NEW BEETLE, A MUCH BETTER BUG (VW Beetle in general)

Member Name: rvantonder

Product:	VW Beetle in general
Date:	10/11/01 (550 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great modern looks, Still true to the original, Excellent handling

Disadvantages: Underpowered engine, Engine in the front

Yes, the Bug is back, and better than ever!
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There are times in your live, when against your better sense and financial abilities, you suddenly realise that you cannot spend one more day living without a new toy. I experienced this hellish sensation about 1 year ago when I first met the New Beetle. Three days later the car was in my garage, I was blissfully infatuated with it and my bank manager was in tears.

Both loved and hated by motoring journalists since it’s first debut a few years ago, this is certainly a car which evokes discussion. Traditionalists have always been divided over the merits of this car. The pricing has been slammed, the design criticised, but still there is nothing below £40 000 which will turn heads like the Beetle does.

I love the little car. I have not had a moments problems and I find it amazingly comfortable. Being on the tall side, I really appreciate the domed roof, which just ads that extra headroom I so often need. The styling is unique and oozes individuality.

Specification (Standard):
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Everything you would expect from a car which in price rivals a small Beemer. Highlights include:

2.0 litre normally aspirated petrol engine
170 Nm of torque available from as low as 2400 rpm
85 kW of power @ 5200 rpm
5 speed manual transmission
Front and rear disc brakes with ABS
Electronic stability program (ESP)
High level brake light
Beautiful 6.5J x 16 alloy wheels shod with low profile 205 rubber. Full size alloy spare
Dual front and side airbags
Power steering, height and reach adjustable
Air con
6 speaker “Beetle design” Gamma radio / tape
Remote central locking with alarm immobiliser
Heated outside mirrors
12 V sockets for power supply in cabin and boot
Flower vase (very hippie!) and dual cup holders

Options:

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Leather seats for roughly £450. Included with the leather seats you then also get leather covered steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake grip. Most importantly this option also includes heated front seats. Both the back and bottom sizzles along nicely with 5 different settings. Nice for those cold winter mornings.
Metallic paint adds another £80

I have to admit here that I went full house and took all the options. If you are going to make a splash, it might as well be a big one!

Performance:
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With a curb weight of roughly 1400 kg, and relatively underpowered engine, it is never going to be a ball of fire or be used as a stunt car in The Fast and the Furious.

0 – 60 mph takes about 10.5 seconds
Max speed ± 116 mph

The impressive feature to me is the handling of the little bug. Sitting low slung, and on broad, low profile rubber, it sticks to the tar like tar to your new car. It is a delight to throw around corners. Some motoring journalists have gone so far as to say that the handling is even better than the new Gti’s.

Another surprising feature to me was the fuel economy. I upgraded to this car from a old 1300 cc VW, and I have been able to match the fuel figures and in some instances even better it. I have managed 440 miles on a 55 litre tank of fuel on more than one occasion.

Warrantee:
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Standard VW warrantee on the car for 3 years, 10 000 mile service intervals. Expect to pay around £100 for the service with a dealer. Shop around as I have learned that it can vary a lot.

Price:
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£13 645 which even I have to admit is not really cheap. The leather, metallic paint and possibly a CD changer can set you back close to another £1000

My verdict:
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A lovely little car with loads of wonderful features, which places it right up there with the smaller BMW’s and
more prestigious brands. A delight to drive, even if the engine is somewhat uninspiring. More spacious than you would think at first, although rear headroom is limited if you plan on carrying taller passengers in the back.
Long sloping dashboard takes some getting used to, as you seem to be very far away from the front (only an illusion)
The lack of total practicality is best illustrated by the lack of boot space. Only about 210 litres of space is available, big enough for one big suitcase and a small bag. On the plus side, the rear seats can be folded down very easily to increase the load space to near “estate levels”.
The “Fun-factor” is a serious 10 out of 10. From the quirky design, the flower vase, the retro look roof handles, hidden boot handle to the engine in the front (which never ceases to amaze traditionalists) it is a car you have to love.
You have to admit that it is slightly overprized, but it is a question of paying that little more for something special.

No regrets here. Go for “Laser Blue”!

Summary: