- Flexible 2.0-litre petrol engine
- Comfortable ride
- Light steering is accurate…
- … but lacks feel
- Performance from 1.6-litre engine is only adequate
- Turbo lag from 1.9-litre diesel engine
- Manual transmission lacks refinement
- A-pillars impair forward visibility
- Poor rear seat headroom and cargo space
Review: Volkswagen 9C-I New Beetle (2000-05)
Overview
Released in February 2000, the Volkswagen 9C Series I (9C-I) New Beetle was a three-door liftback. Manufactured in Puebla, Mexico, the VW New Beetle was initially available with either a 2.0-litre petrol engine (the ‘2.0i’ variants) or a 1.8-litre turbocharged unit (‘1.8T’). In January 2002, a 1.6-litre petrol engine was introduced, the 2.0-litre petrol engine was updated and a better-equipped Ikon edition was released. Please note that the 1Y New Beetle Cabriolet has been reviewed separately.
Based on the Volkswagen Mk.4 Golf platform, the 9C New Beetle differed from the original Beetle in that the engine was positioned at the front of the vehicle and drove the front wheels. Furthermore, the New Beetle had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle (both with coil springs and an anti-roll bar). Compared to the Mk.4 Golf , the 9C New Beetle was 68 mm shorter (4081 mm), 11 mm narrower (1724 mm), 59 mm taller (1498 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2511 mm).
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0i | 2000-02 | 2.0-litre AQY petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
85 kW at 5200 rpm | 170 Nm at 2400 rpm |
| 2002-05 | 2.0-litre AQY/BER petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
85 kW at 5400 rpm | 172 Nm at 3200 rpm | |
| 1.8T | 2001-05 | 1.8-litre AWU petrol turbo I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
110 kW at 6000 rpm | 210 Nm at 1750-4200 rpm |
| 1.6i | 2002-05 | 1.6-litre AYD petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
75 kW at 5600 rpm | 148 Nm at 3800 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen 9C New Beetle included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The 1.8T was further equipped with electronic stability control and traction control; the 1.8T was also fitted with an electronic differential lock which enabled the front wheels to be individually braked at speeds up to 40 km/h.
Brakes
The VW New Beetle had 280 mm by 22 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 232 mm by 9 mm solid rear discs.
Euro NCAP crash testing
In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 1999 New Beetle fitted with a 2.0-litre petrol engine received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.45. In the frontal offset impact test, protection from serious chest injury was marginal for both front occupants, while protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver. In the side impact test, however, maximum points were awarded.
Features
Standard features for the Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0i included a six speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, height adjustable front seats, a 12 volt power outlet and immobiliser.
The New Beetle 1.8T was further equipped with 16-inch ‘Rave’ alloy wheels, cruise control, front fog lights, leather seats, heated front seats, leather steering wheel and handbrake, rear roof spoiler and an alarm system.
Compared to the 2.0i, the 1.6i had a four speaker sound system with CD player and omitted power windows, a centre armrest, height adjustable passenger seat and remote boot locking. The 1.6i Ikon, however, restored these features. For the 2.0i variant, the Ikon edition added 16-inch ‘Monte Carlo’ alloy wheels, cruise control and a power sunroof as standard equipment.
2000 New Beetle 2.0i Sunshine edition
In October 2000, a limited run Sunshine edition of the 2.0i variant was released; it was distinguished by its alloy wheels, black leather upholstery, heated front seats, leather steering wheel, power sunroof and Sunshine Yellow paint finish.
2004 New Beetle 1.6i Miami edition
In November 2004, a Miami edition of the 1.6i variant was released; it was distinguished by its six speaker sound system, remote central locking and choice of three colours: Cyber Green, Sunflower Yellow and Platinum Grey.
Review: Volkswagen 9C-II New Beetle (2005-10)
Overview
Released in October 2005, the Volkswagen 9C Series II (9C-II) New Beetle introduced a revised line-up, improved safety equipment and cosmetic changes. The VW 9C-II New Beetle range consisted of the 1.6i – available solely as a Miami edition – and the newly introduced 1.9 TDI variant. Visually, the 9C-II New Beetle could be identified by its polycarbonate headlights, tail lights (white circle inside a red circle), and new bumpers and wheel guards.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6i (Miami) | 2005-10 | 1.6-litre BFS petrol I4 | 4sp auto, 5sp man. |
75 kW at 5600 rpm | 148 Nm at 3800 rpm |
| 1.9 TDI | 2005-10 | 1.9-litre BSW turbo-diesel I4 | 5sp man. | 77 kW at 4000 rpm | 250 Nm at 1900 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its 9C-I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the 9C-II New Beetle was extended to include full-length curtain airbags. Like the 9C-I 1.8T, the 1.9 TDI was fitted with electronic stability control, traction control and an electronic differential lock.
Features
Features were substantially the same as the 9C-I New Beetle, while the 1.6i Miami and 1.9 TDI variants were similarly equipped.
2010 New Beetle Black Orange
In March 2010, a limited run Black Orange edition of the New Beetle was released; these were distinguished by their 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, tinted windows, ‘leatherette’ seat trim, leather steering wheel and gearshift, cruise control and aluminium pedals. Furthermore, two colour combinations were available: black gloss paint finish with silver alloy wheels and ‘Orange’ side decals; or a Red Rock Metallic paint finish with black roof, alloy wheels and decals.
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