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Volkswagen New Beetle
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle compact coupe2008 Volkswagen New Beetle - enlargeComplete Volkswagen New Beetle New Car Reviews listed below
The 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle compact car is among the hippest and most unique designs on the market. The VW Beetle comes in coupe (MSRP $17,365 - $20,440) and convertible (MSRP $23,125 - $25,625) versions, and two trim levels the S and SE. In reality the only competitor to the New Beetle is the Mini Cooper as both have unique designs. However the competitive set could also include the Chevrolet Cobalt, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Focus, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky and Volvo C30. Both versions are available with front-wheel drive, 150-horsepower, 2.5-liter I5 (inline 5-cylinder) engine, and a choice of either a five-speed manual or six-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Both trim levels can be customized with a variety of accessories.
When the New Beetle was introduced in 1998, it drew heavily from the "retro" design of the discontinued original Beetle designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche in 1933 under the direction of Adolf Hitler. One major difference between the old and New Beetle is that the current version has its engine in the front and storage in the back, just like most modern cars - the old versions were the reverse. Similarly, this New Beetle is related to the old one only in appearance even though it carries many of the old Beetle's design elements like: separate wings, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps and large round tail lights, and a high, rounded roof line providing enough headroom for tall drivers. Beneath the hood, it is very much a modern car. [1]
Some basic and convenience features included are leather upholstery, height-adjustable driver and passenger seats, power windows and mirrors, remote power door locks, heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, retained accessory power, cruise control, front seat back storage, front console with storage, interior air filtration, front reading lights, dual-illuminating vanity mirrors, front and rear stabilizer bars, variably intermittent wipers, tachometer, rear defogger, torsion beam rear suspension, manual convertible roof (for convertible version), and MacPherson strut front suspension.
Some entertainment features included are AM/FM in-dash with single CD player, Sirius satellite radio, CD controller with CD MP3 Playback stereo, six speakers (ten for the convertible version), mast antenna (for coupe version), element antenna (convertible version), and auxiliary MP3 audio input.
Safety features include ventilated front disc and solid rear disc brakes, electronic brake force distribution, emergency braking assist, turn signal mirrors, stability control, driver and passenger head restraint whiplash protection system, traction control, engine immobilizer, child seat anchors, emergency interior trunk release, two front and rear multi-adjustable headrests, front seatbelt pretensioners, remote anti-theft alarm system, and airbags (driver, passenger, side impact) with occupant-sensing deactivation system.
A safety and crash test report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe received four stars out of five in frontal crash and rollover tests. The 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible received four stars out of five in front crash and rollover tests. It received five stars out of five in front side crash tests and three stars out of five in rear side crash tests. [2]
A reliability history report from ConsumerReports.org for 2007 showed excellent ratings for the Volkswagen New Beetle's engine, transmission, exhaust, suspension, drive, fuel, and electrical system, good ratings for climate and audio system, and fair ratings for paint and trim and power equipment, and poor ratings for body hardware and squeaks and rattles. [3]
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The original Volkswagen Beetle was first commissioned by Adolf Hitler and designed by Ferdinand Porsche in 1934. The Beetle was developed as the “Peoples Car”; a car for the masses, who would ultimately be on the move in the new Germany.
•2003 Volkswagen Beetle Compact Coupe
The design, so sleek and smooth and simple, catches the eye and stands apart from the shape of any other vehicle on a street.
•2002 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo S
The Wolfsburg Wonder Shows Teeth Behind The Cuteness
•2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Compact Coupe and Sport Coupe
Most recognized car in Volkswagen's fleet is the roly-poly New Beetle, a modern treatment of the original VW.
•2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible Sub-Compact
This is too cool: Volkswagen's roly-poly New Beetle pops the top to forge a cute new convertible edition. We're rolling along palm-fringed Collins Avenue in Miami Beach with the top dropped on one New Beetle Convertible as warm sunlight splashes across a curvaceous car body tinted to Sundown Orange.
•2006 Volkswagen New Beetle Compact Coupe
VW's compact two-door coupe and convertible show styling changes for 2006 featuring revised fascias, fenders and side sills with keen lines drawn around wheel wells and a bold face set with large oval headlamps and a mesh grille.
•2005 Volkswagen Beetle Compact Coupe and Convertible
Volkswagen's precious New Beetle is available as a convertible starting at $18,770. The big news for 2005, though, is the addition of a new turbodiesel engine that makes 100 horsepower and gets 46 miles per gallon on the highway. Volkswagen's interiors are the best in the industry, and the Beetle is no exception. Quality materials and rock-solid construction make it feel more expensive than it is.
•2005 New Beetle Cabriolet Sub-Compact Convertible Coupe
The convertible variation for New Beetle is a modern conversion based on the coupe and worked out by Karmann Coachworks in Germany. With its top raised, the convertible maintains the familiar arched roof of the New Beetle coupe, so the generous dimensions in a spacious cabin remain relatively the same. The fabric-lined top has three layers for insulation plus a rear window constructed from glass and imbedded with a defroster element.
