The New Beetle is a modern hatchback that bears a nostalgic family resemblance to the VW "Bug." In our tests, we found the car's ride to be good and its handling nimble.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder accelerates adequately but was noisy.
A more economical diesel is also offered.
The front seats are firm and supportive.
The rear is cramped, though the seats fold for increased cargo space.
The New Beetle has performed notably well in front crash tests but poorly in side tests.
A quicker turbocharged model was added for 1999 and a convertible joined the line for 2003.
A five-cylinder engine replaced the four-cylinder for 2006, and the turbocharged engine was dropped in 2007.
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