2007 Volkswagen New Beetle: Road Test
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2007 Volkswagen New Beetle ▼
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- MSRP: $17,180 -$23,315
- Invoice: $16,107 -$22,117
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Our road test for the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle help you decide if a 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.5 |
No opportunity yet to test with automatic transmission. With manual, slow-revving 5-cyl needs full throttle for best takeoffs, but feels livelier once under way.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
Test 2.5 hatchback with manual transmission averaged 21.3 mpg. New Beetle uses regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 4 |
Suspension firm, but comfortably soaks up most bumps, helped by hatchback's tight, solid structure. Less-rigid convertibles suffer more rough-road jiggle--and minor body quivers, but no additional impact harshness. Available 17-inch tires turn ride jittery, harsh on patchy pavement.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 |
Corners with grippy predictability, if also fairly marked body lean. Bulky body shape can induce some crosswind wander at highway speeds. Handling sharper all around with 17-inch tires. Strong, sure braking.
QUIETNESS
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3 |
Average for engine and tire noise. Wind rustle rises to require raised voices at highway speeds. Top-up, convertibles are noisier than hatchbacks, but not wearing on long drives. Top-down chats difficult at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Mostly user friendly, but tiny tachometer hard to read, audio controls are undersized, too. Tilt/telescope steering wheel nice, but driver's hand on gearshift can easily collide with dashboard just ahead. Cabin decor shows high style, quality materials. 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)
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Comfortable seats have simple pump-handle height adjusters, but tedious handwheels for backrest recline. Fine leg room, towering head clearance even for six-footers. Windshield posts, door mirrors can obstruct vision in turns, and view over minivan-vast dashtop takes acclimation. Convertible top limits lane-change vision when up, blocks some view aft when down.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 1 |
Leg room nearly vanishes with front seats set far 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 among best in class by virtue of wide doors and front seats that tip up and forward.
CARGO ROOM
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 2 | 2.4 |
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, holds more than expected with careful loading. Skimpy cabin storage for small items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
The retro styling has its drawbacks and the 5-cyl engine is no prize, but New Beetles are entertaining, solidly built, and reasonably practical funmobiles. Convertibles sacrifice some of the hatchback's passenger and cargo space, but reward with a particularly expansive open-air feel.
Total Score
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | 50 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 52
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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