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2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe Features Review

November 5, 2008

FEATURES | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

A fine blend of modern attributes and nostalgia
Automobile

Lengthy standard equipment list
Edmunds

VW has bundled its most popular items
ForbesAutos

The 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has some useful features--and even more if you get the SE trim.

One of the most attractive features on the Volkswagen 2008 New Beetle is, of course, its convertible version's ragtop. The convertible version adds heft but balances it with a sunnier disposition. With help from Karmann, which designed the top for the original Beetle convertible, the top in the Volkswagen New Beetle keeps the signature roofline arc and excess of front headroom, as well as a shortage of rear headroom. There's a noticeable decrease in rear cargo space (5 cubic feet in the convertible versus 12 cubic feet in the coupe). The three-layer fabric top lowers in 13 seconds, though.

According to ConsumerGuide, "S convertibles have a manual-folding top; it's power-operated on the SE," and Automobile says that "lowering the fully lined, quiet roof was never so easy...just twist a handle and hit a button (with the optional electrohydraulic fitment), and it lowers to lie flat above the deck lid, though not so obtrusively as its forebears."

Some equipment has been deleted from the Volkswagen 2008 New Beetle's spec sheet; front floor mats are no longer standard, while fog lights, leather seating, and rain-sensing wipers are off the equipment list entirely. Tire pressure monitors and a temporary spare tire have been added as standard equipment, though, and Sirius Satellite Radio is an option. More advanced features like a navigation system and Bluetooth are unavailable.

Those living in snow country can get "the Cold Weather package," according to Cars.com. This features heated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles.

Conclusion

The 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle doesn’t offer the most advanced tech options, but the convertible top is its finest hour.

FEATURES | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:A fine blend of modern attributes and nostalgiaAutomobileLengthy standard equipment listEdmundsVW has bundled its most popular itemsForbesAutos The 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has some useful features--and even more if you get the SE trim. One of the most attractive features on the Volkswagen 2008 New Beetle is, of course, its convertible version's ragtop. The convertible version adds heft but balances it with a sunnier disposition. With help from Karmann, which designed the top for the original Beetle convertible, the top in the Volkswagen New Beetle keeps the signature roofline arc and excess of front headroom, as well as a shortage of rear headroom. There's a noticeable decrease in rear cargo space (5 cubic feet in the convertible versus 12 cubic feet in the coupe). The three-layer fabric top lowers in 13 seconds, though. According to ConsumerGuide, "S convertibles have a manual-folding top; it's power-operated on the SE," and Automobile says that "lowering the fully lined, quiet roof was never so easy...just twist a handle and hit a button (with the optional electrohydraulic fitment), and it lowers to lie flat above the deck lid, though not so obtrusively as its forebears." Some equipment has been deleted from the Volkswagen 2008 New Beetle's spec sheet; front floor mats are no longer standard, while fog lights, leather seating, and rain-sensing wipers are off the equipment list entirely. Tire pressure monitors and a temporary spare tire have been added as standard equipment, though, and Sirius Satellite Radio is an option. More advanced features like a navigation system and Bluetooth are unavailable. Those living in snow country can get "the Cold Weather package," according to Cars.com. This features heated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles. ConclusionThe 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle doesn’t offer the most advanced tech options, but the convertible top is its finest hour. 2008 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE STYLING | [7 out of 10] Automobile: "handsome, competent, and well finished" Cars.com: "a wholly appealing automobile that still draws smiles" Edmunds: "a cute alternative to more traditional compacts" The rounded, insect-like shape that endeared the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

A few cars bring back designs from the 1960s in newly updated forms. The MINI Cooper is one--and it's a success at reinventing the MINI's charm on a larger scale. The Ford Mustang hits the right styling notes and offers convertible and V-8 editions to boot. If you're looking for an inexpensive German car with good handling and fuel economy and more room, Volkswagen's own Rabbit hatchback has a four-door version, a rich interior, up-to-date equipment, and good crash test performance.

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See the Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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