1998-2005 Volkswagen New Beetle: Road Test

The smooth-running base gas engine feels peppy with manual transmission, though it's short on power at speeds above 60 mph with either gearbox. VW's turbodiesel has no problem keeping up with traffic, but its passing power does not match that of the gas engine--and being a diesel, it suffers more vibration and noise. Although the turbocharged gasoline engine suffers a delay in power delivery below 3000 rpm, it accelerates strongly after that. The Turbo S, introduced in 2002, is faster than other Beetles--7.4 sec 0-60 in our test--but it further exaggerates the turbo-lag problem.The automatic transmission on one test car was slow to engage after being shifted from Park, but generally changed up and down smoothly and promptly. Our 2.0-liter test cars averaged 26.4 mpg with manual shift, 21.1 mpg with automatic. A GLS Turbo with automatic returned 22.7 mpg, while a stick-shift diesel got a super-frugal 42.1 mpg. Thanks in part to unusual-for-the-class 16-inch tires, the ride is comfortable but firm, soaking up most bumps with ease. Steering and handling are a notch above the class norm, but the slab-sided New Beetle gets jostled by crosswinds. Braking is strong and sure. Above 70 mph, passengers have to raise their voices to carry on a conversation, though automatic-transmission models are somewhat quieter on the highway, due to their gearing. Interiors brim with high-grade materials and expensive-looking touches, though it takes a few tries to become familiar with the unorthodox radio buttons. Power accessory switches mounted flat on the door panels are awkward to reach. Front seats are comfortable and supportive, and few cars of any size offer as much front head and leg room. In back, leg room is tight if the front seats are more than halfway back. More serious, passengers over 5-foot-6 will find their heads against the inner hatch lid. Front roof pillars are thick at their bases. Also, outside mirrors are mounted unusually high, cutting the driver's vision of some traffic. Interior storage space is skimpy. Luggage room under the rear hatch is modest, but the rear seats fold nearly flat to conveniently expand the cargo area. Paint quality and fit-and-finish have been excellent. Bodies have been solid and rattle-free on New Beetles tested.

Value for the Money
As sport coupes go, this one is actually quite practical. The New Beetle's driving and emotional appeal are strong enough too, to overcome its skimpy rear seat and visibility blind spots. New Beetles were in short supply and shockingly high demand at first, but that began to taper off somewhat, so more are likely to be available on used-car lots.