I know the VW New Beetle isn't exactly a hot product -- it's now a decade old and aside from some trim level and option shuffling, it hasn't changed much since 2006. But when I heard that Volkswagen had a stripped-down base-model 2008 New Beetle with a manual transmission on their press fleet, I just had to check it out. So how does the ten-year-old New Beetle work in today's world? You might be surprised. Read more...
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I know it may not be “apples to apples”, but if I was looking at smaller semi-novelty cars the Mini Cooper would be on my short list of test drives.
Mike – That’s what I get for posting the review late at night when I’m tired. The MINI is the perfect competitor, and I’ve updated the review to include it. — Aaron
Another comparable auto to add would be the Scion xB or xD base vehicles. Both are cheaper than the Beetle and stand out in a crowd. The quality of the Scions should not disappoint either!! I have an 05 xB and it has clocked 60K+ so far with no problems. I should add that I also own a 64 VW Beetle, now that is a true Beetle.
It’s a shame that VW isn’t making the more powerful 170-hp 5-cylinder available in the New Beetle as standard. Even worse that the 2.0 Liter 4-cylinder Turbo isn’t offered. I hope they’ll offer the Turbo-Diesel as an option when VW reintroduces it in the U.S.
The Pontiac G5 you mention is just a rebadged Chevy Cobalt, and not nearly as nice as the New Beetle. I think a more direct competitor to the New Beetle would be the Chrysler PT Cruiser. The Scion xB and xD mentioned by Terry are also good competitors.
Ugh. I wouldn’t be caught dead in one. But I guess that means that I’m not the target audience. Even though I do like the original Beetle. But I would have much rather seen a modern Karmann Ghia if they wanted to toss a retro body on a Golf chassis.
The PT is a pretty close competitor – except that its retro styling makes for a more practical vehicle (big storage, etc), while the Beetle is the exact opposite – retro styling means worse practicality.
A buddy of mine back in Florida has a 2007 Beetle. He asked to take my Mini for a test drive. When he got back 20 mins. later with this big grin and eyes lit up like highbeams, all he said was “HOLY CRAP!”. I should’ve bopped him on the head like in the V-8 commercial!!!
It’s sort of unfair to compare these two, because the Mini is more about being a driver’s car than nostalgia, whereas I feel the VW is the reverse.
Hi, I owned one of the original VW Beetles (1958 sedan), and I’ve always liked how VW kept the styling of the old Bug, without the primitive ride and noisy motor of the original. That said, why didn’t VW offer their new diesel in the Beetle? With petrol heading towards $4/ gallon, this would be the time to offer a stylish gas miser! Also, when looking at used Beetles, I noticed that if I buy a convertible, then the gasoline motor is the only option… too bad, really. So, I’ll probably buy a used diesel hardtop (assuming I can find one… they are RARE!.. another note to VW: rare means desirable).