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2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Volkswagen New Beetle Full Review
7.
8.
2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Review
This retro-styled car loses its diesel engine for 2007. New Beetle comes as a 2-dr hatchback and a convertible. The only engine is a 150-hp 5-cyl. Transmissions are 5-speed manual and an optional 6-speed automatic. ABS is standard, as are traction/antiskid control and front side airbags. Convertibles have a manual-folding top or optional power top, both with heated glass rear window; they also include rollover bars that deploy if sensors detect an imminent tip. Options include leather upholstery and heated front seats.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, and Nissan 350Z.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Saturn Sky.
Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang, Mini Cooper, and Nissan 350Z.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Saturn Sky.
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2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Handling/roadholding | Rear-seat head room |
| Fuel economy | Visibility |
| Rear-seat entry/exit | |
| Highway wind noise (convertible) | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 6.4 |
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
Test 2.5 hatchback with manual transmission averaged 21.3 mpg. New Beetle uses regular-grade fuel.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 1.1 |
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
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.
| 2.5 hatch, man. | 2.5 conv, man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 2 | 2.5 |
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
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.
| 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 | 47.3 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 41 | |
| Average Score | 47 | |
| High Score | 57 |
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2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 02/02/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| Base 2-door hatchback, manual | $17,180 | $16,107 | $640 |
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| 2.5 2-door hatchback, automatic | $18,255 | $17,180 | $640 |
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| 2.5 2-door convertible, manual | $22,240 | $21,044 | $640 |
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| 2.5 2-door convertible, automatic | $23,315 | $22,117 | $640 |
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
Base
Powertrain
2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, automatic roll bars (convertible), emergency inside trunklid release (convertible), daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats w/height adjustment, center console, cupholders, folding rear seat (hatchback), heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, manual convertible top (convertible), floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, full-size spare tire, 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Pkg. 1
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||
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hatchback
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$1,620
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$1,554
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convertible
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$1,445
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$1,342
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Heated front seats, upgraded sound system, power sunroof (hatchback), power convertible top (convertible), heated washer nozzles, wind deflector (convertible).
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Pkg. 2
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hatchback
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$3,420
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$3,280
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convertible
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$3,195
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$2,968
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Pkg. 1 plus leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, 225/45HR17 tires, unique alloy wheels.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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6-disc CD changer
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2.5
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$499
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$340
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Satellite radio
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Base
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$375
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$331
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iPod adapter
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Base
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$199
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$176
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Rubber floormats
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hatchback
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$99
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$64
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Rear spoiler
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hatchback
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$479
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$340
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225/45HR17 tires
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Base
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$1,350
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$1,195
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Steel wheels
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hatchback (credit)
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$-690
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$-641
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Includes wheel covers. Deletes alloy wheels.
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 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. | 2884 | 3164 |
| 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. | 38.2 | 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
| dohc I5 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /151 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 150 @ 5000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 170 @ 3750 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 5-speed manual | 23/31 |
| 6-speed automatic | 23/32 |
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 | -- |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Volkswagen New Beetle Full Review
7.
8.
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Vehicle History Report
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