Of course, the New Beetle never pretended to be a family car. Rather, it’s more of a fashion statement on four wheels that mainly attracts the fair sex.
Surprises and disappointments on the road
No surprises under the hood as the New Beetle is once again motivated by a 150-horsepower, inline 5-cylinder engine. I seldom found it weak or wheezy despite its aging configuration and the substantial weight of the car, probably because the 6-speed automatic transmission in my tester helped deliver smooth takeoffs, accelerations and passing manoeuvres. Remember, this commuter car is about efficiency and steady operation -- not brute power and sporty performance.
Elsewhere, I must say that the brake pedal is surprisingly responsive. Early in the week, while I was still trying to get familiar with the New Beetle, I nearly hit my nose on the steering wheel during a sudden stop (thank God my seatbelt prevented me from diving any more forward!). That said, I needed just a few seconds to regain focus and get everything under control.
Also surprising is the nimble handling allowed by the relatively-wide track and wisely-calculated center of gravity. Safe and stable driving dynamics make for added confidence behind the wheel.
Obviously, the lack of a fixed roof makes the chassis a little less rigid thereby significantly increasing noise inside the cabin and curbing the enthusiasm of more spirited drivers. Given how charismatic the New Beetle looks, though, most buyers wouldn’t have it any other way…
Wrap-up
Neither sporty nor particularly refined, the Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible is getting old. This car uses its retro looks and unique silhouette to bring back childhood memories of the original Beetle, which is fine with me. However, a good shot in the arm would go a long way in improving the driving experience. On the wish list, the automaker needs to come up -- fast -- with an all-new, more modern powerplant.
Still, even the most macho among us will find ways to enjoy this revived icon. After all, looks only tell part of the story…
photo:Matthieu Lambert
Surprises and disappointments on the road
No surprises under the hood as the New Beetle is once again motivated by a 150-horsepower, inline 5-cylinder engine. I seldom found it weak or wheezy despite its aging configuration and the substantial weight of the car, probably because the 6-speed automatic transmission in my tester helped deliver smooth takeoffs, accelerations and passing manoeuvres. Remember, this commuter car is about efficiency and steady operation -- not brute power and sporty performance.
Elsewhere, I must say that the brake pedal is surprisingly responsive. Early in the week, while I was still trying to get familiar with the New Beetle, I nearly hit my nose on the steering wheel during a sudden stop (thank God my seatbelt prevented me from diving any more forward!). That said, I needed just a few seconds to regain focus and get everything under control.
Also surprising is the nimble handling allowed by the relatively-wide track and wisely-calculated center of gravity. Safe and stable driving dynamics make for added confidence behind the wheel.
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| No surprises under the hood as the New Beetle is once again motivated by a 150-horsepower, inline 5-cylinder engine. |
Obviously, the lack of a fixed roof makes the chassis a little less rigid thereby significantly increasing noise inside the cabin and curbing the enthusiasm of more spirited drivers. Given how charismatic the New Beetle looks, though, most buyers wouldn’t have it any other way…
Wrap-up
Neither sporty nor particularly refined, the Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible is getting old. This car uses its retro looks and unique silhouette to bring back childhood memories of the original Beetle, which is fine with me. However, a good shot in the arm would go a long way in improving the driving experience. On the wish list, the automaker needs to come up -- fast -- with an all-new, more modern powerplant.
Still, even the most macho among us will find ways to enjoy this revived icon. After all, looks only tell part of the story…
photo:Matthieu Lambert
2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Silver-Red Edition
2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Silver-Red Edition
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