Review
And Berthold Kruger, from Volkswagen's sales and marketing division, told journalists: 'This car generates good vibrations. The New Beetle is optimism on wheels, pure driving joy and the rebirth of a legend.' But what has prompted such euphoria for a car that in appearance draws its inspiration from a 60-year-old design and in engineering terms is built on the same platform as the Golf, Bora, Audi A3, the SEAT Toledo and Skoda Octavia?
Its squat, lumpy body does not make it traditionally attractive to look at, except perhaps for those who fondly remember the original Beetle. But what is not traditional is unmistakable and the triple-arched shape, rounded curves and those circular headlamps catch the eye. On closer inspection of both the petrol and diesel-engined variants, both were solidly built and immaculately finished with tank-like solidity as is customary with Volkswagens.
It feels a safe car to travel in, an impression heightened by the knowledge that anti-lock brakes, driver and front seat passenger airbags and front seat mounted airbags will be fitted as standard on UK models. Build quality is excellent. The body is made using laser welding and soldering, while the wings are made of a plastic which enables the production of gap-free joins. The external finish was not only flawless, but thanks to full galvanisation and five coats of paint Volkswagen is offering a 12-year anti-perforation warranty.
Internally the standard of workmanship is equally exceptional. The instrument display design is minimal with speedometer, rev counter and fuel gauge surrounded by a single narrow arch. But surrounding the driver is an array of buttons and knobs. There is the petrol cap release button, door lock release and boot release buttons on the left, with a directional control button for both wing mirrors. Below the radio-cassette are buttons controlling the temperature of both front seats, alongside a button which controls the ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) which suppresses unwanted understeer or oversteer when close to the handling limits.
There is also a pull-down driver's armrest with flip-top compartment. Unfortunately in the down position it gets in the way when applying the handbrake. There are door pockets with elasticated sides, a 12-volt power socket in the passenger compartment - for the laptop computer Volkswagen says - illuminated clock and temperature gauge above the rear-view mirror, two cup-holders in the front and numerous storage spaces. The steering wheel is also adjustable.
Now for the downside. Behind the large windscreen, which offers excellent frontal views, is a black dashboard of dinner table proportions and you cannot see the bonnet. There is little room for back seat passengers, the boot - now at the back - seems tiny, although the rear seats can be folded.
Of the two engines tested - the 2.0-litre petrol and the 1.9 TDi - the latter was the best performer. There was slightly more engine noise with the diesel, but this was amply compensated by its pulling power from the front-mounted engine. The petrol also seemed noisy when accelerating sharply. But in other terms the Beetle is a real pleasure to drive. It hugs the road and is tight on the corners with the power steering producing an immediate response to the slightest touch. It is also extremely comfortable largely thanks to the firm racing-style seats.
