Volkswagen New Beetle Review

2008 Volkswagen New Beetle SE Hatchback

The Volkswagen New Beetle was the cute car that started the retro-futurist design craze, which is still going strong. It was a modernized version of the legendary VW Beetle and struck a chord with consumers who had grown tired of standard conservative car designs and had fond memories of the "Bugs" from their youth.

But that was 1998, and this is now. Despite having been on sale in the North American market for more than a decade, the Volkswagen New Beetle hasn't changed much. It's still a good car, but it's not as functional as other offerings in its class. Buyers also have little reason to pick up a new New Beetle over a certified pre-owned model.

Current Volkswagen New Beetle

The front-wheel-drive Volkswagen New Beetle is available as a two-door hatchback or a two-door convertible. Although the New Beetle is based on the previous-generation Golf platform, it has less interior space than the Rabbit (the successor to the Golf) as well as most other compacts in its class. The front seats are roomy, but the same can hardly be said of the back. Trunk space is tight in the hatchback and even tighter in the convertible. The convertible comes with a power-folding top as standard.

Sold in a single well-equipped trim level, the New Beetle comes with such niceties as alloy wheels, air-conditioning, heated front seats, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio. Options include bigger wheels and a rear spoiler. Power comes from a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower. Transmission choices are a standard five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic.

In reviews, we've found that the Volkswagen New Beetle excels at what it was built for -- cruising and being seen in. The engine revs smoothly and pulls well, though it's hardly sporty. Suspension tuning is on the soft side. Those interested in the convertible should be aware that rearview visibility is poor with the top up or down.

Used Volkswagen New Beetle Models

Technically, the Volkswagen New Beetle is still in its first generation, having debuted way back in 1998. Models up to 2005 used the GL, GLS and GLX designations to reflect the various trim levels; since then there have been one or two other trim levels by various designations. From 1998-2005, the base engine was a 115-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder. A 100-hp 1.9-liter Turbo Direct Injection turbodiesel was also offered (the TDI trim) until the end of 2006, when it failed to meet new emissions regulations.

Until recently, turbocharged gasoline engines have been a big part of the New Beetle's trim lineup. Sold from 1999-2006, the New Beetle 1.8T was powered by a 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder, which put out 150 hp. For 2002, VW added the Turbo S trim to the coupe lineup. It was equipped with a retuned 180-hp version of the 1.8T turbo engine and a six-speed manual transmission. The Turbo S was discontinued after 2004, while the current 2.5-liter engine showed up for 2006.

Throughout the years, Volkswagen has released several special-edition models, including limited-edition colors and trim packages. For 2002, VW added a Sport edition, which essentially was a 1.8T with a five-speed manual, 17-inch wheels and a leather interior. The convertible was launched for the 2003 model year.

SELECT A SPECIFIC VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.