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2008 Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe Safety Review

November 5, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

subpar side-impact crash test results
Edmunds

offers excellent crash-test results and projected accident-repair costs
Kelley Blue Book

Four stars for front impact protection
NHTSA

Good” in front impacts; “poor” in side impacts
IIHS

There's a full range of standard safety features available for the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, but TheCarConnection.com research shows that performance in some crash tests is below average.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates the Volkswagen 2008 New Beetle at four stars for front crash protection, four for driver-side protection, and three stars for passenger side protection.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the New Beetle a top score of "good" for frontal-offset crash protection. However, it did badly in side impact tests, earning a rating of "poor."

Stability control is standard on the Volkswagen 2008 New Beetle, along with anti-lock brakes and front airbags. There are also pop-up roll bars that, Consumer Reports notes, are activated automatically if sensors detect an imminent tip. This is no bad thing because the "bulky body shape can induce some crosswind wander at highway speeds." Cars.com reports that "daytime running lights are standard."

Conclusion

Although the safety equipment is more than adequate, drivers should be aware of some of the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle's shortcomings.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:subpar side-impact crash test resultsEdmundsoffers excellent crash-test results and projected accident-repair costsKelley Blue BookFour stars for front impact protectionNHTSAGood” in front impacts; “poor” in side impactsIIHS There's a full range of standard safety features available for the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, but TheCarConnection.com research shows that performance in some crash tests is below average. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates the Volkswagen 2008 New Beetle at four stars for front crash protection, four for driver-side protection, and three stars for passenger side protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the New Beetle a top score of "good" for frontal-offset crash protection. However, it did badly in side impact tests, earning a rating of "poor." Stability control is standard on the Volkswagen 2008 New Beetle, along with anti-lock brakes and front airbags. There are also pop-up roll bars that, Consumer Reports notes, are activated automatically if sensors detect an imminent tip. This is no bad thing because the "bulky body shape can induce some crosswind wander at highway speeds." Cars.com reports that "daytime running lights are standard." ConclusionAlthough the safety equipment is more than adequate, drivers should be aware of some of the 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle's shortcomings. 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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