Volkswagen New Beetle Explained

Volkswagen New Beetle
Manufacturer:Volkswagen
Aka:Volkswagen Beetle (Mexico)
Volkswagen Bjalla (Iceland)
Production:October 1997 – July 2011
Model Years:1998–2011
Designer:J Mays (1993, 1995),
Freeman Thomas (1993, 1995),
Peter Schreyer (1993)
Class:Compact car (C)
Body Style:3-door hatchback[1] [2]
2-door convertible
Platform:Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform
Related:Audi A3 Mk1
Audi TT Mk1
SEAT León Mk1
SEAT Toledo Mk2
Škoda Octavia Mk1
Volkswagen Golf Mk4
Volkswagen Jetta/Bora
Layout:front engine, front-wheel drive, 4motion all-wheel drive (RSi)
Engine:petrol 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
Transmission:5-speed manual
6-speed manual
4-speed automatic(01M)
6-speed automatic tiptronic(09G)
6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic
Wheelbase:25151NaN1
Length:41291NaN1
Width:17211NaN1
Height:59.5inches (1998–2000),
14981NaN1 (hatch 2003–present),
59.1inches (convertible)
Predecessor:Volkswagen Beetle
Successor: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.

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

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.

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

25151NaN1

12300NaN0

Body styles

Chassis codeTyp 1CTyp 9CTyp 1Y
Body typeCoupéCoupéConvertible
Region(s)North AmericaEurope and othersWorld
Years1998–20101997–2001–

Engine choices

Modelengine code(s)engine typemax power at rpmmax torque at rpmyears
Petrol engines
1.4BCA1390NaN I4 DOHC 16V75NaN at 5,000126NaN at 3,8002001–
1.6AWH1595NaN I4 SOHC 8V101NaN at 5,600145NaN at 3,8001999–2000
1.6AYD / BFS1595NaN I4 SOHC 8V102NaN at 5,600148NaN at 3,8002006–2009
1.8 TAGU1781NaN I4 DOHC 20V turbo1500NaN0 at 5,7002100NaN0 at 1,750-4,6001998–2000
1.8 TAPH /AVC /AWC /AWU /AWV /BKF1781NaN I4 DOHC 20V turbo1500NaN0 at 5,8002200NaN0 at 2,000-4,2001999–2002
1.8 TAUQ1781NaN I4 DOHC 20V turbo1800NaN0235NaN2001–2002
1.8 TAWP1781NaN I4 DOHC 20V turbo1800NaN0 at 5,500235NaN at 1,950-5,0002002–2004
2.0AEG1984NaN I4 DOHC 16V150NaN at 5,400165NaN at 2,8001998–2003
2.0APK / AQY1984NaN I4 SOHC 8V116NaN at 5,2001700NaN0 at 2,4001998–2001
2.0AZJ /BDC /BEJ /BER /BEV /BGD /BHP1984NaN I4 SOHC 8V116NaN at 5,200172NaN at 3,2002001–2003
2.3 V5AQN2324NaN VR5 DOHC 20V1700NaN0 at 6,2002200NaN0 at 3,3002000–2005
2.5BGP2480NaN I5 DOHC 20V1500NaN0209NaN2006–
2.5BPR /BPS2480NaN I5 DOHC 20V1500NaN0 at 5,000228NaN at 3,7502006–
3.2 RSIAXJ3189NaN VR6 DOHC 24V225NaN3200NaN02000–2003
Diesel engines
1.9 TDIAGR / ALH1896NaN I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Injection pump)90NaN at 4,0002100NaN0 at 1,9001998–2004
1.9 TDIATD /AXR /BEW1896NaN I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Pumpe-Düse)101NaN at 4,0002400NaN0 at 1,800-24002000–2005
1.9 TDIBJB / BKC / BXE / BLS1896NaN I4 SOHC 8V turbo105NaN at 4,0002400NaN0 at 1,8002003–
1.9 TDIBSW1896NaN I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Pumpe-Düse)105NaN at 4,0002400NaN0 at 1,800-2,2002005–2006

Safety

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

Engine choices include the 1150NaN0 2.0 L inline-four for the base model, the 1000NaN0 1.9 L TDI turbodiesel inline-four (discontinued after the 2006 model year due to more stringent emissions requirements), and the 1500NaN0 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 1800NaN0. 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 1500NaN0 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 1500NaN0 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

Beetle RSi (2001–2003)

The RSi is a limited 250 unit version of the New Beetle. It included a 2240NaN0 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. 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, 801NaN1 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)

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. 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.

Anniversary Edition (2008)

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)

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)

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)

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

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

Sales

Year! colspan="2"
Production
HatchbackCabriolet
1997415[19] -
1998107,090-
1999160,147[20] -
2000149,426-
2001115,851[21] -
200294,4287072
200350,31860,276
200438,847[22] 41,271
200535,485[23] 30,531
200643,65330,007
200740,124[24] 26,752
200837,89317,100
200924,328[25] 12,773
201031,5338,640
201121,496[26]

See also

References

Bibliography

General

Workshop manuals

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: Volkswagen Beetle (1999 - 2011) used car review . rac.co.uk . . 14 August 2017 . 13 August 2022.
  2. Web site: Used Volkswagen Beetle review: 2000-2013 . carsguide.com.au . 3 July 2014 . Kennedy . Ewan . 13 August 2022.
  3. Web site: The Last VW Beetle Rolls Off The Assembly Line in Mexico This Week . 9 July 2019 . NPR . 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. 4 January 2010. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090308134436/http://www.metropolismag.com/html/content_0501/tho/index.html. 8 March 2009. dmy-all.
  5. Web site: Volkswagen : New Beetle. autointell.com.
  6. Web site: The VW Experimental Vehicles - the 1980s to present pt 2. Wheelspin. London & Thames Valley VW Club. 12 July 2010. February 2003.
  7. Web site: Volkswagen Launches Turbonium Web Site. URLwire. 19 April 2011. June 1999.
  8. Web site: The Volkswagen Beetle Has A Facelift . 2023-09-01 . www.carpages.co.uk.
  9. Web site: 2005-06-09 . VW New Beetle Facelift - AUTO BILD . 2023-09-01 . autobild.de . de.
  10. Web site: IIHS-HLDI: Volkswagen New Beetle . Iihs.org . 25 September 2008 . 7 August 2009.
  11. Web site: VW New Beetle RSI. 31 December 2010. sportauto-online.de.
  12. Web site: iafrica.com | motoring | motor shows | New look for old favourite? . Motoring.iafrica.com . 26 September 2012.
  13. Web site: 2015-05-28 . 2008 NB Anniversary Edition - SEBeetles.com . 2024-02-06 . en-GB.
  14. Web site: Skentzos . George . 2008-02-01 . 2008 Volkswagen Beetle 10th Anniversary Edition . 2024-02-06 . Drive . en-AU.
  15. Web site: 2009 New Beetle Blush - All the VW Beetle Special Editions: SE Beetles. sebeetles.com. 15 April 2016.
  16. Web site: Harley . Michael . LA 2009: Volkswagen shows off "Final Edition" New Beetle models . Autoblog.com . 2 December 2009 . 31 December 2010.
  17. Web site: Volkswagen Beetle BlackOrange Limited Edition . www.caradvice.com.au . 2017-06-01.
  18. Web site: Motor Trend Import Car of the Year Complete Winners List . Motortrend.com . 13 December 2010 . 31 December 2010.
  19. News: Annual Report 1998 . Volkswagen.
  20. News: Annual Report 2000 . Volkswagen.
  21. News: Annual Report 2002 . Volkswagen.
  22. News: Annual Report 2004 . Volkswagen.
  23. News: Annual Report 2006 . Volkswagen.
  24. News: Annual Report 2008 . Volkswagen . 81.
  25. News: Annual Report 2010 . Volkswagen . 109.
  26. News: Annual Report 2012 . Volkswagen . 107.