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Introduction for Summer 2005
The New Beetle receives a subtle re-styling in both the hard top and the
cabriolet models for summer. In addition New Beetle also receives the option of
a TDI (diesel) engine for the first time, as per the commitment made earlier in
the year to offer diesel engines across the Volkswagen passenger vehicle range.
The New Beetle Miami, New Beetle TDI and New Beetle Cabriolet all have new
distinguishing features that include design revisions to the headlights, tail
lights, bumpers and wheel guards. These styling cues have been lifted from the
New Beetle Ragster study presented at the Detroit Motorshow earlier this year.
Exterior
On the outside, the wheel guards and bumper elements have been given a more
sharp and dynamic treatment, with bumper strips, door handles and outside rear
view mirrors coloured coded. The front turn signals have narrowed and the
Halogen headlights have clear lightweight polycarbonate lenses and are more oval
in shape. The tail lights have also come in for some optical revisions with a
white circle inside a red circle, and the VW emblems on the bonnet and tailgate
have also been modified. Five vibrant exterior colours are on offer for all
three models.
Interior
An impressive list of standard creature comforts pampers both driver and
passengers inside the New Beetle and New Beetle Cabriolet. CFC free air
conditioning and tinted glass keep the occupants comfortable all year round, and
a 6 speaker (10 in the Cabriolet), single CD AM/FM car stereo provides the in
car audio entertainment. The equipment list continues with power steering, a
height and reach adjustable 3 spoke steering wheel, electrically heated and
adjustable exterior rear view mirrors with integrated indicator lights, and
power windows all round with safety roll back function. Chrome surrounds have
been added to the air vents and to the instrument cluster, and there is ample
storage provision, both in the cabin and in the boot. To increase the load
capacity of the generous boot area, the rear seat in the New Beetle folds down
for a flat storage area, while in the New Beetle Cabriolet there is a lockable
rear seat load access.
Safety
Safety features are impressive, with driver, side and curtain airbags (6 in
total) as standard. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-pressure
Distribution (EBD) are standard across the range, while the New Beetle TDI also
has Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and
Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) as standard. The New Beetle Cabriolet is
fitted with the Active rollover protection system, a system that deploys
automatically behind the rear seats to provide added protection in the unlikely
event of a rollover, whether the convertible top is up or down. The system works
in conjunction with the New Beetle's active head restraints.
Engines
Under the bonnet there are three engines available, ranging from the 1.6
litre fuel injected engine with 75kW (102 hp) in the New Beetle Miami, to the 77
kW (105hp) 1.9 litre TDI engine. The New Beetle Cabriolet comes with the 2.0
litre 85kw (115hp) fuel injected engine. Transmission is via a 5-speed manual or
optional 4-speed auto in the Miami, a 5-speed manual in the TDI, or the choice
of a 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed tiptronic auto in the Cabriolet.
Pricing
Pricing starts at $25,990 for the manual 1.6 New Beetle Miami, $28,490 for
the 1.9 TDI and $36,990 for the 2.0 Cabriolet.
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