2016 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet 2.0L TDI 5MT (110 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Sales of the Volkswagen Beetle started to slow down their pace after 2013, so the automaker decided to give a push to the vehicle with a refreshed version that it introduced in the summer of 2016.

When the New Beetle broke cover in 1998, Volkswagen’s factory in Pueblo, Mexico, barely kept up with the sales. That model, in both coupe and convertible form, stayed in production until 2011 (2012 for the Cabriolet). Then, the automaker decided to change the nameplate from the New Beetle to Beetle when it introduced its successor in 2011. The new generation sold well in the first two manufacturing years. After that, they dropped. As a result, Volkswagen launched a refreshed version in 2016. Unfortunately, that change didn’t push the sales up as expected. Orders continued to slow, and in 2019, the automaker pulled the plug on the model entirely and didn’t make a successor for it.

The New Beetle Cabriolet almost matched the sales of its coupe sibling. However, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet couldn’t do that anymore. But still, it was a crucial version of the iconic nameplate. It was just too famous not to be produced. Furthermore, the automaker didn’t have to spend too much on developing the vehicle since it shared its platform with the fifth generation of the Golf. On the refreshed 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet, the automaker added a redesigned bumper. It featured a broader air intake in the middle with a trapezoidal shape flanked by black-trimmed scoops that housed the available fog lamps, which doubled as cornering lights.

The 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet was available in a few grades, including the new Dune model. That was the most distinct version of the vehicle. It featured a higher ground clearance and matte-black extensions on the wheel arches. In addition, the R-Line and the Denim trim levels received glossy-black trims on the side sills and at the back. In addition, the automaker offered LED taillights for specific grades either as standard or on the options list. The car came equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels for the base versions, while other grades were fitted with a set of 17-inch ones, with an option for 18 inches.

Inside, customers found a refreshed dashboard featuring a body-colored upper side of the dashboard and door cards. In addition, the center console and the circular vents could get the same treatment, depending on the grade and options. Atop the center stack, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet was fitted as standard with a five-inch color display, while a 6.3-inch touchscreen with navigation was available. The new infotainment unit offered screen mirroring and connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the ragtop, the automaker offered four color options instead of two, like on the non-facelifted version.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a choice of gasoline and diesel engines, depending on the market. In Europe, all vehicles were already Euro 6-compliant power plants, which had been mandatory since 2015. In the U.S., on the other hand, the only two options were the 1.8- and 2.0-liter TSI powerplants. All versions were paired with either a manual gearbox or a seven-speed automatic (dual-clutch) transmission.