New 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle

For the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle, the German automaker went with the timeless motto: “Why mess with a good thing?” An aesthetically eye-pleasing compact vehicle that will help you get nostalgic for a classic retro look, this car continues to maintain its automotive status as a stylish icon.

The New Beetle is available as a coupe-style hatchback or convertible with a power-folding soft top. Powered by a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine that exhibits 150-horsepower, it’s the same one you'll find under the hood of the Jetta and Rabbit. Both body styles feature front-wheel drive, with the coupe sporting either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The convertible is only available with an automatic transmission.

The modern version of the ”Love Bug,” the New Beetle distinguishes itself primarily on its exterior body shape, comfortable road handling, and plenty of standard features common with the entire Volkswagen line. It competes with other coupes or hatchbacks like the Honda Civic, Saturn Astra or even its sister, the Rabbit. Gas mileage is just on par with others in its class, with a fuel economy of 20 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.

The New Beetle may not seem to have the roomy interior cabin of other competitors, but don’t judge this book by its cover. Most passengers will feel relatively comfortable up front and cargo space will handle everyday driving and loads. Raising and lowering the Beetle's top is pretty simple - one button on the console takes it up or down, and there's only a single manual latch you must pull and twist to secure it tightly to the vehicle body. 16-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, full power accessories, heated front seats, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a premium audio system with a CD/MP3 player are added amenities.

All New Beetle coupes come fully-equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side-impact airbags and active front head restraints. Convertibles also feature an added rollover protection system for emergency situations. In side-impact testing prior to this year’s launch, the New Beetle received a perfect five-star rating for front passengers.

Whether you want a fun drive to work or for play, the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle is an impressive choice for the combination of power, more-than-smooth handling and comfort.