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2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Full Review
Date Published: 6/21/08
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Review
A convertible joins the hatchback New Beetle for 2003. All New Beetles have a 4-cyl engine. GL and GLS models have a 115-hp 2.0 liter. GL 1.8T, GLS 1.8T, and GLX models have a 150-hp turbo 1.8. These models are available in both body styles. Available only as hatchbacks, TDI models have a 90-hp turbodiesel, and the top-line Turbo S has a 180-hp turbo 1.8. All come with manual transmission: a 6 speed for the Turbo S, a 5 speed otherwise. All but the Turbo S are available with automatic transmission: a 6 speed with manual-shift capability for convertibles, a conventional 4 speed otherwise. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Traction/antiskid control is standard on the Turbo S and on GLS 1.8T and GLX convertibles; it's optional on other New Beetles.

The GL convertible has a manual folding top, other convertibles a power top; all include a heated glass rear window and rollover bars that deploy if sensors detect an imminent tip. The Turbo S has unique trim, stiffer suspension, and 17-inch wheels; the 17s are optional for GLS 1.8T and GLX models in place of 16s. Also for '03, GLs gain standard power windows and cruise control and optional heated seats. GLS models now include alloy wheels and sunroof. And all models get a rear seat designed for two, not three, occupants. Convertibles have side mirrors with built-in turn-signal lights that VW says will be phased in on other New Beetles.
Competition
Our only Best Buy in this class is the fun-to-drive Acura RSX. It offers plenty of thrills for the money with impressive acceleration and great handling.

Formerly a Best Buy, Volkswagen New Beetle still features interesting blend of styling, comfort, performance, and economy. If raw performance is what you are after, we Recommend Toyota Celica. This car offers a lot of bang for your buck, but, like all sporty coupes, may not be the greatest daily driver. New to the class is the Mini Cooper, a well-mannered small car, with sophisticated driving dynamics spoiled only by a ride that too easily becomes harsh on imperfect pavement. Because it is new and available in limited numbers, dealers are not discounting.
News
We and many others wonder why VW took five long years to bring out the New Beetle ragtop, especially as customers were clamoring for it almost from the first. We're also amazed that it would bow with VW's 2.0-liter four, which has trouble moving the much lighter hatchbacks. We'd wait for the turbo 1.8T convertibles due shortly, as they're bound to be peppier. Marketing miscues aside, VW is counting on the ragtop to pep up New Beetle sales, which plunged 24 percent in calendar 2002 on a year-to-year basis.

Though there had been doubts about this VW's future, dealers reportedly expect a "New New Beetle" in 2004 or '05. Logic suggests it will share the platform of the redesigned Golf/Jetta due in '04, but styling is said to be an evolution of the current retro design rather than a radically different look.
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Road Test
Pros Cons
Handling/roadholding Rear-seat head room
Fuel economy Visibility
Build quality Rear-seat entry/exit
Interior materials Highway wind noise (convertible)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

GL hatch, man. GLS TDI hatch, man. GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-inch wheels, auto. GLS conv, auto. Class Average
5 3 6 2 5.9

Depends on powertrain. The 2.0-liter hatchbacks are peppy enough with manual transmission, sluggish with automatic--VW says about 10.2 sec 0-60 mph. Heavier 2.0 convertibles feel slow with either transmission--VW says 11.4 sec 0-60 with manual, 11.8 with automatic. The 150-hp turbo noticeably quicker--VW says 8.2 sec for hatchback. Turbo S faster still--7.4 sec in our tests. Gas turbos produce little power at low rpm and suffer turbo-lag power-delivery delay. TDI copes well with traffic but lacks passing muscle.
Fuel Economy

GL hatch, man. GLS TDI hatch, man. GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-inch wheels, auto. GLS conv, auto. Class Average
7 9 7 7 6.1

Test 2.0-liter hatchbacks averaged 26.4 mpg with manual transmission, 21.1 with automatic. Test 2.0 convertibles averaged 21.0-25.1 with manual, 22.7-29.3 with automatic. Test 150-hp gas-turbo models averaged 22.7 mpg with automatic transmission, 23.5 with manual. Turbo S test cars averaged 19.8-24 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Test manual-transmission TDI averaged 42.1 mpg. VW recommends premium fuel for the gas-turbo engines.
Ride Quality

GL hatch, man. GLS TDI hatch, man. GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-inch wheels, auto. GLS conv, auto. Class Average
6 6 4 5 3.5

Suspension firm, but comfortably soaks up most bumps, helped by 16-inch tires and on hatchback by tight, solid structure. Convertible more flexible, prone to jiggle. Available 17-inch tires turn ride jittery and harsh on patchy pavement. Turbo S has stiffest suspension, but still won't rattle your teeth.
Steering/Handling/Braking

GL hatch, man. GLS TDI hatch, man. GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-inch wheels, auto. GLS conv, auto. Class Average
6 6 7 6 7.7

Even Turbo S is less agile than Acura RSX or Toyota Celica, and Bug body shape can wander in stiff crosswinds. Still, all models corner with grippy assurance despite fairly marked body lean. Handling sharper with 17-inch tires. Strong, sure braking.
Quietness

GL hatch, man. GLS TDI hatch, man. GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-inch wheels, auto. GLS conv, auto. Class Average
5 5 6 4 3.2

Gas engines are civilized. Turbodiesel is gruff in full acceleration, noticed at idle. Highway-speed wind noise enough to require raised voices, though automatic-transmission models are geared for lower engine rpm and thus a tad quieter than manuals. Convertibles top up noisier than hatchbacks but not fatiguing on long drives. Top-down conversation difficult at highway speed. Gas-turbo models' rear spoiler automatically extends and retracts depending on speed, clunks and thunks doing so.
Controls

GL hatch, man. GLS TDI hatch, man. GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-inch wheels, auto. GLS conv, auto. Class Average
6 6 6 6 6

Mostly user-friendly, but tiny tachometer hard to read and some testers find audio controls too small. Tilt/telescope steering wheel nice, but driver's shift hand can easily collide with central buttons on lower dashboard. High-style cabin decor is high quality throughout. However, poor side-window sealing had one test convertible whistling in wind. A second suffered detached roof-liner pieces and a cracked roof-release latch.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

GL hatch, man. GLS TDI hatch, man. GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-inch wheels, auto. GLS conv, auto. Class Average
7 7 7 7 4.7

Comfortable seats have simple height adjusters but tedious backrest recliners. Fine leg room, towering head clearance even for 6-footers. Windshield posts, mirrors can obstruct vision when turning, view over minivan-vast dashtop takes getting used to. Convertible top limits lane-change vision when up, blocks some view aft when down.
Room/Comfort (rear)

GL hatch, man. GLS TDI hatch, man. GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-inch wheels, auto. GLS conv, auto. Class Average
2 2 2 2 1.1

Leg room tight with front seats more than halfway back in hatchbacks, tighter yet in convertibles. Head room nonexistent for those over 5-ft-6. Entry/exit not that easy, yet best in class by virtue of wide doors and front seats that tip up and forward.
Cargo Room

GL hatch, man. GLS TDI hatch, man. GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-inch wheels, auto. GLS conv, auto. Class Average
6 6 6 1 3

Roof slope limits space beneath hatch, but rear seats fold nearly flat to open up good room. Convertible trunk quite small in size and opening, but useful shape makes most of space. Skimpy cabin storage for small items.
Value within Class

GL hatch, man. GLS TDI hatch, man. GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-inch wheels, auto. GLS conv, auto. Class Average
7 7 8 5 6.1

The retro styling has its drawbacks, but the entertaining, well-built New Beetles are quite practical for sporty cars and thus Recommended. Convertibles give up some of the hatchback's passenger and cargo space, and will likely sell at a premium until their novelty wears off.
Total Score

GL hatch, man. GLS TDI hatch, man. GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-inch wheels, auto. GLS conv, auto. Class Average
57 57 59 45 47.3
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
32
Average Score
47
High Score
59
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 01/28/2003
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
GL 2-door hatchback, manual $15,950 $15,199 $575
GL 2-door hatchback, automatic $16,825 $16,063 $575
GL 2-door convertible, manual $20,450 $19,446 $575
GL 2-door convertible, automatic $21,625 $20,623 $575
GL TDI 2-door hatchback, manual $17,195 $16,374 $575
GL TDI 2-door hatchback, automatic $18,070 $17,238 $575
GL 1.8T 2-door hatchback, manual $18,450 $17,558 $575
GL 1.8T 2-door hatchback, automatic $19,325 $18,422 $575
GLS 2-door hatchback, manual $17,815 $16,596 $575
GLS 2-door hatchback, automatic $18,690 $17,460 $575
GLS 2-door convertible, manual $21,850 $20,324 $575
GLS 2-door convertible, automatic $23,025 $21,501 $575
GLS TDI 2-door hatchback, manual $18,995 $17,687 $575
GLS TDI 2-door hatchback, automatic $19,870 $18,551 $575
GLS 1.8T 2-door hatchback, manual $19,855 $18,461 $575
GLS 1.8T 2-door convertible, manual $24,100 $22,402 $575
GLS 1.8T 2-door convertible, automatic $25,275 $23,579 $575
GLS 1.8T 2-door hatchback, automatic $20,730 $19,345 $575
GLX 2-door hatchback, manual $21,640 $20,129 $575
GLX 2-door hatchback, automatic $22,515 $20,993 $575
GLX 2-door convertible, manual $25,550 $23,742 $575
GLX 2-door convertible, automatic $26,725 $24,919 $575
Turbo S 2-door hatchback, manual $23,540 $21,884 $575
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, 1.9-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine (TDI), 1.8-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder 150-horsepower engine (1.8T), 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission (hatchback), 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (convertible), traction control (1.8T).
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, emergency inside trunk release, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery (hatchback), vinyl upholstery (convertible), front bucket seats w/height adjustment, center console, cupholders, folding rear seat (hatchback), trunk pass-through (convertible), heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, remote fuel-door and hatchback releases, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, cargo cover, manual convertible top (convertible), floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights (1.8T), rear spoiler (1.8T), full-size spare tire, 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels (1.8T).
GLS adds to GL:
Powertrain
Traction control (GLS 1.8T).
Safety
Brake assist (1.8T convertible), antiskid system (1.8T convertible).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof (hatchback), power convertible top (convertible).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights, alloy wheels.
GLX adds to GLS:
Powertrain
1.8-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder 150-horsepower engine, traction control (hatchback).
Safety
Brake assist (convertible), antiskid system (convertible).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Monsoon sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Heated washer nozzles, rear spoiler, alloy wheels.
Turbo S adds to GLX:
Powertrain
1.8-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder 180-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Brake assist, antiskid system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: traction control, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers.
Sport suspension, 225/45HR17 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Leather Pkg.
GLS
$900
$795
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated washer nozzles.
Lifestyle Pkg.
GLS 1.8T
$1,035
$914
Leather upholstery, front-seat power lumbar adjustment, unique interior trim, Monsoon sound system, 225/45HR17 tires.
Cold Weather Pkg.
GL, GLS
$150
$133
Heated front seats, heated washer nozzles.
Safety
Antiskid system
GL, GLS, GLX
$280
$247
Includes brake assist. Std. GLS 1.8T convertible, GLX convertible.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Monsoon sound system
GL, GLS
$325
$287
Vinyl upholstery
GLS
$0
$0
Wind blocker
convertible
$250
$221
Ski sack
convertible
$185
$163
17-inch alloy wheels
GLS 1.8T, GLX
$400
$353
Includes 225/45R17 tires.
2003 Volkswagen New Beetle Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Volkswagen New Beetle 2-door hatchback Volkswagen New Beetle 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 98.7 98.8
Overall Length, in. 161.1 161.1
Overall Width, in. 67.9 67.9
Overall Height, in. 59.0 59.1
Curb Weight, lbs. 2817 3075
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 27.1 5.0
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 14.5 14.5
Seating Capacity 4 4
Front Head Room, in. 41.3 40.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 39.4 39.4
Rear Head Room, in. 36.7 37.2
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.5 31.5
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc I4 Turbodiesel sohc I4 Turbocharged dohc I4 Turbocharged dohc I4
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.0 /121 1.9 /116 1.8 /109 1.8 /109
Horsepower @ rpm. 115 @ 5200 90 @ 3750 150 @ 5800 180 @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 122 @ 2600 155 @ 1900 162 @ 2200 173 @ 1950
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
       
5-speed manual 24/31 42/49 24/31 --/--
6-speed manual --/-- --/-- --/-- 23/30
4-speed automatic 23/29 34/44 23/29 --/--
6-speed automatic 22/29 --/-- 23/30 --/--
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 Volkswagen New Beetle 2-door convertible
Front Impact, Driver 4 NA
Front Impact, Passenger 4 NA
Rollover Resistance 4 NA
Side Impact, Driver 5 NA
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 3 NA
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 5/60,000 --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 12/unlimited 8/unlimited on EuroVan.
Free roadside assistance 4/50,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
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
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