By Casey Williams
MyCarData

(April 25, 2019) It’s a sad day.  This is likely my last review of a Volkswagen Beetle — mainly because the Volkswagen Beetle will be discontinued after 2019.  It’s an especially sad day because I have very fond memories of the car.  I’ve of course driven many over the years, but I remember riding in the back of my uncle’s orange Beetle in the ‘70s.  I was at the unveiling of the New Beetle in 1998 and owned a 2005 edition for six years.  But, the car we have here may be my favorite of the bunch.
   
You’re looking at the 2019 VW Beetle Final Edition, which is a fancy way of saying the Beetle is going out in a fancy way.  The shape defines iconic, essentially the same for 80 years, but it’s quite snazzy in its final form. 

LED driving lights, 18-inch white disc alloy wheels, and rear spoiler distinguish it.  Of course, the bug eye headlamps, horseshoe taillamps, bulging fenders, and gently curved beltline remain.  A beige canvas top contrasts with metallic paint.  Classy.
   
Click open the door and scoot inside where body color dash and door panels connect to the original Beetles — as does the “Kaferfach” upper glovebox with satin silver latch.  Weather permitting, press one button to retract the roof. 

VW keeps it simple with large analog gauges and a flat bottom steering wheel.  Luxuries come in the form of heated diamond-stitched leather seats, dual zone automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, and swipescreen for audio and navigation.  I could listen to the crisp Fender audio system for the next 80 years.  Safety is enhanced by a rearview camera and blind spot warnings.
   
If you’re only familiar with driving classic Beetles, I should tell you there’s no chirpy little engine hanging out back.  Nope, the front-drive car goes forth with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder dishing out 174 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque — all routed through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode.  Power is dropped smoothly to the road.  It’s no rocket, but there’s plenty to move this compact with a sense off vigor.  Step lightly to see 26/33-MPG city/highway.
   
The Beetle cruises comfortably on its four-wheel independent suspension.  Even with the top deployed, there’s very little cowl shake and the car handles as good as a little car should.  In typical VW fashion, the suspension just rumbles over rough city streets and washboard country roads with little drama, but turns crisply when commanded.  It’s a car you can enjoy on a thousand-mile journey or just to the ice cream shop with kids in the back.
   
I’ve enjoyed many Beetles.  There was the Beetle Dune we reviewed last year — and a base baby blue one I drove in California four years ago.  But, none were as elegant as the Final Edition.  So, why is VW killing it?  Well, it’s a very good car in a crossover world.  Which, makes me wonder why VW didn’t echo the Fiat 500X and turn the Beetle into a cool little crossover. 

With the advent of electric vehicles, I bet the car will return again without a gasoline engine.  It’s too hard to imagine an automotive world without a Volkswagen Beetle.  Given a base price of $20,895 or $30,890 for our test car, you don’t have to imagine your garage without one.