Introduction for Summer 2005

The New Beetle receives a subtle re-styling in both the hard top and the cabriolet models for summer. In addition New Beetle also receives the option of a TDI (diesel) engine for the first time, as per the commitment made earlier in the year to offer diesel engines across the Volkswagen passenger vehicle range.

The New Beetle Miami, New Beetle TDI and New Beetle Cabriolet all have new distinguishing features that include design revisions to the headlights, tail lights, bumpers and wheel guards. These styling cues have been lifted from the New Beetle Ragster study presented at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this year.

Exterior

On the outside, the wheel guards and bumper elements have been given a more sharp and dynamic treatment, with bumper strips, door handles and outside rear view mirrors coloured coded. The front turn signals have narrowed and the halogen headlights have clear lightweight polycarbonate lenses and are more oval in shape. The tail lights have also come in for some optical revisions with a white circle inside a red circle, and the VW emblems on the bonnet and tailgate have also been modified. Five vibrant exterior colours are on offer for all three models.

Interior

An impressive list of standard creature comforts pampers both driver and passengers inside the New Beetle and New Beetle Cabriolet. CFC free air conditioning and tinted glass keep the occupants comfortable all year round, and a 6 speaker (10 in the Cabriolet), single CD AM/FM car stereo provides the in car audio entertainment. The equipment list continues with power steering, a height and reach adjustable 3 spoke steering wheel, electrically heated and adjustable exterior rear view mirrors with integrated indicator lights, and power windows all round with safety roll back function. Chrome surrounds have been added to the air vents and to the instrument cluster, and there is ample storage provision, both in the cabin and in the boot. To increase the load capacity of the generous boot area, the rear seat in the New Beetle folds down for a flat storage area, while in the New Beetle Cabriolet there is a lockable rear seat load access.

Safety

Safety features are impressive, with front driver and passenger, and front side/head airbags (4 in total) as standard. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD) are standard across the range, while the New Beetle TDI also has Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) as standard. The New Beetle Cabriolet is fitted with the Active rollover protection system, a system that deploys automatically behind the rear seats to provide added protection in the unlikely event of a rollover, whether the convertible top is up or down. The system works in conjunction with the New Beetle's active head restraints.

Engines

Under the bonnet there are three engines available, ranging from the 1.6 litre fuel injected engine with 75kW (102 hp) in the New Beetle Miami, to the 77 kW (105hp) 1.9 litre TDI engine. The New Beetle Cabriolet comes with the 2.0 litre 85kw (115hp) fuel injected engine. Transmission is via a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed auto in the Miami, a 5-speed manual in the TDI, or the choice of a 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed tiptronic auto in the Cabriolet.

Pricing

Pricing starts at $25,990 for the manual 1.6 New Beetle Miami, $28,490 for the 1.9 TDI and $36,990 for the 2.0 Cabriolet.