The VW Beetle is an iconic vehicle that Volkswagen brought back several years ago with some modern touches. It is the only vehicle in Volkswagens lineup available in a convertible, and it offers all the personality and the charm as the original. Here are some features and benefits of both the coupe and the convertible to help you choose the right one for you.

The Trim Levels

The Beetle hatchback comes in seven different trim level while the convertible comes in six trims. The only difference is the hatchback has a top-level 2.0T R-Line SEL model that is not available with the convertible. This adds 20-inch wheels to the 1.8T SEL along with summer performance tires and a sport-tuned suspension. It also comes with xenon headlights and foglights with cornering lights. This trim also adds a sunroof and some additional styling features both on the inside and the outside.

The Exterior Look

The 2017 Beetle coupe has the iconic Beetle look with the addition of a sporty rear spoiler, and the convertible models have a fabric top that uses a power-operated folding system. The convertible also has a trunk lid instead of the liftgate used in the coupe model.

The Engine

The 1.8 models in both the hatchback and convertible come with a 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder engine that generates 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The 2.0T R-Line SEL, which is only available with the hatchback, gets a larger 2.0-liter engine that generates 210 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. This also gets an upgraded six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that shifts more quickly through the gears than the six-speed automatic in the rest of the trims.

The Interior

Both the coupe and convertible have room for up to four passengers. If you need some room for gear, the coupe has 15.4 cubic feet of cargo space in the back, making it a better choice than the convertible which only has about half of that. The trunk access is also more convenient in the coupe. Both models have the same technology including a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth for phone and audio in the lower trims and a larger 6.3-inch screen with the VW Car-Net smartphone integration system starting with the 1.8T Classic trim. You can also get navigation, satellite radio, and HD radio starting with the Classic trim.

Safety 

Both the coupe and convertible have the same safety features. All the trims in both models come standard with a rearview camera. If you bump up to the 1.8 SEL you’ll get front and rear parking sensors and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. The higher trim levels also offer the Park Pilot system which helps drivers by letting them know how much space is around them when they are parking

Both the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle hatchback and the convertible have similar features and conveniences. If you want some extra power, the coupe has the option for a larger engine, but if you want the thrill of driving with the top down, then the convertible is the one for you.

Image via Volkswagen.com