VW Beetle Final Edition Puts The World’s Mega-Carmaker In Perspective

The recent arrival of a 2019 VW Beetle Final Edition SEL test drive put the massive growth of this global king-of-the-hill carmaker into sharp perspective.

While the auto industry is really good at announcing new models … heralding the end of the line with a special edition usually means the nameplate will be resurrected again eventually.

When the New Beetle was last resurrected in 1998 its aggressive cuteness, and no relation really to the hearty rear-engine VW Beetle that first came to America nearly 70 years ago, critics were brutal but it was an enormous seller. A more athletic look after a 2006 facelift, and the proven platform and TDI Turbo drivetrain of the popular VW Golf, has given the New Beetle a strong two decade run.

The $27,000 Final Edition Beetle has strong style appeal with enhancements like the sharp 18 inch alloy wheels and a boisterous 174 horsepower 2 liter 4 cylinder. Inside posh quilted leather seating reminds us that this car is DNA linked to the $230,000 Bentley Continental GT and $3 million Bugatti Chiron.

Safety is addressed compellingly with blind spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alerts.