2005 Volkswagen New Beetle: Road Test
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2005 Volkswagen New Beetle ▼
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- MSRP: $16,570 -$26,525
- Invoice: $15,844 -$24,783
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Our road test for the 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle help you decide if a 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GL hatch, man. | GLS TDI hatch, man. | GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-in. whls., auto. | GLS conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 6.3 |
Depends on powertrain. The 2.0-liter hatchbacks are OK with manual transmission--and lots of shifting. We haven't yet tested one with new 6-speed automatic, but it's bound to be less peppy than manual version. Heavier 2.0 convertibles are slow with either transmission; VW claims 11.4 sec 0-60 with manual, 11.8 with automatic. The 150-hp 1.8Ts feel noticeably quicker; VW says 8.2 sec for hatchback. 1.8T suffers slight turbo lag, a delay in power delivery. TDI performs well in most situations, though feels taxed in highway passing maneuvers.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GL hatch, man. | GLS TDI hatch, man. | GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-in. whls., auto. | GLS conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 5.8 |
Test 2.0-liter hatchbacks averaged 26.4 mpg with manual transmission, 21.1 with automatic. Test 2.0 convertibles did 21.0-25.1 with manual, 22.7-29.3 with automatic. Test gas-turbo convertibles logged 22.7 mpg with automatic transmission, 22.2-23.5 with manual. Test manual-transmission TDI squeezed out 42.1 mpg. VW recommends premium-grade fuel for the 1.8T engine.
RIDE QUALITY
| GL hatch, man. | GLS TDI hatch, man. | GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-in. whls., auto. | GLS conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 4 |
Suspension firm, but comfortably soaks up most bumps, helped by 16-inch tires and hatchback's tight, solid structure. Less-rigid convertibles suffer more rough-road jiggle--and minor body quivers. Available 17-inch tires turn ride jittery and harsh on patchy pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GL hatch, man. | GLS TDI hatch, man. | GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-in. whls., auto. | GLS conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8.1 |
Less agile than an Acura RSX or a Mini Cooper, and bulky Bug design is prone to crosswind wander at highway speeds. Still, all models corner with grippy predictability, if also 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-in. whls., auto. | GLS conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3.2 |
Gas engines civilized. Turbodiesel gruff at full throttle, a bit clattery at idle. Wind noise rises to require raised voices at highway speeds, though automatic-transmission models are geared for lower engine rpm and are thus a tad quieter than manuals. Top-up convertibles are noisier than hatchbacks, but not wearing on long drives. Top-down chats difficult at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| GL hatch, man. | GLS TDI hatch, man. | GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-in. whls., auto. | GLS conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
Mostly user friendly, but tiny tachometer is hard to read and audio controls are too small for some of our testers. Tilt/telescope steering wheel nice, but driver's shift hand can easily collide with the dashboard just ahead. High-style cabin decor is high quality throughout. Poor side-window sealing had one test convertible whistling in the 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-in. whls., auto. | GLS conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.1 |
Comfortable seats have simple pump-handle height adjusters but tedious handwheels for backrest recline. Fine leg room, towering head clearance even for 6-footers. Windshield posts, door mirrors can obstruct vision in turns, and 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-in. whls., auto. | GLS conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.4 |
Leg room virtually vanishes with front seats more than halfway back. Head room nonexistent for those over 5-ft-6. Cabin narrows in back, is snug even for two preteens. 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-in. whls., auto. | GLS conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 3.2 |
Roof slope limits space beneath hatch, but rear seats fold nearly flat to open up good room. Convertibles' separate trunk quite small in size and opening, but usefully shaped. Skimpy cabin storage for small items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GL hatch, man. | GLS TDI hatch, man. | GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-in. whls., auto. | GLS conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 6.7 |
The retro styling has its drawbacks, but New Beetles are entertaining, solidly built, and reasonably practical funmobiles, though convertibles sacrifice some of the hatchback's passenger and cargo space. Waning buyer interest should mean attractive dealer discounts on any model.
Total Score
| GL hatch, man. | GLS TDI hatch, man. | GLS 1.8T hatch w/17-in. whls., auto. | GLS conv, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 56 | 56 | 45 | 49.9 |
Total Score: 53
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