LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Volkswagen New Beetle: New Beetles
built 606 days ago
If the Volkswagen New Beetle is a smile on wheels, then the Beetle Convertible is an ear-to-ear grin, looking at once more whimsical, and more like its vintage ancestor, than the Beetle hardtop. Both are back for 2004, with new safety features, new colors, and new options. Plus, an even more modern and efficient diesel engine is available for the coupe.
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The Volkswagen New Beetle is available as a two-door hatchback or a two-door convertible. Although the front-wheel-drive compact is based on the previous-generation Golf platform, it has less interior space than the Golf (and most compacts in its class). The front seats are roomy, but the same can hardly be said in the back. Trunk space is tight and even more limiting on the convertible. The convertible comes with a manual-folding top (and a glass rear window) as standard. A power top is available as an option.
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The VW New Beetle made a big splash when it was introduced ten years ago. Reviews say it is still a peppy, cute car, but it's beginning to look a little dated. Some of the newer subcompact hatchbacks, including the Honda Fit (*est. $13,850 to $15,170), are getting better reviews for rear-seat comfort and cargo space (problem areas for the Beetle), and reliability for the Beetle has been only average. Still, reviews say front-seat comfort is exceptional, and the ride quality is smooth. Above all, no car looks quite like the VW Beetle, which ... comes as a convertible.
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Volkswagen of America is issuing a recall for 510 units of the 2008 “Triple White Edition” New Beetle because an incorrect adhesive may have been used to attach the roof spoiler to the rear glass. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the recall is expected to begin around February 29.
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The two-door New Beetle is available in two-door hatchback and convertible body styles. Hatchbacks come in GL, GLS and Turbo S trim; convertibles are either GL or GLS. GL models come with 16-inch wheels; air conditioning; power windows, locks and mirrors; cruise control; seat-height adjusters; a tilt and telescoping steering wheel; and a manually folding top on convertibles. The GLS adds a sunroof, a center armrest with storage, alloy wheels, foglights and a power-operated top on the convertible. The Turbo S has all of the above items, plus unique 17-inch wheels, leather seating, a sport-tuned suspension, distinctive body add-ons and a unique interior.
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Quality in the New Beetle is excellent. Gaps between doors, fenders and other body panels are some of the tightest we've seen. Fenders and bumpers are made from a special dent-resistant plastic. Outside door handles are easy to grab, feel good, and don't require inverting your hand to operate them. Turn indicators on the outside mirrors warn drivers alongside when changing lanes. Color-keyed mirror housings and door handles add to the Beetle's clean appearance.
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