Volkswagen shows off 2013 Beetle convertible ahead of LA debut

Volkswagen has officially revealed the convertible version of the Beetle, ahead of its debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show. After previewing the convertible version in the form of a 1:43 scale model, Volkswagen has announced that the car will make its debut in LA on 28 November.

The retro-styled Beetle convertible features a fully electric soft-top roof which can be folded down in just 10 seconds and according to VW, this new roof arrangement allows the soft-top to fold flat, offering good view of the rear. 

Like the standard Beetle, the convertible version also comes with a long list of engine options – three petrol and two diesel engines in fact. The petrol range includes 1.2, 1.4 and 2-litre TSI engines with power output ranging from 105 to nearly 200PS. While diesel range includes a 1.6 and 2-litre TDI engines with 105 and 140PS of power respectively.

The 2013 Beetle convertible will go on sale next year in the US and is likely to come to India as well. Given that Mini already sells the convertible version of its Cooper here in India, VW might consider launching the Beetle convertible in limited numbers by end-2013.