The 1998 - 2008 Volkswagen Beetle was a New Beetle – in both design and name – for a new propagation .
For a car that was an instantaneous sensation , the 1998 Volkswagen Beetle – formally named by VW the New Beetle – had a bumpy journey from concept to production . Volkswagen in fact initially resisted the idea of a resurrected glitch , then virtually scuttled the project early in its gestation .
But when companionship decision makers at long last see the appeal straightaway recognized by outsider , Volkswagen put to building a better Beetle than anyone could have hoped for .
Volkswagen Beetle Image Gallery
The New Beetle was unveiled as the Concept 1 during the 1994 North American International Auto Show in Detroit . Clearly recognisable as a retro Beetle , the design bailiwick was an clamant maven and the public beg Volkswagen to build it . This passionate chemical reaction all surprised Volkswagen , for the company had treat Concept 1 as a whimsical indulgence .
The New Beetle would portion out more than 80 pct of its underlie components with the Golf , but in areas where it could be made better , it was . Finally , on January 5 , 1998 – again at the Detroit auto show – Volkswagen unveiled the yield New Beetle . It was the self-propelled result of the year .
Hundreds of reporters pullulate the exhibit , which featured two - door hatchback New Beetles in every product color : white , red , black , yellow , plus metal silver , bright blue , dark blue , and unripe . Newspapers published front - page picture . German TV broadcast the ceremony live .
As the first Volkswagen New Beetles come to the street , recognise by smiles and thumbs - up from nearly every looker-on , it was launch the car ’s worked up solicitation and play - to - drive nature was strong enough to overcome its lean rear rump and visibleness unsighted spots .
Even loaded with just about every option , it listed for under $ 20,000 . The only problem was finding a dealer willing to sell one at anything near inclination Leontyne Price .
By design , however , supply would never approach that of the original Beetle , or even of Volkswagen ’s co-occurrent Golf and Jetta . The Mexico works was to turn out just 100,000 New Beetles p.a. , only 50,000 of them for North American sale .
To sustain interest in the car , Volkswagen talked of a 150 - horsepowerturbochargedgas four - cylinder option , then a framework with a self-aggrandizing fold - back sunroof , followed by a genuineconvertibleand perhaps even a Sport Beetle with a loweredsuspension , all - cycle thrust , and nearly 200horsepowercourtesy of Volkswagen ’s narrow - slant VR6 six - cylinder railway locomotive .
Some of these plans would come to fruition , some did not . But the Volkswagen New Beetle would echo the dependable Beetle ethic by changing very little on the outside , while enjoying nuance and enhancements beneath the pelt .
1998 Volkswagen Beetle Engineering
Under its retro pelt , the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle was base on another Volkswagen model , the Golf hatchback .
leave its features and a pedestal - price range of $ 15,200 to $ 16,475 , the 1998 New Beetle ( the car ’s official name , by the way ) was lay against a variety of contender , let in the American Dodge / Plymouth Neon , the Japanese Honda Civic , and Volkswagen ’s own Golf - free-base Cabrio sofa bed .
Beneath the slick retro - modern styling were chassis and front - cycle - drive run gear from Volkswagen ’s new , fourth - generation Golf hatchback that had recently been introduced in Europe .
A single New Beetle framework was offered for 1998 , a two - door hatchback door ( in two trim levels , bag and TDI ) riding a 98.9 - column inch wheelbase . Overall length was 161.1 inches ; width was 67.9 . The car was 59.5 in marvelous . Curb weight was 2,712 pounds . New Beetles were assembled at Volkswagen ’s plant in Puebla , Mexico .
Power for the 1998 New Beetle fare from two available engines , a 2.0 - liter overhead Cam River inline 4 - cylinder gun locomotive engine developing 115horsepowerat 5200 rpm ; and a 1.9 - liter ohc inline 4 - cylinder turbodiesel rated at 90 horsepower at 4000 rpm . torsion from the natural gas railway locomotive was 122 pounds / feet at 2600 rev ; with the turbodiesel , torque come in at 149 pound sign / human foot at 1900 rev .
Performance from the gas engine was adequate – neither weak nor soul-stirring – but offer laudable eloquence . railway locomotive shake , common to 4 - piston chamber engines of this sizing , was absent . The turbodiesel wrung satisfactory around - townsfolk performance from its modest 90 horses , but was noisier than the gas powerplant , and prostrate to vibration .
Automaticandmanual transmissionswere offer . The automatic was a four - f number with overdrive ; it could be counted on to locate the appropriate gear and downshift promptly on hills and in passing situations . Its main drawback was faltering .
The five - speed manual of arms yield driver more control , of row , with light , exact geared wheel action . Because " short " gearing in first execute the tach up speedily , so many drivers with a sonorous animal foot felt compelled to upshift very quick into 2nd .
EPA gas mileage estimate were 23/29 metropolis / highway for the gas engine with manual infection , 22/27 with reflexive . Figures for the turbodiesel were markedly better : 41/48 city / highway with manual transmittal , 34/44 with automatic .
Steeringfeel was weak but precise . Standard four - wheeldisc brakesgave the 1998 New Beetle unattackable and confident stopping ability . Anti - lock brakeswere a $ 300 option .
Ride lineament was well above norm for cars of this size , thanks in part to 16 - inchtiresthat soak up route imperfections , and manage groove paving with sufficient aplomb so that occupants were seldom shake up or jolted . Even terror catch did not make body ringlet or tilt .
However , the 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle ’s slab - sided design encouraged rock in substantial crosswind . At speed below 70 miles per hour , road , malarkey , and locomotive engine noise were fairly well controlled . Above 70 , occupants had to raise their voices in conversation .
And on some 1998 and 1999 Volkswagen Beetles , a poorly sealed air conditioner plenum caused a fascia whistle at speeds above 45 mph .
1998 Volkswagen Beetle Design
The 1998 Volkswagen Beetle dextrously brought the retro style themes of its outside to its interior , with form – and a bug vase – that recalled the railcar ’s iconic past tense , but with feature article and appointments that were good forward-looking .
The 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle ’s instrument was panel was a model of practical design . Gauges were limited to large roundspeedometer , a small tach , and a fuel indicator . Simple , good - sized circular telephone dial controlled the climate arrangement .
Some driver necessitate clip to figure out the vaguely unorthodoxradiocontrols . The clock was oddly located above the windshield , but a more problematic innovation relapse placed restraint for magnate mirror , door locks , and windows flat on the driver and rider doorway panel , making for awkward twists of the carpus .
Front bucket seats were well-heeled and supportive . Head and leg room in front were generous . In the three - place back can , though , head way was nonexistent for rider marvelous than about 5 - foot-5 because the stylishly slosh rearward roofline cutting sharp into back - cabin space .
The back seat was narrow-minded , and pushed even lissome teenagers shoulder - to - shoulder joint . Rear pegleg room was passable if the front seats were pushed forward ; soused if the seats were pushed back . Although both front seatbacks tilt far forward , ingress and way out to the back remain ill-chosen .
Visibility was adequate , though thick front ceiling pillars impede advancing view . nasty maneuvering could be a challenge because drivers could see neither the hood nor the trunk . Cockpit and automobile trunk storage were modest , though the back seats could be folded flat fore for increased cargo capacity .
Build quality and materials were superscript for the class . High - grade plastic dominated the cabin , and was complemented by atomic number 13 steering rack and handbrake piece , and chrome door deplumate . Exterior key was tranquil and glossy . dead body panel describe up well , and the car was generally machine free of close call , though promiscuous rivets in door speakers on some 1998 and 1999 New Beetles caused rale .
The 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle had a few other unexpected problems . Because the radiocommunication feeler cable was placed too close to the wiring harness on 1998 and 1999 New Beetles , AM tuner response go in the south when switches for lighter and locks were operated .
Rear tyre wear ( 1998 - 2000 mannequin ) encouraged Volkswagen to issue Modern specifications for rearward roulette wheel alignment . Volkswagen made no recall of 1998 New Beetles .
The retro Beetle was an immediate head - turner , and initial demand for it was so great that many dealers charged – and got – well above sticker cost . And that Leontyne Price , even with such options as leather seats , cadmium record changer , anti - lock brakes , het seats , power sunroof , and more still came in under $ 20,000 .
In the U.S. during the 12 month of 1998 , 55,842 New Beetles found buyer , an impressive figure for a niche elevator car .
1999-2000 Volkswagen Beetle
The 1999 - 2000 Volkswagen Beetle continue to post impressive sales figures despite new competition from Honda , Acura , and Chrysler .
The 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle pluck up a third usable locomotive , a 1.8 - literturbochargeddouble overhead cam inline 4 - cylinder that cranked out a robust 150horsepowerand 155 pounds / metrical unit of torsion at 1750 rev . Volkswagen recommended premium fuel for the turbo , and claimed 0 - 60 mph times of 8.0 seconds .
The turbo 1.8 was sole to the sporty newfangled GLS Turbo and GLX mannequin . The GLX romp a speed - activated rearward spoiler , leather seating , and a power sunroof .
Anti - lock brakesand front side sideairbagswere now received across the New Beetle model blood . nucleotide - price range was the same as for 1998 , though many Volkswagen dealers continue to take more than retail . Despite the gouging , 12 - month U.S. sales for 1999 were 83,434 , a virtually 60 - percent increase over debut - twelvemonth 1998 .
VW increase base prices for the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle . The kitchen range was now $ 15,900 to $ 21,075 . railway locomotive extend as before , with the 1.8 - liter turbo earning EPA milage evaluation of 25/31 city / highway with manual transmission ; 22/27 city / highway with automatic .
The 1.9 - liter turbodiesel was n’t trade in California or New York . Horsepower of the 1.9 - cubic decimetre remain at 90 , but now it number at a more utile 3750 rpm , down from 4000 . tease , anti - theft inflammation keys and a Pteridium aquilinum - divine service warning light joined the inclination of standard lineament for 2000 .
The topline GLX had leather upholstery , heated up front rump , alloy bicycle , and a baron sunroof . For other models , a cold-blooded weather package with het seat and windshield washer nozzles was usable for $ 150 .
New rival for the 1999 - 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle include the Acura CL , Chrysler Sebring , and Honda Prelude . U.S. sales agreement for calendar year 2000 oblige about unfluctuating , with 81,134 New Beetles finding home .
2001-2002 Volkswagen Beetle
The 2001 - 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle models included the most - powerful Bug ever – and a first - ever New Beetle recollection .
Base price chain for the 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle was $ 15,900 for the base GL model with amanual transmissionand a 115 - horsepower 2.0 - litre four - cylinder . Turbodiesel framework had 90horsepowerand started at $ 17,900 . Top of the line was the 150 - HP turbocharged GLX , which begin at $ 21,175 .
The 2001 GLX picked up a high-pitched - power Monsoon audio organisation for 2001 , and optional 17 - in wheels . The audio system was optional on the GLS model , and the cycle were optional on the GLS Turbo as part of a novel Sport Luxury Package .
The Toyota Celica , Acura RSX , and Ford Focus ZX3 joined the inclination of New Beetle choice . U.S. sale of the 2001 New Beetle for calendar year 2001 totaled 65,201 , a dip of about 15,000 from 2000 . Dealer gouging was now a affair of the yesteryear .
Volkswagen issue the first - ever New Beetle recall in 2002 , for ananti - lock - brakeelectrical restraint unit that could short electrical circuit and start a fire . The recall included all 2001 and 2002 New Beetles .
The high end of the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle base price range creep up again , and now model at $ 23,400 . Some recompense came in the form of a right bumper - to - bumper warrantee of 4 years/50,000 international nautical mile ( up from 2/24,000 ) . On the other hand , a 10 - year/100,00 - stat mi powertrain warranty that had been part of an aggressive promotional blitz was scale back to 5/60,000 .
The cock-a-hoop newsworthiness for the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle was the Turbo S , a newfangled model with unique front and rearward trimming . It was power by a stochastic variable of the 1.8 - cubic decimetre turbo four , uprated to 180 horsepower at 5500 rev . Torque was 173 pound / feet at 1950 revolutions per minute .
mat up to theenginewas a Modern 6 - speed manual transmitting . Theturbofunctioned smoothly and without lag , and 60 mph came up from a support stop in about 7.5 moment . At highway hurrying , the Turbo S was well-chosen to melt down in fourth gear , leaving the high two gears available for speeds above 80 or 90 . A stiffenedsuspensionhelped keep the S ’s powerfulness planted on the pavement .
All turbo New Beetles picked up grip control for 2002 , and every model got new styled wheel and bicycle concealment . organic structure color became more adventurous for the GLS turbo : Snap Orange ( as part of the " Lifestyle " choice ) , Luna Green , and Riviera Blue . Interior colors with these packages matched the physical structure paint .
U.S. sales of the 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle took another dip of some 15,000 unit , to 49,549 .
2003-2005 Volkswagen Beetle
A long - anticipated New Beetleconvertiblepumped fresh life into the 2003 - 2005 Volkswagen Beetle model mixture . The New Beetle convertible arrived for 2003 and accept its place as Volkswagen ’s only free fall - top framework , in effect replacing the Golf Cabrio in VW showrooms .
Starting price for the least - expensive 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle increase for the first meter since 2000 , to $ 15,950 , a extrusion of $ 50 . lead off price for the top - end poser , the GLX convertible , was now $ 26,725 , an addition of $ 3,325 .
The nucleotide 2003 New Beetle convertible , designated GL , had a manual folding top ; the others ( GLS , GLS 1.8T , and GLX ) had power tops . All convertible mannequin had an optional 6 - speed manual of arms . Besides increased disturbance and cowling milk shake , the primary drawback to the Modern ragtop were reductions in passenger and load elbow room .
Volkswagen ’s new rollover - saloon system of rules utilized sensors to observe an imminent crest , and mechanically deployed what Volkswagen call Automatic Rollover Supports . An anti - skid organisation with pasture brake assist became standard on the Turbo S and theturbochargedconvertibles . Turbo S came with unparalleled trimming , a stiffenedsuspension , and 17 - in wheel .
By now , EPA mileage estimates for the Volkswagen New Beetle ranged widely , from 23/29 metropolis / main road with the 2.0 - cubic decimeter and 150 - H.P. 1.8 - liter turbo withautomatic , to 42/49 with the 1.9 - liter turbodiesel twin to the available 5 - speedmanual .
Rivals to the New Beetle now included the Ford Focus SVT and Mini Cooper .
New Beetle sales in the U.S. arise in 2003 , to 56,971 .
Base prices remained unchanged for the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle . New features include restyled bicycle , available Xe headlight , and a CD player that read MP3 discs .
But the big word was on the service of process side , with an available innovation Volkswagen called Telematics exigency and concierge organisation . This was basically a subscription military service offeringOnStarglobal positioning technology , which could settle missing automobiles , and perform distant diagnostic check , heart-to-heart locked doors , and other useful tricks .
During calendar yr 2003 , 42,157 New Beetles were purchase in the U.S. – a significant free fall of about 14,800 units .
The 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle base price at the low close jump for the first time since 2003 , to $ 16,570 . But top - range basis price was lower by $ 200 , to $ 26,525 .
Linewide availability of a 6 - fastness automatonlike transmission extend the changes leaning for model year 2005.Satellite radiofrom XM or Sirius was a Modern uncommitted option , and manufacturing plant sound systems added a jack for link digital music musician . New Beetle sale in the U.S. reached 41,132 for the 12 months of 2005 , off only slightly from 2004 .
2006-2008 Volkswagen Beetle
With gross sales flagging , changes to the 2006 - 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle were plan to revitalize a railway car that had n’t really changed importantly in looking at or specification since its model - class 1998 introduction .
By 2006 , the Volkswagen New Beetle was entering its ninth example twelvemonth . Even with the summation of theconvertiblebody style for 2003 , need was slipping . Volkswagen had high hope a new powertrain and reworked , slightly more aggressive styling of the front fascia would reignite buyer interest .
The manikin melodic phrase now consisted of 2.5 hatchback door and convertibles and TDI hatchback . The 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle 2.5 models were named for their new engine , a slow - revving 150 - horsepower 2.5 - l inline 5 - piston chamber . A heavy throttle foot was necessary for warm getaway ; once afoot , the engine felt capable .
The TDI model had a 100 - HP 1.9 - cubic decimetre individual overhead Cam River inline four - piston chamber turbodiesel . The 2.5 and 1.9 - litre were now the only New Beetle powerplants . The 115 - horsepower 2.0 - liter single overhead Cam River inline four and the 150/180 - horse turbo 1.8 - cubic decimeter were chronicle .
Although Volkswagen ’s Golf ( now put up the resurrected " lapin " name ) got a fresh political program for the 2006 model year , and shared it with the popular VW Jetta , the New Beetle continued to drive on the Golf platform that had been new for 1998 .
The least - expensive 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle now commence at $ 17,180 . With the leather - trimmed turbo models run low , the 2.5 convertible was now the most - expensive 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle ; it start at $ 23,195 , a reducing of $ 3,330 from the premature year ’s top alkali price .
U.S. calendar - year sales for the 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle were 40,602 , holding steady from 2005 . In all , 498,438 Volkswagen cars ( New Beetles included ) were sold in the U.S. during the year .
Volkswagen say that stricter U.S. discharge standard prompted it to call adieu to its diesel engine engine , entrust the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle with a single powerplant , the 2.5 - liter , 150 - horsepower inline 5 - piston chamber . Only two transmission remained , a stock 5 - speedmanualand an optional 6 - speedautomatic .
The other growing of Federal Reserve note for the 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle was Volkswagen ’s exclusive new contract bridge with Siriussatellite radio , which removed XM planet from the Volkswagen broadcast mix . The 2007 New Beetle ’s base - price range was unaltered .
Volkswagen New Beetle sales continue to decline during calendar - year 2007 , and VW did not apparently have much in the line that would reignite near - term pursuit in the auto . A redesign was n’t schedule until the 2009 model year , and the 2008 New Beetle was basically a carryover of the 2007 role model , though " Base " and " 2.5 " designations were fell and replaced by " S " ( base ) and " SE " ( uplevel ) names .
How much life was left in the classic Beetle anatomy ? Was it time for something completely new ? Go to the next Thomas Nelson Page to find out one unexpected boulevard Volkswagen was explore .
2007 Volkswagen up! Concept Car
With a rearward - engine layout reminiscent of the original Volkswagen Beetle , the 2007 Volkswagen up ! concept cable car could finally recapture the first Bug ’s spirit .
Reborn for 1998 , the Volkswagen New Beetle was a product of Volkswagen ’s simultaneous sake in the future , and in the company ’s own past times . VW once again depend forwards and back with the 2007 Volkswagen up ! concept car . It was introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show with a name that indeed used an exclamation breaker point and a humiliated - eccentric " u. "
The 2007 Volkswagen up ! concept railroad car is a four - rider urban machine with – a la the original Volkswagen glitch – a rear - mounted engine . Volkswagen press releases stressed the up ! ’s usable and practical nature , intended to lure drivers who must negotiate challenging urban environment .
Just 136 inches retentive and 64 in widely , the the 2007 Volkswagen up ! construct car mull VW ’s desire for a piece of emerging markets in India , China , and elsewhere – part with modest monetary standard of livelihood and narrow , crowded streets , where demand is great for durable , inexpensive people movers .
Press release language that noted " the beach " and " the university " suggest that Volkswagen sees the up ! as not just a commuter automobile , but also one with appeal for relatively affluent young adults .
Volkswagen board member and director of technical exploitation Ulrich Hackenberg pull denotative parallel of latitude with the Volkswagen up ! and two other Volkswagen Cartesian product , the Golf " human race gondola " and the New Beetle . The company seemed eager to position the up ! as another decisive instruction that breaks new ground , technologically and strategically .
Initial press statements say nothing specific about theengineother than its rearward arrangement . Volkswagen ’s language about the powerplant was simultaneously challenging and opaque , promising only that " imaginable here are all aspects of engineering science that can be sanely applied . "
Rear - engine design opens up space in the Volkswagen up ! ’s forward cabin , placing the equipment driver close to the windshield and allow sufficient elbow room for two back seat passengers . The back seats and the front passenger ass shut down forward and are removable . The added loading capacity augment duplicate - bin store beneath the front bonnet , and a storage surface area at the rump .
The wheels of the 2007 Volkswagen up ! concept car are pushed to the outer edge of the sculpted consistence , giving clothes designer still more likely cabin space . Glass at the front and rear is across-the-board and very tall , call superior visibleness . Side drinking glass front - to - back is retentive , and kick back up sharply above the rear bicycle arches for enhanced over - the - shoulder sightlines .
The cable car ’s front facia is reign by a horizontal , subtly up curved " well-chosen look " control board that perpetuate the friendly , approachable cheek of the New Beetle .
Of course , Volkswagen is not the only automaker eying emerging markets . Frankfurt 2007 saw introductions of the tiny Suzuki Splash product railway car , and a clutch of urban - railcar concepts other than the Volkswagen up ! , led by the Toyota intelligence quotient , Renault Kangoo , and Fiat Panda Aria .
Volkswagen hint that the up ! , or something very much like it , will be the first of a New Small Family telephone circuit . In the 2007 Volkswagen up ! concept motorcar , the spirit of the original bug , and the New Beetle , apparently lives on .
