Automakers are still embracing the throwback design mentality, and good thing, because those retro designs not only stir up good memories of riding in the car with mom and dad, but they make for really hot cars. Volkswagen is in on the old-school kick and just released their 2015 limited-edition Beetle Classic coupe.
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Not only does the new Classic (there’s an oxymoron), feature such vintage touches as 17-inch “Heritage” aluminum-alloy wheels that evoke the original Beetle’s dome hubs, a rear spoiler, two-tone brown “Sioux” leatherette and checked cloth seating surfaces reminiscent of Dad’s old Bug, a leather-wrapped shifter knob and handbrake lever, but it doesn’t leave you feeling like you’re trapped in the 70’s. The 2015 Coupe Classic includes new-school tech like Sirius XM satellite radio, navigation system, multifunction steering wheel, and a six-speed automatic transmission.
For you drop-top fans, you may want to wait until the Convertible Classic goes on sale early in 2015. Both will be powered by VW’s 1.8L turbocharged, direct-injection TSI four-cylinder engine that pushes a respectable 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. The Beetle 1.8T Coupe has an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 33 mpg with the six-speed automatic transmission, and the 1.8T Convertible achieves 32 mpg.
Available in three colors—Pure White, Black Uni, and Reflex Silver—you might think a limited-edition vehicle with premiums over and above the standard features might price you out of the market. Not so. Volkswagen is making the Coupe Classic the lowest priced model in the Beetle lineup, starting at $20,195, nearly $1500 lower than the Beetle 1.8T automatic. The Convertible Classic will start at $25,995.
