Yes, the Bug is back, and better than ever!
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 ... Read review
Yes Car Credit helps you purchase the vehicle you want - even if you have had problems in the past, if you are in the armed forces, or self-employed. We can say Yes. Apply online now.
Advantages: The uniqueness of the whole package. Turns heads like no other small car. Turns a corner like a sportscar. Surprising fuel economy. Flower vase. Disadvantages: It’s no getaway-car, lack of rear headroom and boot space, constant nose and fingerprints on the windows.
Yes, the Bug is back, and better than ever!
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 ... ...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 ... more
Yes, the Bug is back, and better than ever!
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):
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:
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:
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:
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:
£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:
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.
Advantages: A beautiful, individual car. Disadvantages: Basically just a Golf, not lightening quick, gearbox
...you don't know by now Volkswagen is German for 'People's Car' the only vision for Hitler's Third Reich that survived history (thankfully). But the new Bug isn't a family car at all, unless you are a family of midgets. It is now powered by an engine mounted in the bonnet and the power is directed to the front wheels. It is undoubtedly handsome, but whether it is better looking than its predecessor is questionable. I for one prefer the original.
The ... ...didn't evolve fast enough and was left out of date in an ever changing motor industry. The car was replaced by the Golf which saved the company. In an ironic twist the Beetle is now just a Golf Mk IV in essence.
It all its mechanical components with the Golf; platform, suspension, engines and sadly the gearbox too. But this is no bad thing (except for the gearbox, obviously). The Golf is not one of the most successful cars in the world because it's ...
kfingleton 26.01.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0
Advantages: Stylish, gets you noticed, well build, It's a beetle! Disadvantages: Poor over-the-shoulder visability, possibly overpriced
When I heard VW were going to produce an updated verson of the Beetle I was sceptical at best. But then I saw one.
NOTHING prepares you for you first look at this little darling. It's like they've taken the feel of the classic beetle a distilled it. Then added the luxuries of a modern car such as hendling, safety, aircon and such.
The first thing you notice as you climb into the comfortable, slightlet bucketed seats is the size of the dash. It's ... ...meets the down curving windscreen. The instuments are neatly laid out and have a stylish retro rounded look.
The New Beetle is available in a wide range of colours and finshes (yello being my favorite) with a stack of optinal extras to suit all tastes.
On the two litre model, aircon and alloy wheels are standard and will opt for the winter pack also.
On the down side, over-the-shoulder visability is a little restricted due to the curves and the ...
Researcher 03.04.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0
Advantages: fun, stylish, nippy. Disadvantages: a bit squashed in the back
I have always wanted a VW beetle. When I first learned to drive I wanted an original one, but my Mum wouldn't let me. (Had to listen as she was lending me the money to buy a car)
As soon as I saw the new beetle I wanted one, and now - at last - I have got one.
I bought mine new earlier this month, and have now done just over 1200 miles, and I just love it. It is such a stylish car, and still turns heads just about everywhere you go. It is much ... ...and the front seats go forward a long way, making it easier for passengers to get in the back. However I have been told, it is not a comfortable ride in the back, for long distances, but then if you wanted a family car, you wouldn't buy a beetle.
I opted for the winter pack extra as I wanted the fog lights. This also gives you heated seats, which originally made me chuckle, but my God, on a cold morning they are a godsend. My beetle has a 2 litre ...
q_su 02.04.2001 (29.03.2001)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0
Advantages: It's gorgous! Disadvantages: Only space for one welly in the boot
I first saw the Beetle in it's custard yellow incarnation in San Francisco in 2000 while I was working out there. Gorgeous car I thought, but HORRIBLE HORRIBLE colour.
Then 2 years later I got the loan of a silver Beetle to ferry myself, my hubbie-2-b and our new-born son about in until we made the transition to a people carrier :)
Gorgeous car, GORGOUS colour.
I think that remark nails my colours to the wall on the subject of the old v.s new ... ...have to get used to with the Beetle is the sheer 'head-turning' effect it has on ppl. Despite being quite commonplace now (and I rate something as commonplace when I see an instance of it more than once a day) the Beetle will provoke reaction like no other vehicle on the road atm (and that includes the new mini) However you get used to the stares if you practice hard enough :)
It handles like a dream, responds to the lightest of touches and has ...
ElizaF 25.09.2003 (27.10.2003)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0
Advantages: its a new classic Disadvantages: bit pricy
At a shade under $37,000, the new Beetle is likely to attract a different class of buyer than the original 'people's car'. Realistically, it's probably a bit overpriced, and although it offers a 3-year warranty, it covers you for only 60,000 km.
Standard gear on the Beetle includes dual front and front side airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake pressure distribution and differential lock, airconditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote ... ...pretensioning seat belts, CD player, rear fog lamp, illuminated vanity mirrors and who could forget the dash-mounted vase complete with fake daisy.
It is a willing engine, which best serves its master in the mid to upper echelons of the rev range, but the maximum torque of 170 Nm is delivered at a very respectable 2400 rpm.
The powerplant is a smooth deliverer and feels quite flexible in the mid range, providing enough pulling power for a quick ...
JamieMckeen 24.01.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0
Value for Money
Road Handling
Comfort
Features
Fuel consumption
Looks
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0"
Advantages: streed cred (if youre a woman) Disadvantages: Gas guzzler, high tax class, hard to park, tiny boot, patchy dealer service
I own a 2001 2 litre beetle and it is the WORST car i have ever owned. Yes it looks great but its a pig to drive (try to NOT scratch the arches), driving position awful, our car has been in and out the garage with various problems including electrical issues, steering problems, all sorts of stuff and now the sunroof leaks.
We had AWFUL service from the main VW dealer in plymouth too which didnt help. The car DRINKS fuel, is wobbly at speed if a small gust of wind is around, and the boot is about a big as a squirrels pocket and you can fit about 5 or 6 shopping bags and thats it, full!
For a car of its size the cabin is cramped and dark. If it wasnt still on finance payments i would get rid of the car today.
verdict:? Buy it if you want to look like a woman, or a plonker ...
