolet and all its trim models. Check out how much they'll cost after the jump. We have added a series of new images and two new video.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 200
  • Torque: 207
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

The exterior and the interior

The new generation Beetle Cabrio will be featuring the same sportier and more dynamic silhouette seen on the coupe version. The car gets the same longer front bonnet, a shifted back front windscreen and a much steeper incline. The headlamps are also new and they are featuring bi-xenon technology.

The car is equipped with a traditional soft top that opens and closes entirely automatically (on all models) within around ten seconds and up to a driving speed of 30mph. When it is open, the roof lies very flat and offers a good vision to the rear.

On the interior the model comes with body-color dashboard and the stylish gauges and trim. The cabin can easily accommodate four passengers and their luggage. The rear seats can be folded down in order to increase the practicality even further.

A distinctive feature of the Convertible model is the strengthened A-pillars and an "Automatic Rollover Support System" that offers better protection in case of a crash.

The engine

On the US market the new Beetle Cabrio will be offered with a choice of three engines: two petrol and one diesel. The entry level model will be powered by a 2.5 liter five-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 170 HP and 177 lbs-ft of torque and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The top model is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI® four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 200 HP and 207 lbs-ft of torque. This engine can be combined with either a six-speed manual or DSG automatic.

For the diesel fans, Volkswagen is offering a 2.0-liter TDI® Clean Diesel four-cylinder engine that delivers 140 hp and 236 lb-ft. When equipped with a six-speed manual transmission this engine delivers a fuel economy of 41 mpg (highway).

Prices

The new Beetle Cabrio will go on sale in the last quarter of 2012. Check out the prices for all the trim models in the table below.

Model Price
Beetle 2.5-liter five-cylinder $24,495
Beetle 2.0-liter Turbo $27,795
Beetle TDI $27,895
Beetle 2.0-liter Turbo inclusive of Fender sound and navigation packages $31,195


The competition

Since its official debut back in 1938 and since today a total of 21.5 million Beetle units have been sold. Even more, the original Beetle Cabriolet produced from 1949 to 1980 was sold in an impressive number of 330,000 units. So, see talking about competitors is rather pointless in here, because clearly the Beetle is a car that dominates the market.

But we do not want to be mean, so we will give others a chance, in here to the Mini Cooper. A new generation Cooper is set to be unveiled in 2013 and will be a smart move for Mini to come with some significant improvements if they will want to steal some customers from Beetle.