Ranging from sporty to green wearing a dapper take on its classic lines throughout the body, the latest model of Volkswagen Beetle GSR is arguably the best beetle ever according to a few experts.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR Price

The starting price of the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR is $30,790.

Performance

The 2014 Volkswagen Beetle does not score too many points when it comes to performance. It can neither be categorized a slow car nor a very quick one. During the initial half of the year, the car was available with a 170 Horsepower 2.5 liter five cylinder as the base engine. However, it was later replaced by a 1.8 liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which was also rated at 170 horsepower. However, if you opt for the R-Line, you will get a much improved performance, as it offers 210 Horsepower 207 pound-foot 2 liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

Drive

The 2014 Beetle offers a smooth and nice drive on normal roads; however, there have been a few complaints on more challenging paths.

Fuel Economy

This is probably the biggest plus of the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. The manufacturer has shown how comfortable driving and solid fuel mileage can be combined. The convertible and hardtop Beetle manage 41 MPG on the highway and 28 MPG in the city, which means that the average fuel economy is 32 MPG, pretty good isn’t it. While the fuel economy is one of the best available in the market, there are serious question marks over the gas mileage, which is not even close to being as impressive.

Exterior & Interior

The latest model of Beetle has a lot more muscular look as compared to the previous one. The lines on the body of 2014 Volkswagen Beetle are quite attractive and enhance the overall look of the car. From the outer presentation, the vehicle looks quite simple and evergreen. All the modern digital technologies that a customer may want are available in the interior, which also offers a simple and elegant look to it. Simplicity has been a signature of Beetle for many decades now.

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Pros

• The classic Beetle lines have been nicely combined with a modern look
• Vintage touches available
• R-Line turbo thrust is amazing
• Ideal fuel economy

Cons

• The back seats are quite small and there is not enough space there
• The base five-cylinder is quite weak
• The gas mileage is not as impressive as the fuel economy

Possible Improvement

Volkswagen can surely work to enhance the torque at a lower RPM to improve the driving experience, as 2.5 liter is not up to the mark.

Safety

Just like the other Beetles, this model also possesses dual front airbags and a combination of side/curtain airbags. Some of the other safety systems are: stability and traction control systems as well as an Intelligent Crash Response System that automatically disconnects the battery terminal from the alternator cable, unlocks the doors, turns on the warning hazard and interior lights and shuts off the fuel supply in case of an accident.

Competitors

There is no dearth of competition for the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR in the burgeoning small coupe segment. Some of its major competitors are: the Scion tC, the FIAT 500, the 40-MPG Hyundai Veloster, the Honda CR-Z and MINI Cooper, which is a tremendous sports car.

Verdict

Considering the feedback it has received so far, there is no doubt that the car does not possess a strong engine and Volkswagen must address the issue. However, due to the elegant exterior/interior and a number of other features, I would recommend this car to you if you have a small family. I would give the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR 8 out of 10.