Good bye, my friend!
Yes…Volkswagen is ending production of its Beetle…and VW is taking their retro classic out with a bit of a flair.
Over 21 million of the original Beetles were sold. It took roughly 45 years to hit that number…making the Beetle by far the biggest selling model ever made.
Then VW brought out version #2 with the cute flower vases in the early '90s…and then refreshed that look with a more masculine…or at least gender-neutral version a few years later.
But with vehicles improving so dramatically over the past few decades, "Retro" only has so many legs to stand on…no matter how solid the actual core vehicle is.
So I'll take Volkswagen at their word about this being the "Final Edition", but I wouldn't be surprised if someday in the next 5-10 years, VW didn't bring back an all-new electric two-seater Beetle. Maybe they'll even name it "INZZECT"?
But for now, VW seems to have "retro" covered, as indications are that they'll be bringing out an all-electric "BUZZ" that resembles their iconic old bus. We'll see.
So unless VW tries to imitate Cher's multiple "Good-Bye" tours, it looks like this is the end of the Beetle.
As for those 21 million original Beetles…I had one. And I'm here to tell you that the only similarity between the original and today's Beetle is that they both had four tires.
Today's "Final Edition" is a darned competent two-door hatch that has ample room for two + luggage…or four with a bit of a squeeze.
And as you'd imagine, the "Final Edition" comes in two versions…"SE" and "SEL"…with the "L" standing for leather ( diamond quilted )…and special white disc retro 18" alloys….and the "SE" having what I think is an equally attractive quilted fabric / leatherette.
With either one, you'll enjoy a large sunroof, customizable ambient lighting, LED daytime running lights and Bi-Xenon headlamps, spoiler, 6.3 inch touch screen, and VW's "Car Net"…VW's smart phone-friendly synch that can even close your sunroof remotely when rain looms on the horizon.
While you might still find a simple '19 "S" model Beetle on a lot somewhere for somewhere around 20 thousand, it's the mid-$20,000 "Final Editions" that seem to be well worth the few extra dollars…and might…I say MIGHT…have at least a chance to become collectors' items in the years ( decades? ) to come…especially if you get it in VW's special faded-looking "Stonewashed" Blue with the retro rims.
But until that day…if ever…comes, you've got a nice little daily-driver that'll drip with personality for years to come.
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AutoNSider Review | 2019 VW Beetle 2.0T "Final Edition" SE 1
(Photo Credit: bOB JACKSON/RADIO.COM)AutoNSider Review | 2019 VW Beetle 2.0T "Final Edition" SE 2
(Photo Credit: bOB JACKSON/RADIO.COM)AutoNSider Review | 2019 VW Beetle 2.0T "Final Edition" SE 3
(Photo Credit: bOB JACKSON/RADIO.COM)AutoNSider Review | 2019 VW Beetle 2.0T "Final Edition" SE 4
(Photo Credit: bOB JACKSON/RADIO.COM)
