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2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe Performance Review

July 17, 2009

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

the car also delivers a superior ride
Cars.com

feels livelier once under way
ConsumerGuide

so-so power
Edmunds

Reviewers report that the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle offers sorely disappointing performance—especially in the engine department.

A 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder is the only engine available on the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle. It's rated at 150 horsepower and works through either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Car and Driver says "the VW returns an 8.8-second huff to 60 mph," not an impressive figure but light-years beyond the performance of the original Beetle. ConsumerGuide reports that the "slow-revving 5-cylinder engine needs full throttle for best takeoffs."

Transmission options include a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Edmunds indicates that regardless of whether the vehicle is equipped with the manual or six-speed automatic, "acceleration is merely adequate." Some reviewers like the automatic because the extra speed makes a noticeable difference in the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle. However, Cars.com observes, "The manual gearbox operates easily, and the clutch is light." Edmunds reports that "fuel economy is similarly lackluster for a compact." Gas mileage is good news for fans of the automatic Volkswagen; 2009's New Beetle gets 20/29 mpg with the automatic transmission in the coupe, and 20/28 mpg with the manual transmission in the coupe and the automatic in the convertible.

Hot handling isn't the 2009 New Beetle's mission on the planet, but it rides well. Cars.com points out that "the car also delivers a superior ride; the suspension absorbs plenty of road imperfections," and "steering feel and feedback are excellent." Edmunds says, "It isn't a spirited experience, but excels at what it was built for—cruising and being seen cruising in," and "the suspension is on the soft side of sporty." Car and Driver reports "this is not a corner bomber." Torque steer is an unanticipated issue, they warn, "when you poke the gas hard."

Conclusion

The 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle doesn't shine in terms of performance, though the convertible adds a measure of fun.

PERFORMANCE | 6 out of 10Expert Quotes:the car also delivers a superior rideCars.comfeels livelier once under wayConsumerGuideso-so powerEdmunds Reviewers report that the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle offers sorely disappointing performance—especially in the engine department. A 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder is the only engine available on the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle. It's rated at 150 horsepower and works through either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. Car and Driver says "the VW returns an 8.8-second huff to 60 mph," not an impressive figure but light-years beyond the performance of the original Beetle. ConsumerGuide reports that the "slow-revving 5-cylinder engine needs full throttle for best takeoffs." Transmission options include a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Edmunds indicates that regardless of whether the vehicle is equipped with the manual or six-speed automatic, "acceleration is merely adequate." Some reviewers like the automatic because the extra speed makes a noticeable difference in the 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle. However, Cars.com observes, "The manual gearbox operates easily, and the clutch is light." Edmunds reports that "fuel economy is similarly lackluster for a compact." Gas mileage is good news for fans of the automatic Volkswagen; 2009's New Beetle gets 20/29 mpg with the automatic transmission in the coupe, and 20/28 mpg with the manual transmission in the coupe and the automatic in the convertible. Hot handling isn't the 2009 New Beetle's mission on the planet, but it rides well. Cars.com points out that "the car also delivers a superior ride; the suspension absorbs plenty of road imperfections," and "steering feel and feedback are excellent." Edmunds says, "It isn't a spirited experience, but excels at what it was built for—cruising and being seen cruising in," and "the suspension is on the soft side of sporty." Car and Driver reports "this is not a corner bomber." Torque steer is an unanticipated issue, they warn, "when you poke the gas hard." ConclusionThe 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle doesn't shine in terms of performance, though the convertible adds a measure of fun. 2009 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: "a popular choice among those seeking a less conventional mode of transportation" Cars.com: "a wholly appealing automobile that still draws smiles" Edmunds: "a cute alternative to more traditional compacts" Reviewers ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

Few vehicles do retro quite as faithfully as the New Beetle, even if it has nothing in common mechanically with the original rear-engine car. However, for design mavens and small-car fans, there's the MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper Convertible. Both models are a thrill to drive, handle better than the New Beetle, and go much farther on a gallon of gas. The Ford Mustang hits the right styling notes and offers convertible and V-8 editions to boot. Volkswagen's own Rabbit hatchback has a four-door version, a rich interior, up-to-date equipment, and good crash-test performance. Or for just a few thousand more than the New Beetle Convertible, you could also step up to the Eos, which is a much more sophisticated, sporty convertible with an advanced folding hardtop.

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See the Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe in Other Years:

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

Comments (1 total)

  1. By  matthew fernandes #1, Posted: 8/6/2009

    Thanks for sharing the information. I like the features of Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe. But I like the look of Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Range Car. Its so gorgeous and the second thing, it has so much features that makes me fan of this car.The most important feature is its safty measures available in the car. The Electronic Stabilisation Programme is launched in the car with the powerful device of ABS. This device makes the car stable even in all the gears and also on the shocks that can be felt while driving. For more details refer http://www.automotivecraze.com/new-volkswagen-beetle-cabriolet-range-car-review/

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