2000 Volkswagen New Beetle: Road Test
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2000 Volkswagen New Beetle ▼
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- MSRP: $15,900 -$21,075
- Invoice: $15,151 -$19,608
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Our road test for the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle help you decide if a 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 5.7 |
The base gas engine is peppy, at least with manual transmission. The diesel easily keeps up with traffic, but is a tepid freeway passer. The turbo gas four feels sleepy below 3000 rpm, but accelerates strongly after that; VW says 0-60-mph in 8 seconds, about 2 seconds faster than other gas New Beetles.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 6.2 |
Our base gas-engine test cars averaged 26.4 mpg with manual, 21.1 with automatic, and our manual-shift diesel returned 42.1. An automatic GLS Turbo got 22.7
RIDE QUALITY
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3.2 |
The firm-riding chassis comfortably soaks up most bumps, thanks in part to large-for-this-class 16-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.8 |
Steering and handling are a notch above the class norm, too, but the slab-sided New Beetle gets jostled by crosswinds.
QUIETNESS
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 3 |
Above 70 mph, passengers have to raise their voices to converse, although automatic-transmission models are somewhat quieter on the highway due to their gearing.
CONTROLS
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.4 |
The interior brims with high-grade materials and expensive-looking touches. Gauge lighting is especially cool, but power accessory switches mounted flat on the door panels are awkward to reach.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.2 |
Comfortable, supportive seats, and few cars of any size offer as much front head and leg room.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.3 |
Tight leg room with front seats more than halfway back. Head room is nonexistent for those over 5-foot-6. Doors open wide and both front seatbacks tip far forward for relatively good entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.8 |
Luggage room under the rear hatch is modest, but the rear seats fold nearly flat to conveniently expand the cargo area. Interior storage space is skimpy.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3.2 |
The New Beetle's driving and emotional appeal are strong enough to overcome its skimpy rear head room. Prices are reasonable, and, as sports coupes go, it's actually quite a practical car.
Total Score
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 51 | 52 | 54 | 41.8 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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