by Don Sikora II
Note: The following story was excerpted from the February 2020 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine.
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2019 Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition
Volkswagen said the 2019 Final Edition Beetles were inspired in part by the 2003 Última Edición Beetle that celebrated the original air-cooled car’s termination in Puebla, Mexico. Similarities include exterior chrome trim and the Final Edition’s two unique colors: Safari Uni (a beige) and Stonewashed Blue Metallic. The 2019 specials were also available in Pure White, Deep Black Pearl, and Platinum Gray, colors available for other last-of-the-run Beetles.
Final Edition models came in hatchback coupe and convertible forms, each in SE or top-line SEL trim. Exterior features included a “Beetle” badge on the rear of the car, heated windshield-washer nozzles, and a sunroof on the coupe. SELs added bi-xenon headlamps, plus LED daytime-running lamps, fog lights, license-plate lights, and taillights. SE models rolled on 17-inch 15-spoke alloy wheels. SELs had 18-inch alloys with a central disc design with the rim and eight short spokes finished in white. VW copywriters said this recalled the appearance of the steel wheels and whitewall tires used on the Última Edición Beetles.
Inside, the dash pad was finished in Safari Uni. Other touches included a Beetle nameplate on the bottom spoke of the leather-wrapped steering wheel, stainless-steel trim for the pedals, gloss-black center console, Climatronic automatic climate control, and VW’s KESSY system with keyless access and pushbutton engine start.
Classic Volkswagen Beetle: 1960 Jolly Prototype
SE cabins were outfitted with two-tone black-and-beige rhombus-pattern quilted seats covered in cloth and leatherette, and a 6.3-inch touchscreen audio system. No matter the body color, SE convertibles had a black fabric top. SEL models got attractive diamond-stitched leather seating in solid black or black-and-beige two-tone, with availability determined by body color. They also received an upgraded Fender-brand audio system with navigation. SEL convertibles were available with black, beige, or Final Edition-exclusive brown soft tops, but the roof choices were keyed to exterior color.
Like other 2019 Beetles, the Final Edition models were front drivers with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 174 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged mill mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Volkswagen priced the 2019 Beetle Final Edition models as follows: SE hatchback $23,045; SEL hatchback $25,995; SE convertible $27,295; and SEL convertible $29,995. Destination added $895.
The last Beetle was produced in July 2019 at Volkswagen de Mexico’s plant in Puebla. It was a Stonewashed Blue Metallic coupe. The historic Beetle was placed on display at Volkswagen’s museum there.
Test Drive: 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune
Pros:
- The Beetle’s heritage-inspired shape still stands out, especially in a parking lot full of SUVs.
- Hatchback coupe or convertible. Five colors. Two trim levels. Almost everybody can probably find a Beetle Final Edition that catches their eye.
Cons:
- A style statement that’s not nearly as practical of a daily driver as VW’s own Golf or Jetta.
- Only available with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Final Drive:
We think it’s fair to say that today’s Volkswagen Beetle never captured car buyers’ attention like the original or even the New Beetle. It’s hard to predict the 2019 Final Edition’s desirability down the road, but right now it’s not a bad way to say auf Wiedersehen.
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Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition
