2001 Volkswagen New Beetle: Road Test
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2001 Volkswagen New Beetle ▼
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- MSRP: $15,900 -$22,050
- Invoice: $15,151 -$20,564
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Our road test for the 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle help you decide if a 2001 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 |
Depends on powertrain. The 2.0 is peppy enough with manual transmission but sluggish with automatic. TDI copes well with traffic, cruises well, but lacks passing muscle. The 1.8 turbo is quick and lively: VW claims 0-60 mph in 8.2 sec for the 1.8T, about 2 sec faster than 2.0 models. But recent test GLS Turbo suffered annoying turbo lag.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 5 | 9 | 7 | 6.1 |
Test 2.0 models averaged 26.4 mpg with manual transmission, 21.1 with automatic. Manual-shift diesel averaged 42.1. Automatic-transmission GLS Turbo averaged 22.7, a manual GLX 23.5. The gasoline turbos require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 3.5 |
With 16-inch tires, New Beetle's firm damping comfortably soaks up most bumps. A tight, solid body/chassis structure helps too. But 17-inch tires standard on Sport model and available on others turn the ride jittery and harsh except on mirror-smooth surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.8 |
Not quite as "tossable" as most rivals, and bug body shape notices stiff crosswinds, but agile, predictable, and pleasant. Handling sharper still with 17-inch tire setup. Braking always strong and sure.
QUIETNESS
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 3.2 |
Gas engines are civilized. TDI is gruff when pushed. Wind noise at highway speeds is enough to require raised voices, though automatic models are geared for fewer revs and are thus a tad quieter than manuals.
CONTROLS
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.6 |
Cool, blue-lit gauge cluster includes a tiny, hard-to-read tachometer and no temperature gauge. Flat power window/lock switches on doors require awkward wrist motions. Cabin decor is high style and high quality throughout.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4.3 |
Comfortable seats have simple height adjusters but tedious backrest recliners. Fine leg room, towering head room even for 6-footers. Tilt/telescope steering wheel is nice, but driver's shift hand can easily collide with lower dashboard. Door mirrors and thick front windshield posts impede vision at 10 and 2 o'clock.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1.5 |
Leg room tight with front seats more than halfway back. Head room nonexistent for those over 5-foot-6. Doors open wide and both front seats tip up and forward, but entry/exit still not that easy.
CARGO ROOM
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Bug shape's sharply sloped rear roof limits space under the hatch, but rear seats fold nearly flat to open up a good deal more. Cabin provides skimpy storage for small items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 4.6 |
The retro styling has its drawbacks, but the entertaining New Beetle is quite practical for a sporty coupe and offers good dollar value in addition to nostalgic appeal.
Total Score
| GL, man. | GL, auto. | GLS TDI, man. | GLS Turbo, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 54 | 55 | 60 | 44.3 |
Total Score: 56
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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