Category: Volkswagen

2006 Volkswagen Beetle Review

Although it has only been 10 years since the new Volkswagen Beetle was introduced, it seems that the luster has come off the trend of wanting this piece of history. The 60s and 70s were a time that the Beetle was en vogue and being off the scene in the 80s and early and mid 90s, it was a hot vehicle when re-introduced to the public in 1997.

Now there are other cars on the market that that are small and economical and are competing with the Beetle for those dollars. So obviously, some changes had to be made to distinguish the Beetle even more from its competitors. This includes new bumpers on the front and rear, new headlights and tail-lights on the outside and redesigned sun visors and instrument location and chrome trim.

As it has always been with the Volkswagen Beetle, space is the main concern. There is limited cargo space and small, cramped backseats, even though the backseat has been increased from the 60s and 70s version. And those looking for powerful cars will want something other than a Beetle. But they have made the engine more of a reason to get the car than not.

Since the base of the Beetle is taken from the Jetta and Golf, it’s not a surprise that some of the additions were first implemented in those other vehicles. Namely, the gasoline engine choices have been changed to a 150-horsepower, 2.5 liter, five cylinder engine, which first appeared in the Jetta. And now standard is Stability control.

Starting in 2003, the new Beetle had a TDI diesel as an option, but on top of that, Volkswagen has added the DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) transmission. This is an innovation that also comes with the Jetta; it’s basically a manual six-speed without the clutch, leaving that to a computer. The result is a seemingly seamless transition from automatic to manual, even making the traditional manual transmission obsolete.

In terms of safety, the Beetle received four of five stars in terms of both front impact qualifications but a rating of Poor for it side impact capacity. But this is the same case for many smaller cars and although it isn’t ideal, the side-impact safety level is comparative to its competitors. As for its road performance, the Beetle is a suitable car. Although not that powerful, it is sporty enough for those looking for a car that’s deceptively quick. It is good enough for road trips and for cruising, there are more options that are just as appealing, the Mini Cooper being the most popular at this time.

About the Author

This 2006 Volkswagen Beetle review can also be read on helium.com as it was originally submitted there to build up a more diverse author portfolio.

Feb 03, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

2004 Volkswagen Beetle Review

When the Volkswagen Beetle re-emerged triumphantly in 1997, sales of the car surged. When those sales started to slip, some new attributes were added; the Turbo S, which was introduced in 2002 and a convertible version were added in 2003 to try to spark sales of the old brand.

In 2004, more changes occurred, and the GLX was eliminated, the wheels were redesigned, telematics became a part of all versions, and brand new was a 100-horsepower 1.9 liter TDI. There was also an MP3/CD player in the dashboard alongside front airbags, front headrests and head thorax airbags. So in most ways the 2003 version is very similar to the 2004 Beetle.

The cons of the Beetle are the same as they’ve always been, including two doors, a cramped backseat area, compact design and not very much storage space. But if one isn’t in the market for a Beetle then this isn’t of any consequence. Simply put, nothing else is like a Beetle and therefore someone looking for this automobile will just accept these imperfections – it is all part of the appeal of owning a Beetle.

As it has been pointed out by many, the Beetle is itself a version of the smaller Volkswagen Golf and Jetta, although the Beetle stands alone in terms of its original design. The bubble dome roof is a signature for the Beetle and the newer version incorporates this as well. But as mentioned earlier, this design feature leaves little headroom in the rear and will fail to win over new customers who hold no nostalgic love for the Beetle design.

In terms of engine size, the GL and GLS have a 115-horsepower, 2 liter engine and a 150-horsepower, 1.8 liter turbocharger four cylinder is available with the GLS Turbo. Both can be bought with a TDI engine and a four speed automatic transmission is optional, meaning that a five speed manual is the standard. A plus is that the engine is very quiet and as a consequence, the Beetle doesn’t emit any road sounds.

Some of the other optional features are a cold weather package, Tiptronic operation, an Electronic Stability Program and a Wind-blocker. As in the previous versions, the Turbo S has more exterior variety from the others. The convertible is also available in the 2004 range.

The Volkswagen Beetle is a car that is not for everyone; in fact it’s only appealing to people specifically looking for a Beetle. But the old is elegantly brought to the new as this car is just as appealing as the 60s and 70s incarnation.

About the Author

This 2004 Volkswagen Beetle review can also be read on helium.com as it was originally submitted there to build up a more diverse author portfolio.

Feb 03, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

2003 Volkswagen Beetle Review

If someone is looking to own a car that is retro and yet modern, they need look no further than the new Volkswagen Beetle. The name itself reminds one of the eras of free love and cheep gas and the new Volkswagen is a throwback to these times.

Because the car is so similar to the older version, especially in terms of size, a buyer pretty much understands what they are getting. This includes only having two doors, limited cargo space and a small backseat – although it is more than in the past. Added into the fact the nostalgia of the Beetle seems to have worn off to a certain degree since 1998, another negative is the fact that the Beetle does not have head curtain airbags, which most likely assisted in its receiving a 3-star rating out of 5 in NHTSA’s rear side impact category.

The Beetle is compared to the Gold, another Volkswagen product, because of its small, compact size. But although it’s smaller, it is much nicer inside by having round, modern looking vents, a huge, table-like dashboard and a very visible circular speedometer. All of these renovations make the new Beetle look more contemporary. In order to attempt to invigorate sales, the Turbo S has been added to the lineup. It has a more powerful engine, a unique interior and a more aggressive body type.

But there are many more positives associated with this car, as every other safety rating, including both frontal impact categories, received 5 stars. Along with being a safe automobile, the new Beetle will offer a convertible, something many have been wanting for quite some time. Another positive that is meaningful in today’s times is the miles per gallon, which at 23-38 miles per gallon is better than most American cars. And if it has the 1.9 liter diesel four engine (called the TDI), it gets up to 49 MPG, all the while providing 155 pound-feet of torque.

Along with the Turbo S, there are the GL, GLS, and the GLX, the GL comes with all the standards, the GLS also includes a sunroof, fog lights, a center storage armrest and alloy wheels. The GLX adds a Monsoon sound system, a self-dimming rearview mirror, leather interior and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The Turbo S, along with the previously mentioned perks, there’s a spoiler that extends at 45 MPH, improved suspension and other distinctive body modifications.

Although this car will not appeal to those looking for a roadster or a powerful piece of machinery, it will be more than acceptable to people looking for a nice automobile that is fun enough to drive around the city but comfortable enough to take road trips. The added fuel efficiency in the 1.9 liter TDI certainly makes it appealing in times of high fuel prices as well as appealing to people who actively seek out efficient cars.

About the Author

This 2003 Volkswagen Beetle review can also be read on helium.com as it was originally submitted there to build up a more diverse author portfolio.

Feb 03, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post