2013 Volkswagen Beetle: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2013 Volkswagen Beetle

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is a major lineup-expansion year, not a full redesign. The most important change is the return of the Beetle Convertible.

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About the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle

3rd gen (A5, 2012-2019), second model year; major lineup expansion year with the new convertible and TDI.

Volkswagen marketed the Beetle as an icon you could actually use every day: a small four-seat hatchback or convertible with unmistakable Beetle styling, a more mature shape than the old New Beetle, and a choice of relaxed gas, sporty turbo, or efficient diesel power. The appeal was personality first, but VW backed that up with solid road manners, a more grown-up cabin, and a wider spread of trims than most retro-styled rivals.

The 2013 range spans the everyday 2.5L, the fuel-economy-focused TDI diesel, and the quicker Turbo, with hatchback and convertible versions represented. Standouts include retro-themed convertibles, Fender hatchbacks with premium audio and guitar-inspired cabin trim, and the R-Line hatch with a 210-hp turbo engine, leather, navigation, and 19-inch wheels.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
The 140-hp TDI diesel joined the Beetle range in hatchback and convertible form, with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The new R-Line hatch used Volkswagen’s newer 210-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter gas engine setup.
Styling
Volkswagen added 50’s and 70’s Edition convertibles with decade-inspired details, plus the turbocharged 60’s Edition convertible. The new R-Line hatch brought a more aggressive body treatment and 19-inch wheels.
Tech
New 2.5L and Turbo Fender Edition hatchbacks added Fender premium audio, a panoramic sunroof, upgraded headlights, and guitar-inspired dashboard trim. The 60’s and 70’s Edition convertibles paired their themed designs with navigation and Fender audio.
Structural
The Beetle Convertible returned for 2013. Open-top versions joined the 2.5L, Turbo, and TDI families, along with three decade-themed convertible editions.

2013 Volkswagen Beetle specs and features by trim

2013 Volkswagen BeetleTDI1 in stock
2013 Volkswagen Beetle2.5L8 in stock
2013 Volkswagen BeetleTurbo3 in stock
2013 Volkswagen BeetleR-Line0 in stock
2013 Volkswagen Beetle2.5L Entry0 in stock
2013 Volkswagen Beetle2.5L 50's Edition1 in stock
2013 Volkswagen Beetle2.5L 70's Edition0 in stock
2013 Volkswagen BeetleTurbo 60's Edition0 in stock
2013 Volkswagen Beetle2.5L Fender Edition0 in stock
2013 Volkswagen BeetleTurbo Fender Edition1 in stock
Engine4-Cyl, Turbo Diesel, 2.0 Liter5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T / 4-Cyl, Gen 3, 2.0T / 4-Cyl, PZEV, Gen3, 2.0T / 4-Cyl, PZEV, Gen 3, 2.0T4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T / 4-Cyl, Gen 3, 2.0T / 4-Cyl, PZEV, Gen 3, 2.0T5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, Turbo, PZEV, 2.0 Liter5-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 5-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.0T / 4-Cyl, Gen 3, 2.0T / 4-Cyl, PZEV, Gen 3, 2.0T
TransmissionAuto, 6-Spd DSG TptrncManual, 5-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd Tiptronic SptAuto, 6-Spd DSG w/Tptrnc / Manual, 6-Spd / Auto, 6-Spd DSG TiptronicAuto, 6-Spd DSG w/TptrncAuto, 6-Spd Tiptronic SptAuto, 6-Spd Tiptronic SptAuto, 6-Spd Tiptronic SptAuto, 6-Spd DSG TiptronicAuto, 6-Spd Tptrnc & SMAuto, 6-Spd DSG w/Tptrnc
DrivetrainFWDFWDFWDFWDFWDFWDFWDFWDFWDFWD
Fuel TypeDieselGasGasGasGasGasGasGasGasGas
MPG City28 mpg21–22 mpg21–22 mpg22 mpg22 mpg21 mpg21 mpg21 mpg22 mpg22 mpg
MPG Highway41 mpg27–31 mpg29–30 mpg30 mpg29 mpg27 mpg27 mpg29 mpg29–31 mpg30 mpg
Horsepower140 hp170 hp200–210 hp200–210 hp170 hp170 hp170 hp200 hp170 hp200–210 hp
Torque236 lb-ft177 lb-ft207 lb-ft207 lb-ft177 lb-ft177 lb-ft177 lb-ft207 lb-ft177 lb-ft207 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo7.1–15.4 cu-ft7.1–15.4 cu-ft7.1–15.4 cu-ft15.4 cu-ft15.4 cu-ft7.1 cu-ft7.1 cu-ft7.1 cu-ft15.4 cu-ft15.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom31.4 in31.4 in31.4 in31.4 in31.4 in31.4 in31.4 in31.4 in31.4 in31.4 in
Seats4444444444
Doors2222222222
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Leveling Headlights
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
HID Headlights
LED Daytime Running Lights
Panorama Moon Roof
Power Retractable Soft Top
Rear Spoiler
Navigation System
Premium Audio
SD Card Slot
Satellite Radio
Smartphone Interface
Subwoofer
Touch Screen Monitor
Heated Front Seats
Interior Ambient Lighting
Leather Interior Trim
Leather Seats
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start

How the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle compares

The biggest change for the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle is the regular gas model’s midyear switch from a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine to a 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder. This is a transition year that also brings the R-Line name, a GSR special edition, and Volkswagen Car-Net connected services.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle?

The biggest change is the return of the Beetle Convertible. It broadened the recently redesigned Beetle range beyond the hatchback without introducing another full redesign.

Did Volkswagen add a diesel Beetle for 2013?

Yes. The 2013 Beetle added a 140-hp TDI diesel in both hatchback and convertible form, paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

Was the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle fully redesigned?

No. The 2013 Beetle was the second model year of the third-generation design introduced for 2012. Its changes focused on expanding the body styles, engines, and trim lineup.

Which special-edition Beetles joined the lineup for 2013?

The 2013 lineup added 50’s and 70’s Edition convertibles, a turbocharged 60’s Edition convertible, 2.5L and Turbo Fender Edition hatchbacks, and the sport-styled R-Line hatchback.

Was the 2013 Beetle Turbo a new trim?

No. The 2012 2.0T Turbo continued for 2013 under the shorter Turbo name. Convertible availability was added to the Turbo family, while the prior Turbo Launch Edition was dropped.