Its 150 horses are roped to either a 5-speed manual gearbox or an
optional 6-speed automatic with manual mode, the latter of which came fitted to my tester. It did a fine job of smoothly mixing cogs while providing the opportunity for greater input through VW's Tiptronic shift-it-yourself feature.
Some advanced electronics such as VW's Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control program and Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) technology are in place as standard Beetle equipment - something Volkswagen should be commended for. Also included in the list of standard equipment are four-wheel antilock disc brakes. They felt strong and predictable in all situations, requiring a little more pedal pressure than other VW products I have tested, but that simply added to the pleasure of their use.
Adding to the pleasure of driving the modern Beetle soft-top is a nicely controlled smooth ride. An interesting four-wheel independent suspension setup places MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar at the front and a track-correcting torsion beam axle with an integrated stabilizer bar at the rear. This somewhat unique arrangement is fastened to a very rigid body structure allowing the NBC to feel composed and self-assured in corners while adequately filtering out surface decay, potholes and the like. The solidity of VW's open-air Beetle and its enjoyable handling characteristics combine to make this a very pleasant buggy to drive al fresco.
Unlike
many drop-top sports cars, the seating elevation in the Beetle is fairly high, which means much of one's upper body extends above the vehicle's beltline. This enhances the sense of openness that should come with dropping the top. I have been in convertibles in which the cockpit is so low slung, and the beltline so high that at best, only the driver's head extends above top of the door. The Beetle's seat height also aids in making ingress and egress easy and contortion-free.
Interestingly, the openness of the Beetle's cabin doesn't cause excessive wind buffeting or noise. In fact I was quite surprised by just how peaceful the ride was at highway speeds. I was also surprised at just how easy and agreeable the happy little car is to drive. It has a very tight turning radius and is wonderfully nimble; but alas not all is perfect under a clear blue sky.
Rearward visibility is marginal due to the VW's stowable lid. When the roof is up, a huge blind spot is created between the rear side window and the smallish rear window; which at least is glass and fitted with a defogger. This wide expanse of canvas can make lane changing and reversing difficult. Open the Beetle up to the sun, or in my case clouds, and the stowed top again impinges on rearward sight lines. Oh well, something's gotta give in a world of compromise - unless, of course, the compromise pertains to occupant protection.
Volkswagen has gone the extra step to protect occupants in
their open-air Beetle with the installation of dual front impact airbags, dual seat-mounted side impact airbags and driver and front passenger side airbag head extensions. VW also adds retractable, integrated roll-over protection to every lidless Beetle. Now if they'd only add decent cupholders to keep our lattes safe on long trips, they'd be onto something.
The molded plastic wannabe cupholders in the centre console grasp a cup of the burning elixir about as securely as a toddler. And while resolving the cupholder deficiency, how about making the tiny radio buttons a molecule or two larger? Remember, this is the peoples' vehicle and some of those people are clumsy and near sighted.
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| Only VW could pull of a '50s style roof on a car in the 21st century. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Some advanced electronics such as VW's Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control program and Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) technology are in place as standard Beetle equipment - something Volkswagen should be commended for. Also included in the list of standard equipment are four-wheel antilock disc brakes. They felt strong and predictable in all situations, requiring a little more pedal pressure than other VW products I have tested, but that simply added to the pleasure of their use.
Adding to the pleasure of driving the modern Beetle soft-top is a nicely controlled smooth ride. An interesting four-wheel independent suspension setup places MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar at the front and a track-correcting torsion beam axle with an integrated stabilizer bar at the rear. This somewhat unique arrangement is fastened to a very rigid body structure allowing the NBC to feel composed and self-assured in corners while adequately filtering out surface decay, potholes and the like. The solidity of VW's open-air Beetle and its enjoyable handling characteristics combine to make this a very pleasant buggy to drive al fresco.
Unlike
 |
| Visibility improves dramatically once the roof is retracted, as does rear seat headroom. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Interestingly, the openness of the Beetle's cabin doesn't cause excessive wind buffeting or noise. In fact I was quite surprised by just how peaceful the ride was at highway speeds. I was also surprised at just how easy and agreeable the happy little car is to drive. It has a very tight turning radius and is wonderfully nimble; but alas not all is perfect under a clear blue sky.
Rearward visibility is marginal due to the VW's stowable lid. When the roof is up, a huge blind spot is created between the rear side window and the smallish rear window; which at least is glass and fitted with a defogger. This wide expanse of canvas can make lane changing and reversing difficult. Open the Beetle up to the sun, or in my case clouds, and the stowed top again impinges on rearward sight lines. Oh well, something's gotta give in a world of compromise - unless, of course, the compromise pertains to occupant protection.
Volkswagen has gone the extra step to protect occupants in
 |
| Flat fenders, new headlamps and tail lamps sum up New Beetle's changes. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
The molded plastic wannabe cupholders in the centre console grasp a cup of the burning elixir about as securely as a toddler. And while resolving the cupholder deficiency, how about making the tiny radio buttons a molecule or two larger? Remember, this is the peoples' vehicle and some of those people are clumsy and near sighted.