2008 Volkswagen New Beetle: Road Test
2008 Volkswagen New Beetle ▼
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- MSRP: $17,475 - $25,740
- Invoice: $16,381 - $24,446
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Our road test for the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle help you decide if a 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6.6 |
Only manual-transmission New Beetles have been made available for us to test. With that transmission, the slow-revving 5-cylinder engine needs full throttle for best takeoffs. It feels livelier once under way, however.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission S hatchback averaged 21.3 mpg. New Beetle uses regular-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.1 |
The suspension is firm, but it comfortably soaks up most bumps, helped by the hatchback's tight, solid structure. Less-rigid convertibles suffer more rough-road jiggle--and minor body quivers, but no additional impact harshness. No opportunity to test with the available 17-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 |
Corners with grippy predictability, if also fairly marked body lean. New Beetle's bulky body shape can induce some crosswind wander at highway speeds. Braking is strong and sure.
QUIETNESS
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 3.4 |
Average for engine and tire noise. Wind rustle rises enough to require raised voices at highway speeds. Top-up, convertibles are noisier than hatchbacks, but they're not tiresome on long drives. Top-down conversations are difficult at highway speeds.
CONTROLS
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Mostly user friendly, but the tiny tachometer is hard to read. The audio controls are undersized, too. The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel is nice, but the driver's hand on the gearshift can easily collide with the dashboard just ahead.
DETAILS
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 5 |
Cabin decor shows high style with quality plastic panels. 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)
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Comfortable seats have simple pump-handle height adjusters, but tedious handwheels for backrest recline. Fine legroom with towering head clearance, even for six-footers. Windshield posts and the door mirrors can obstruct vision in turns, and the view over the minivan-vast dashtop takes acclimation. Convertible top limits lane-change vision when up, blocks some view aft when down.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 1.4 |
Legroom nearly vanishes with the front seats set far back. Headroom is nonexistent for those over 5-ft-6. Cabin narrows in the back, is snug even for two preteens. Entry and exit are among the best in class by virtue of wide doors and front seats that tip up and forward. It's still not terribly easy, however.
CARGO ROOM
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2 | 3 |
Roof slope limits space beneath the hatch, but rear seats fold nearly flat to open up good room. Convertibles' separate trunk is quite small in size and opening, but it's usefully shaped and holds more than expected, as long as it's carefully loaded. Skimpy cabin storage for small items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 |
The retro styling has its drawbacks and the 5-cylinder engine is no prize. New Beetles are entertaining 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
| S hatchback, manual | S convertible, manual | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 57 | 51 | 54 |
Total Score: 54
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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