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2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
Date Published: 6/21/08

2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
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MSRP:
$16,330 - 25,995

Invoice:
$15,618 - 24,306

Class:
Sporty/performance Car

CG Award: (What's This?)
2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
Expert Rating Summary
Category GL hatch, man. Rating (See All
Ratings)
Sporty performance Car Average Rating
Acceleration 5 6.1
Fuel Economy 7 5.6
Ride Quality 6 3.6
Steering/Handling/Braking 6 8
Quietness 5 3.1
Controls 6 6.1
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 4.9
Room/Comfort (rear) 2 1.2
Cargo Room 6 2.8
Value within Class 7 6.2
Total Score: 57 47.6
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Review
An available assistance service tops the short list of New Beetle additions for 2004. All New Beetles have a 4-cyl engine. GL and GLS models have a 115-hp 2.0 liter. GLS 1.8T models have a 150-hp turbo 1.8. These models are available in both hatchback and convertible body styles. Available only as hatchbacks, TDI models have a 100-hp turbodiesel 1.9, and the top-line Turbo S has a 180-hp turbo 1.8, plus unique trim and stiffer suspension. All New Beetles 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 and TDI models, a conventional 4 speed otherwise. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard, as are front side airbags that add head protection. Traction/antiskid control is standard on the Turbo S and the GLS 1.8T convertible; it's optional on other New Beetles. Leather upholstery and heated front seats are among available amenities. Among convertibles, the GL has a manual-folding top, the GLS a power top; both include a heated glass rear window and rollover bars that deploy if sensors detect an imminent tip. Newly available for hatchbacks an OnStar assistance system. Other changes for '04 include restyled wheels and available xenon headlights.
News
Though doubts were being whispered about this VW's future, dealers have reportedly been told to expect a "New New Beetle" in a couple of years. Logic suggests it will share the platform of the redesigned Golf/Jetta that's reaches U.S. shores in early 2005. VW insists the basic "three circle" profile will persist, though the platform change means the new model won't be a carbon copy of the current one. Engines are likely to comprise the familiar 1.8-liter turbo-4, the new 2.0-liter turbodisel-4 now available in the midrange Passat, and a new 2.0-liter base 4-cyl gasoline engine with direct fuel injection and around 150 hp.
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