2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Review

Hold on tight--the Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S is a genuine hot rod and the fastest Beetle ever sold in this country.

The Turbo S went on sale this month and draws plenty of stares with its hunkered down stance, unique styling touches and huge tires. Some probably think it's a New Beetle given the full hot rod treatment by a custom car operation.

The Turbo S is so dedicated to performance than even the New Beetle plastic dashboard bud vase goes heavy metal with a brushed alloy trim that screams for a flower other than a daisy.

The $23,400 Turbo S essentially is the U.S. version of the $80,000 New Beetle RSi, a 225-horsepower European market 140-mph car that's over the top for sale in America. Volkswagen is only making 250 RSi models, but is offering 5,000 Turbo S models for sale here this year--out of 55,000 New Beetles.

The 130 mph New BeetleTurbo S hits 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, with a speed-activated rear spoiler that helps maintain stability at high speeds.

The car so well equipped with such items as a power glass sunroof that there are no options.

The front-drive New Beetle, which debuted in March 1998, starts at $15,900 with a decent 115-horsepower engine. A 90-horsepower diesel engine also is offered. So is a turbocharged 150-horsepower four-cylinder motor, which provides livelier acceleration.

But the $19,200-$20,075 GLS and GLX 150-horsepower turbocharged models doesn't deliver the strong acceleration of the sophisticted 1.8-liter Turbo S engine, which is Volkwagen's most powerful four-cylinder motor. It gets additional 30 horsepower and more torque mainly via higher turbo boost and a less restrictive exhaust system.

Estimated fuel economy is good at 23 mpg in the city and 30 on highways, but premium fuel is required.

The 130 mph Turbo S hits 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, with a speed-activated rear spoiler that helps maintain stability at high speeds. Volkswagen can offer the Turbo S because the basic New Beetle has a very rigid body structure and solid four-wheel independent suspension system.

The Turbo S is the first New Beetle offered with a six-speed manual transmission. Sorry, no automatic transmission is available (as it is for the 150-horsepower turbo models). The manual transmission shifts nicely, but works with a long-throw clutch.

Steering is quick, and the brakes are strong. Huge 45-series tires on 17-inch wheels help give the Turbo S sharp handling, but contribute to a rather stiff ride. The Turbo S is the first Volkswagen to have the automaker's Electronic Stabilization Program system, which helps the driver stabilize the car in demanding driving situations such as emergency maneuvers.

The Turbo S has plenty of safety items, including side air bags up front and anti-lock brakes. But it has the same drawbacks as a regular New Beetle. They include tight rear headroom, a skimy cargo area unless the rear seatback is folded forward, overly low front cupholders and flat power window controls on the doors that require awkward wrist movements.

A zoomy car always is more fun if it LOOKS zoomy. The standard New Beetle mostly just looks cute, but Volkswagen did a good job giving the Turbo S a racy apperance. For instance, it has special integrated fog lamps, new turn signals and an air-slicing front spoiler. In the rear are large chromed dual exhausts, newly designed rear bumper and a "Turbo S'' badge. Special alloy wheels and wide tires also give the car a more serious look.

The heated leather front sports seats have unique gray inserts and stitching and provide good support during spirited driving. There's a brushed alloy look throughout the interior, and the stainless steel pedals have race-car-style grip holes. Other special interior items are a leather-wrapped wheel and easily read gauges with black numbers on a white background. There's no-nonsense traditional lighting for nightime driving--instead of the regular New Beetle's indigo blue glow.

The Turbo S is one of the most distinctive new models--and one of the most fun to drive.


VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE
Price
$23,400

Likes
Zoomy. Racy looking. Well equipped. Solid construction.

Dislikes
Irksome power window controls. Tight rear head room. Skimpy cargo area.