1998-2005 Volkswagen New Beetle: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Not many people had ever expected to see one on the street when Volkswagen showed a modern-day Beetle at Detroit's auto show in 1994, as a concept vehicle. Yet here it was, in 1998: a contemporary rendition of the old Beetle, similar in basic shape but bigger and with a conventional powertrain underneath. No one really expected a rear-mounted or air-cooled engine, after all--two distinctive traits of the original Beetle. The New Beetle, then, revived the general profile and character of the famous original VW Bug in a modern, better-equipped automobile. Essentially, it put a Bug-like body over the chassis and running gear of the fourth-generation Golf hatchback (coming for 1999). All New Beetles had 4-cylinder engines. The base model's engine was rated at 115 horsepower, and the TDI model used a 90-horsepower turbocharged diesel four. All Beetles had a standard 5-speed manual transmission or optional 4-speed automatic. Front side airbags were standard. So were 4-wheel disc brakes, with antilocking optional.