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Volkswagen New Beetle

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This article is about the Volkswagen New Beetle from 1997–2011. For the original Beetle from 1938–2003, see Volkswagen Beetle. For the car from 2011–2019, see Volkswagen Beetle (A5).

The Volkswagen New Beetle is a compact car, introduced by Volkswagen in 1997, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front, driving the front wheels, with luggage storage in the rear. It received a facelift in 2005 and was in production until 2011, almost fourteen years since its introduction.

Volkswagen New Beetle
Overview
ManufacturerVolkswagen
Also calledVolkswagen Beetle (Mexico)
Volkswagen Bjalla (Iceland)
ProductionOctober 1997 – July 2011
Model years1998–2011
Assembly
DesignerJ Mays (1993, 1995),
Freeman Thomas (1993, 1995),
Peter Schreyer (1993)
Body and chassis
ClassCompact car (C)
Body style3-door hatchback[1][2]
2-door convertible[1]
Layoutfront engine, front-wheel drive, 4motion all-wheel drive (RSi)
PlatformVolkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform
RelatedAudi A3 Mk1
Audi TT Mk1
SEAT León Mk1
SEAT Toledo Mk2
Škoda Octavia Mk1
Volkswagen Golf Mk4
Volkswagen Jetta/Bora
Powertrain
Enginepetrol engines:
1.4 L I4 16 valve
1.6 L I4
1.8 L I4 Turbocharged
2.0 L I4
2.3 L VR5 20 valve
2.5 L I5 20 valve
3.2 L VR6 24 valve (RSI)
diesel engine:
1.9 L I4 TDI
Transmission5-speed manual
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic(01M)
6-speed automatic tiptronic(09G)
6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,515 mm (99.0 in)
Length4,129 mm (162.6 in)
Width1,721 mm (67.8 in)
Height1,511 mm (59.5 in) (1998–2000),
1,498 mm (59.0 in) (hatch 2003–present),
1,501 mm (59.1 in) (convertible)
Chronology
PredecessorVolkswagen Beetle
SuccessorVolkswagen Beetle (A5)

In the 2012 model year, a new Beetle model, the Beetle (A5), replaced the New Beetle. Various versions of this model continued to be produced in Puebla, Mexico, until the final car left the assembly line on 10 July 2019.[3]

History

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Coupe (pre-facelift)
 
Cabriolet (pre-facelift)
 
 
Coupe (facelift)
 
Cabriolet (facelift)
 
Interior

At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the Concept One, a "retro"-themed concept car with a resemblance to the original Volkswagen Beetle. Designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at the company's California design studio,[4] the concept car was based on the platform of the Volkswagen Polo. A red cabriolet concept was featured at the Geneva Motor Show, also in 1994.

Production design approval was reached in mid-1995, with a design freeze resulting in 22 months of development time for production.[5] In October 1995, the Volkswagen Concept Two was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, essentially an early preview of the production model due in early 1998.[citation needed]

Strong public reaction to the Concept One convinced the company that it should develop a production version which was launched as the New Beetle in 1997 for the 1998 model-year, based on the Golf IV's larger PQ34 platform.[6] The New Beetle is related to the original only in name and appearance (including the absence of a car emblem script with the exception of the VW logo). For the 1998 model year, only the TDI compression-ignition engine was turbocharged; the spark-ignition engines were only naturally aspirated. In June 1999, Volkswagen introduced the 1.8T, which was the first turbocharged spark-ignition engine offered for the New Beetle. Volkswagen created a web site dedicated specifically to the 1.8T.[7] A convertible was added for the 2003 model-year to replace the Volkswagen Cabrio. However, the New Beetle Convertible was never offered with a compression-ignition engine in North America. The third-generation Beetle Convertible, the successor to the New Beetle Convertible, was offered with the TDI compression-ignition engine in the USA but not in Canada, though, making it possibly the only diesel convertible car offered in North America.

The New Beetle carries many design similarities with the original VW Beetle: separate fenders, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps, and large round taillights, as well as a high rounded roofline. It was assembled in VW's Puebla factory in Mexico.

In June 2005, Volkswagen announced a facelift of the New Beetle featuring revised bumpers, wheels, lamps, VW emblems, sharper lines and a different interior. In the USA it went on sale for the 2006 model year.[8][9]

Specifications

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  • Dimension:
    • Length: 4,081–4,129 mm (160.7–162.6 in)
    • Width: 1,721 mm (67.8 in)
    • Height: 1,498 mm (59.0 in)
    • Wheelbase: 2,515 mm (99.0 in)
    • Curb weight: 1,230 kg (2,712 lb)
    • Luggage volume: 12 cu ft (339.8 L)
    • Luggage volume with rear seat folded: 27.1 cu ft (767.4 L)
  • Max speed: 161–225 km/h (110-140 mph)
  • Acceleration (0–100 km/h | 0-62.5 mph): 6.7-14.6 sec

Body styles

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Chassis code Typ 1C Typ 9C Typ 1Y
Body type Coupé Coupé Convertible
Region(s) North America Europe and others World
Years 1998–2010 1997– 2001–

Engine choices

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TDI diesel engine in 2006 New Beetle
Model engine code(s) engine type max power at rpm max torque at rpm years
Petrol engines
1.4 BCA 1,390 cc (1.39 L; 85 cu in) I4 DOHC 16V 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) at 5,000 126 N⋅m (93 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 2001–
1.6 AWH 1,595 cc (1.595 L; 97.3 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) at 5,600 145 N⋅m (107 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 1999–2000
1.6 AYD / BFS 1,595 cc (1.595 L; 97.3 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) at 5,600 148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 2006–

2009

1.8 T AGU 1,781 cc (1.781 L; 108.7 cu in) I4 DOHC 20V turbo 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 5,700 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) at 1,750-4,600 1998–2000
1.8 T APH /AVC /AWC /AWU /AWV /BKF 1,781 cc (1.781 L; 108.7 cu in) I4 DOHC 20V turbo 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 5,800 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) at 2,000-4,200 1999–2002
1.8 T AUQ 1,781 cc (1.781 L; 108.7 cu in) I4 DOHC 20V turbo 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) 2001–2002
1.8 T AWP 1,781 cc (1.781 L; 108.7 cu in) I4 DOHC 20V turbo 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp) at 5,500 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) at 1,950-5,000 2002–2004
2.0 AEG 1,984 cc (1.984 L; 121.1 cu in) I4 DOHC 16V 150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp) at 5,400 165 N⋅m (122 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 1998–2003
2.0 APK / AQY 1,984 cc (1.984 L; 121.1 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) at 5,200 170 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 1998–2001
2.0 AZJ /BDC /BEJ /BER /BEV /BGD /BHP 1,984 cc (1.984 L; 121.1 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) at 5,200 172 N⋅m (127 lb⋅ft) at 3,200 2001–2003
2.3 V5 AQN 2,324 cc (2.324 L; 141.8 cu in) VR5 DOHC 20V 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 6,200 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) at 3,300 2000–2005
2.5 BGP 2,480 cc (2.48 L; 151 cu in) I5 DOHC 20V 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) 209 N⋅m (154 lb⋅ft) 2006–
2.5 BPR /BPS 2,480 cc (2.48 L; 151 cu in) I5 DOHC 20V 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 5,000 228 N⋅m (168 lb⋅ft) at 3,750 2006–
3.2 RSI AXJ 3,189 cc (3.189 L; 194.6 cu in) VR6 DOHC 24V 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) 2000–2003
Diesel engines
1.9 TDI AGR / ALH 1,896 cc (1.896 L; 115.7 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Injection pump) 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) at 4,000 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) at 1,900 1998–2004
1.9 TDI ATD /AXR /BEW 1,896 cc (1.896 L; 115.7 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Pumpe-Düse) 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) at 4,000 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 1,800-2400 2000–2005
1.9 TDI BJB / BKC / BXE / BLS 1,896 cc (1.896 L; 115.7 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V turbo 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 4,000 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 1,800 2003–
1.9 TDI BSW 1,896 cc (1.896 L; 115.7 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Pumpe-Düse) 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 4,000 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 1,800-2,200 2005–2006

Safety

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The New Beetle achieved five stars in the 2011 Euro NCAP tests compared to four stars in the 2000 Euro NCAP tests scoring 25 points (33 to reach five stars).

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the New Beetle a Good overall score in their frontal crash test. 2004 models come standard with side airbags; however, the IIHS rated the Beetle Poor in their side impact test.[10]

United States models

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Engine choices include the 115 hp (86 kW) 2.0 L inline-four for the base model, the 100 hp (75 kW) 1.9 L TDI turbodiesel inline-four (discontinued after the 2006 model year due to more stringent emissions requirements), and the 150 hp (112 kW) 1.8 L turbo inline-four for the Turbo and Sport models.

The Turbo S model (sold 2002–2004) included the 1.8 L turbo but with 180 hp (134 kW). It also included a sport suspension, six-speed manual transmission, aluminum interior trim, revised front/rear fascias, and bigger wheels and tires. A close relative of the Turbo S was the 2002–2004 Color Concept. This limited edition variant was available in limited exterior colors, with interior door panel inserts, seat inserts, floor mat piping, and wheel opening inserts color-matched to the exterior paint. Wheel color inserts, diameter, and style varied with model year. It came standard with the 150 hp (112 kW) 1.8 turbo gasoline engine, 5-speed manual gearbox, speed-activated rear spoiler, power windows/sunroof/door locks, heated leather seats, and fog lamps.

All 1.8L Turbo and Turbo S inline-four models were equipped with a retractable rear spoiler which was not available on the 1.9 L TDI inline-4, 2.0 L inline-four and 2.5 L inline-five models.

For the 2006 model, the exterior was slightly redesigned with more angular bumpers and wheel wells, and these models were fitted with the 2.5 L 5-cylinder engine with 150 hp (112 kW) which was also fitted on the Rabbit and Jetta, later becoming the sole engine option. The New Beetle would not be given the upgraded 2.5 L engine (engine code CBTA/CBUA) that 2008 and later Jettas and Rabbits received.

Special editions

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Beetle RSi (2001–2003)

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VW New Beetle RSi

The RSi is a limited 250 unit version of the New Beetle. It included a 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp) 3.2-litre VR6 engine,[11] a 6-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen's four-wheel drive system 4motion, Remus twin-pipe exhaust. It was rumored Porsche tuned the suspension but the suspension tuning was actually carried out in-house at VW Individual.[citation needed] The suspension was greatly altered at the rear, with geometry more geared to the race track and a rear cross brace behind the rear seats, 80 mm (3.1 in) wider fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, large rear wing, and 18x9 OZ Superturismo wheels with 235/40ZR-18 tires. Inside, it was trimmed in carbon fiber, billet aluminum, and bright orange leather. The front seats were Recaro racing buckets.

Ragster concept (2005)

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The VW New Beetle Ragster Concept at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show

At the 2005 North American International Auto Show, the Volkswagen New Beetle Ragster concept car was introduced. It was supposed to be a preview of the future design of the New Beetle.[citation needed] The base of the Ragster (the name denoting a cross between a "ragtop" and a speedster) was a New Beetle Convertible modified with a new roof, giving it a much lower roofline, and a unique paint job with silver double stripes. The interior differs from the original New Beetle, being a 2+2, and having distinctive control dials. The Ragster's rear-view mirror is mounted on its dashboard,[12] a retro feature, reminiscent of the first Type 1s.[citation needed]

Anniversary Edition (2008)

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VW New Beetle 10th Anniversary Edition

The anniversary edition was released in 2008 for the Mexican and Australian markets, and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the New Beetle. Based on the Beetle Miami, the car featured the exclusive body colour of "Campanella white", with a black roof and door mirrors, and featured a '10' logo stripe on the side. The interior was also modified, featuring black and white leather seats with a '10' logo on the headrest and in the footwells, with a decoration showing the production number of the Beetle. The car had a 1.6 litre petrol engine. 310 New Beetle Anniversary Editions were produced.[13][14]

Blush (2009)

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New Beetle Blush Convertible, with its unique exterior paint and interior color combination

The Blush is a limited New Beetle convertible with a special "white gold" exterior paint and "Bordeaux red" convertible top, with burgundy leather seats matching the convertible top color. Neither the white gold exterior nor interior colors were available on other 2009 New Beetle convertibles. 1500 New Beetle Blush convertibles were produced.[15]

Final edition (2010)

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VW New Beetle Final Edition (Cabriolet)

Announced at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2010 Final Edition New Beetle featured Aquarius Blue paintwork, with the hardtop receiving a black painted roof and the convertible sporting Campanella White painted side panels. In addition to unique 17-inch wheels, both models were powered by a 2.5-liter engine mated to an automatic "Tiptronic" transmission. Other additions included sports suspension and "Final Edition" badging inside and out. Both models arrived with integrated fog lights and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard.

The "Final Edition" marked the end of production of the New Beetle.[16] It was succeeded in 2011 by the Beetle (A5).

BlackOrange Edition (2010)

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In 2010, Volkswagen Australia offered a final limited edition variant named as BlackOrange Edition. Two-color combinations were available: Black gloss exterior with silver mirrors, silver alloy wheels and silver decals for the lower flanks of the body, or Red Rock metallic exterior with black roof/mirrors, black alloy wheels and black decals for the lower flanks. All BlackOrange Editions came with 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, leatherette seat upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, tinted rear side/rear windows, aluminium pedals and leather-bound steering wheel/gear knob.[17]

Awards

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The Volkswagen New Beetle was Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year"[18] for 1999.

Sales

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Year Production
Hatchback Cabriolet
1997 415[19] -
1998 107,090[19] -
1999 160,147[20] -
2000 149,426[20] -
2001 115,851[21] -
2002 94,428[21] 7072[21]
2003 50,318[21] 60,276[21]
2004 38,847[22] 41,271[22]
2005 35,485[23] 30,531[23]
2006 43,653[23] 30,007[23]
2007 40,124[24] 26,752[24]
2008 37,893[24] 17,100[24]
2009 24,328[25] 12,773[25]
2010 31,533[25] 8,640[25]
2011 21,496[26]

See also

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References

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Notes

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  1. ^ a b "Volkswagen Beetle (1999 - 2011) used car review". rac.co.uk. RAC Limited. 14 August 2017. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  2. ^ Kennedy, Ewan (3 July 2014). "Used Volkswagen Beetle review: 2000-2013". carsguide.com.au. Retrieved 13 August 2022.
  3. ^ "The Last VW Beetle Rolls Off The Assembly Line in Mexico This Week". NPR. 9 July 2019. Retrieved 10 July 2019. [T]here are no immediate plans to replace it," Volkswagen Group of America's then-President and CEO Hinrich Woebcken said last year. "I would also say, 'Never say never.'
  4. ^ Patton, Phil (May 2001). "Would you buy a Concept Car from this man?". Metropolis Magazine. Bellerophon Publications. Archived from the original on 8 March 2009. Retrieved 4 January 2010.
  5. ^ "Volkswagen : New Beetle". autointell.com.
  6. ^ "The VW Experimental Vehicles - the 1980s to present pt 2". Wheelspin. London & Thames Valley VW Club. February 2003. Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  7. ^ "Volkswagen Launches Turbonium Web Site". URLwire. June 1999. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
  8. ^ "The Volkswagen Beetle Has A Facelift". www.carpages.co.uk. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  9. ^ "VW New Beetle Facelift - AUTO BILD". autobild.de (in German). 9 June 2005. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
  10. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Volkswagen New Beetle". Iihs.org. 25 September 2008. Retrieved 7 August 2009.
  11. ^ "VW New Beetle RSI". sportauto-online.de. Retrieved 31 December 2010.
  12. ^ "iafrica.com | motoring | motor shows | New look for old favourite?". Motoring.iafrica.com. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  13. ^ "2008 NB Anniversary Edition - SEBeetles.com". 28 May 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  14. ^ Skentzos, George (1 February 2008). "2008 Volkswagen Beetle 10th Anniversary Edition". Drive. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  15. ^ "2009 New Beetle Blush - All the VW Beetle Special Editions: SE Beetles". sebeetles.com. Retrieved 15 April 2016.
  16. ^ Harley, Michael (2 December 2009). "LA 2009: Volkswagen shows off "Final Edition" New Beetle models". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 31 December 2010.
  17. ^ "Volkswagen Beetle BlackOrange Limited Edition". www.caradvice.com.au. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
  18. ^ "Motor Trend Import Car of the Year Complete Winners List". Motortrend.com. 13 December 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2010.
  19. ^ a b "Annual Report 1998". Volkswagen.
  20. ^ a b "Annual Report 2000". Volkswagen.
  21. ^ a b c d e "Annual Report 2002". Volkswagen.
  22. ^ a b "Annual Report 2004". Volkswagen.
  23. ^ a b c d "Annual Report 2006". Volkswagen.
  24. ^ a b c d "Annual Report 2008". Volkswagen. p. 81.
  25. ^ a b c d "Annual Report 2010". Volkswagen. p. 109.
  26. ^ "Annual Report 2012". Volkswagen. p. 107.

Bibliography

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General

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  • DeLorenzo, Matt (1998). The New Beetle. Enthusiast Color Series. Osceola, WI, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 0760306443.
  • Kiley, David (2002). Getting the Bugs Out: The Rise, Fall, and Comeback of Volkswagen in America. New York: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 0471263044.
  • Lewandowski, Jürgen; Völker, Herbert; Zellner, Marion (1998). New Beetle (in German). Bielefeld, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 3768810852.
  • McCutcheon, Ivan (1998). The New Beetle. London: Carlton. ISBN 1858686814.
  • Pidoll, Ulrich von (1999). Vom Käfer zum New Beetle: ein Auto schreibt Geschichte – Erlebnisse, Daten & Fakten von 1930 bis heute [From the Beetle to the New Beetle: a car makes history – experiences, dates and facts from 1930 to the present day] (in German). Hamburg: Nikol Verlag. ISBN 3933203139.
  • Wood, Jonathan (1998). The new VW Beetle: the creation of a twenty first century classic (2nd ed.). Godalming, UK: Quadrillion. ISBN 0681113987.

Workshop manuals

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  • Henderson, Bob (2012). Chilton's Volkswagen New Beetle 1998-10 Repair Manual: Covers U.S. and Canadian models of Volkswagen New Beetle gasoline and 1.9L ECO diesel engines. Chilton Automotive Repair Manuals series. Sparkford, Somerset, England; Newbury Park, CA, USA: Haynes Publishing. ISBN 9781563927119.
  • ———————; Haynes, John H. (2016). VW New Beetle 1998 thru 2010, All gasoline engines, TDI diesel engine (1998 thru 2004), Haynes Repair Manual. Haynes Automotive Repair Manual Series. Sparkford, Somerset, England; Newbury Park, CA, USA: Haynes Publishing. ISBN 9781563929946.
  • Seume, Keith (2001). VW New Beetle Performance Handbook. St. Paul, MN, USA: MBI Publishing Company. ISBN 0760309094.
  • Volkswagen New Beetle Service Manual: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 including Convertible. Cambridge, MA, USA: Bentley Publishers. 2010. ISBN 9780837616407.
  • VW New Beetle: Wartung Pflege Störungssuche. Reparaturanleitung series, Band 1336 (in German). Zug, Switzerland: Verlag Bucheli. 2014. ISBN 9783716821763.
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