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2000 Volkswagen New Beetle Full Review
Date Published: 6/21/08
Also in the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Volkswagen New Beetle Full Review
7.
8.
2000 Volkswagen New Beetle Review
A new option package with heated front seats is the main addition to Volkswagen's 2000 New Beetle. The New Beetle revives the general shape and character of the original Bug in a modern car that borrows its chassis and running gear from VW's Golf hatchback.
All New Beetles have 4-cylinder engines. GL and GLS models have 115 horsepower, the GLS Turbo and GLX add a turbocharger for 150 hp. The GLS TDI uses a 90-hp turbocharged diesel but is not sold in California or New York. All engines come with manual transmission standard; a 4-speed automatic is optional. Front side airbags, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard.
The GLX comes with leather upholstery, heated front seats, alloy wheels, and a power sunroof. For other models, heated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles make up the new $150 Cold Weather package. Those features had been part of an $850 option group that also included leather upholstery. By contrast, alloy wheels, previously a $310 option, now are part of a $1175 package that also includes a power sunroof. Rounding out the 2000 additions are anti-theft coded ignition keys and a dashboard light that illuminates when the brakes might need to be serviced.
All New Beetles have 4-cylinder engines. GL and GLS models have 115 horsepower, the GLS Turbo and GLX add a turbocharger for 150 hp. The GLS TDI uses a 90-hp turbocharged diesel but is not sold in California or New York. All engines come with manual transmission standard; a 4-speed automatic is optional. Front side airbags, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard.
The GLX comes with leather upholstery, heated front seats, alloy wheels, and a power sunroof. For other models, heated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles make up the new $150 Cold Weather package. Those features had been part of an $850 option group that also included leather upholstery. By contrast, alloy wheels, previously a $310 option, now are part of a $1175 package that also includes a power sunroof. Rounding out the 2000 additions are anti-theft coded ignition keys and a dashboard light that illuminates when the brakes might need to be serviced.
Competition
The performance leader in this group is also our Best Buy. The Honda Prelude will hustle two large adults and their luggage in comfort and luxury to a weekend getaway. Prelude has plenty of power, excellent road manners, and gets reasonable fuel economy.
We also recommend you take a look at the Chrysler Sebring (which will be redesigned for 2001 in coupe, convertible, and sedan form) and the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Sebring offers the most room in this class, while the New Beetle has interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.
We also recommend you take a look at the Chrysler Sebring (which will be redesigned for 2001 in coupe, convertible, and sedan form) and the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Sebring offers the most room in this class, while the New Beetle has interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy.
News
VW continues mining the popular retro-Bug for all its worth. Last May, for example, the company introduced two new colors, bright yellow and "vapor blue", in special runs of 2000 each, with orders taken only at VW's Website. Word got around quickly, and orders poured in. However, overall demand has cooled somewhat from the New Bug's early-days frenzy. Though orders rose 49 percent in calendar '99 vs. '98, they were only about 7 percent ahead in the first four months of 2000.
Which might make this a good time to introduce the convertible Bug so many people have been clamoring for. Late word is that VW will do just that, but not before early in calendar 2002. Reportedly, the open-air Bug will be assembled at VW's Puebla, Mexico plant alongside hatchback Beetles, but will follow tradition in having a body and top specially engineered by Karmann of Germany, which built the Beetle convertibles of old. We expect the top to be manually operated but fully lined and insulated, with a standard heated glass rear window. A power top may be an option. Though several private companies have been converting hatchbacks into drop-tops almost from the day the New Beetle went on sale, VW has refused to honor its warranty on such "chopped" cars, much to the consternation of buyers. Obviously, the company doesn't want to share this business with outsiders.
Meantime, sources say a hot V6 New Beetle with VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive will reportedly go on sale sometime during 2001, probably as an '02 offering. A prototype seen in 1999 serves as the template for this racier hatchback, which will probably be badged RSi. VW Group chairman Ferdinand Piech has apparently ordained 225 horsepower, plus "boy racer" body add-ons including a prominent rear wing and jumbo wheels and tires. A standard 6-speed manual transmission seems likely too.
Which might make this a good time to introduce the convertible Bug so many people have been clamoring for. Late word is that VW will do just that, but not before early in calendar 2002. Reportedly, the open-air Bug will be assembled at VW's Puebla, Mexico plant alongside hatchback Beetles, but will follow tradition in having a body and top specially engineered by Karmann of Germany, which built the Beetle convertibles of old. We expect the top to be manually operated but fully lined and insulated, with a standard heated glass rear window. A power top may be an option. Though several private companies have been converting hatchbacks into drop-tops almost from the day the New Beetle went on sale, VW has refused to honor its warranty on such "chopped" cars, much to the consternation of buyers. Obviously, the company doesn't want to share this business with outsiders.
Meantime, sources say a hot V6 New Beetle with VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive will reportedly go on sale sometime during 2001, probably as an '02 offering. A prototype seen in 1999 serves as the template for this racier hatchback, which will probably be badged RSi. VW Group chairman Ferdinand Piech has apparently ordained 225 horsepower, plus "boy racer" body add-ons including a prominent rear wing and jumbo wheels and tires. A standard 6-speed manual transmission seems likely too.
2000 Volkswagen New Beetle Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling/roadholding | Rear-seat head room |
| Fuel economy | Visibility |
| Build quality | Rear-seat entry/exit |
| Exterior finish | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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
| 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
The firm-riding chassis comfortably soaks up most bumps, thanks in part to large-for-this-class 16-inch tires.
| 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
Steering and handling are a notch above the class norm, too, but the slab-sided New Beetle gets jostled by crosswinds.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
Comfortable, supportive seats, and few cars of any size offer as much front head and leg room.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 33 | |
| Average Score | 41 | |
| High Score | 54 |
2000 Volkswagen New Beetle Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/27/1999
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| GL 2-door hatchback | $15,900 | $15,151 | $525 |
|
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| GLS 2-door hatchback | $16,850 | $15,706 | $525 |
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| GLS TDI 2-door hatchback | $17,900 | $16,675 | $525 |
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| GLS Turbo 2-door hatchback | $19,000 | $17,691 | $525 |
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| GLX 2-door hatchback | $21,075 | $19,608 | $525 |
Price note: GLS TDI not available in California, New York.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
GL
Powertrain
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side-airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, reclining bucket seats w/height adjustment, folding rear seat, center console, cupholders, heated power mirrors, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette w/CD changer controls and six speakers, digital clock, illuminated visor mirrors, tachometer, rear defogger, remote fuel door and hatchback releases, variable intermittent wipers, cargo cover, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, full-size spare tire, 205/55R16 tires, wheel covers.
GLS adds to GL:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, power windows.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights.
GLS TDI adds to GLS:
Powertrain
1.9-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine.
GLS Turbo adds to GLS:
Powertrain
1.8-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, traction control.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler.
GLX adds to GLS Turbo:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Partial leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power sunroof.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Heated windshield washer nozzles, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Luxury Pkg.
|
||
|
GLS, GLS TDI, GLS Turbo
|
$1,175
|
$1,037
|
|
Alloy wheels, power sunroof.
|
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|
Partial Leather Pkg.
|
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GLS, GLS TDI, GLS Turbo
|
$850
|
$751
|
|
Partial leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated windshield washer nozzles. Requires Wheel Pkg. or Luxury Pkg.
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Cold Weather Pkg.
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GLS, GLS TDI, GLS Turbo
|
$150
|
$133
|
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Heated front seats, heated washer jets.
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Powertrain |
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4-speed automatic transmission
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GL, GLS, GLS TDI, GLS Turbo, GLX
|
$875
|
$864
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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6-disc CD changer
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GL, GLS, GLS TDI, GLS Turbo, GLX
|
$495
|
$437
|
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2000 Volkswagen New Beetle Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Volkswagen New Beetle 2-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 98.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 161.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 59.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2769 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 18.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 41.3 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 39.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.5 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| sohc I4 | Turbodiesel sohc I4 | Turbocharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 1.9 /116 | 1.8 /109 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 115 @ 5200 | 90 @ 3750 | 150 @ 5700 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 122 @ 2600 | 155 @ 1900 | 155 @ 1750 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 5-speed manual | 24/31 | 42/49 | 25/31 |
| 4-speed automatic | 22/28 | 34/45 | 22/27 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Volkswagen New Beetle 2-door hatchback |
| Collision | 4 |
| Collision (HLDI) | 77 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Injury | 5 |
| Injury (HLDI) | 62 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 10/100,000 | 5/50,000 on EuroVan. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 2/24,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | 6/unlimited on EuroVan and Cabrio. |
| Free roadside assistance | 2/24,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 2/24,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Mexico
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Volkswagen New Beetle Full Review
7.
8.
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