Is round better than flat? How can changing the curve of a roof line change the gender attraction of a vehicle? We will leave that question to the professional market research folks who conduct these studies. Well, the folks at Volkswagen did ask the question, performed the testing and determined that a more conservative roof curvature would help bring more men to purchase the Volkswagen Beetle.
Volkswagen redesigned the Beetle two years ago keeping the spirit alive, and created a more masculine profile noted by the lower roofline and a more upright windshield. The R-Line receives more aggressive bumpers and side sills plus appropriate badges. The overall lines are clean and smooth and flow as you would expect on a Beetle. An optional sunroof drapes blackened glass from the front windshield back over three-quarters of the roof adding a performance flare.
The 2014 Beetle is available in the following line up: 2.5L Coupe ($20,815), TDI Coupe ($25,015), R-Line Coupe($25,615), GSR Coupe ($30,815), 2.5L Convertible ($25,815), TDI Convertible ($29,315), R-Line Convertible ($29,815)
New for 2014 is the arrival of a new and more fuel efficient 1.8-liter turbocharged 
TSI 4-cylinder engine. This new engine will gradually replace the present 170-horsepower/2.5-liter naturally-aspirated 5-cylinder base engine in the Beetle. The 2.5L comes standard with a 5-speed manual transmission and is available with an optional 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic (manual shifting mode). The TDI, R-Line, and GSR are equipped with 6-speed automatic or an optional 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic.
My test model was the R-Line with Sunroof, Sound and Navigation. The interior was gray on gray with touches of silver trim including shiny rings around the air vents and speakers. The interior feels larger than it is and the controls for radio, navigation, and cooling and heating were easy to use. The seats were comfortable and had decent bolstering. The steering wheel allowed you to command the radio, Bluetooth, and cruise control with a touch of your finger. I really appreciate gadgets so I loved the push-button start and keyless entry. The headroom was excellent and the Beetle has usable back seats.
Performance and handling were impressive in the 2014 VW Beetle. The 2.5L 5-cylinder engine delivers 170 hp. The R-Line with its 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder ups the horsepower to 210. The TDI carries a 2.0L diesel turbocharged 4-cylinder and generates 140 hp.
Room for improvement:
- The seating position is a little too high
Cool Features:
- Push-button start
- AWD option
Safety on the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle includes airbags, Anti-Locking braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and more. The Beetle includes Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.
In Summary – The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle with its recent redesign should attract a better mixture of the genders. It is fun to drive especially with the R-Line and its 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder. The interior provides a nice driving experience while the suspension grabs the road and adds to the excitement of the drive. Are you ready once again for flower power? Well, it could be a good time to reminisce!
Specifications
2014 Volkswagen Beetle R-Line w/Sunroof, Sound and Navigation
Base price: $31,095 as driven: $32,030 (including destination)
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 210@ 5300 RPM
Torque: 207 @ 1700 RPM
Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic
Drive: Front-wheel Drive
Seating: 4-passenger
Turning circle: 35.4 feet
Cargo space: 15.4 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3,056 pounds
Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons
EPA mileage: City 24/Hwy 30
Wheel Base: 100 inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles powertrain limited
Also consider: Ford Focus, Fiat 500L, Mazda MAZDA3, Mini Cooper Clubman,
Toyota Prius
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