THE NEW BEETLE - Vegetables - http://maxpages.com/stuff2001/The_New

Simply the best way to round out the millennium (and start a new one). At least that's what our New Beetle owners thought. In addition, J.D. Power and Associates ranked the New Beetle the Most Appealing Compact Car in '99. And now, we're ushering in the New Beetle Dune concept car for 2000. Sounds appealing, doesn't it?

Most Appealing Compact Car as ranked by J.D. Power and Associates. The New Beetle never really seemed that small to us (after all, they're famous for holding record-breaking numbers of people). But we'll happily take all the accolades and put them on an undeniably large trophy shelf.
Apparently it runs in the family. J.D. Power and Associates randomly selected nearly ninety thousand new car owners and asked them to rate their new vehicles on over 100 attributes. After tallying the results, the Jetta, the Passat, the New Beetle and the GTI received top honors in their respective categories. Thanks to all the Volkswagen owners who helped make this possible.

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, October 12, 1999

THE 2000 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

While not officially the car of the new millennium, the 2000 New Beetle certainly makes the list of most popular cars to drive optimistically into the next century.

And in the New Beetle, the year 2000 will offer more security with the addition of Volkswagen's Immobilizer security system. The Immobilizer is a theft-deterrent device that adds a new transparent layer of protection to Volkswagen's standard anti-theft alarm system. Every time the car is started, the Immobilizer control unit checks for the special key. Without the coded key, the car cannot be started.

Also new for 1.8 T versions is the addition of ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) to the already impressive traction control system EDL (Electronic Differential Lock). EDL is enabled at speeds of up to 24 miles per hour. It detects wheel slippage and applies braking force to that particular wheel. Working in conjunction with EDL, the ASR system uses sophisticated electronics to control throttle response to maximize traction and minimize slipping. With this new feature, which can be deactivated at the push of a button, Volkswagen has added to the sense of surefootedness that comes with the ownership of a New Beetle 1.8 T.

Entering its third model year, the New Beetle was first introduced to the market in 1998 and instantly rekindled the magic of its legendary namesake. It also established itself as a totally modern creation, both functional and fun to drive with a bounty of creature comforts and the latest advancements in small-car safety.

Since its introduction, the New Beetle has garnered numerous distinguished automotive awards, including "North American Car of the Year," as selected by the continent's top automobile writers, Automobile Magazine's Automobile of the Year, Motor Trend Magazine's 1999 Import Car of the Year, J.D. Power and Associates' Most Appealing Small Car, European Car Magazine's Grand Prix 1998 winner, Consumers Digest's Best Buy, MotorWeek's Drivers' Choice Award for Best of the Year, Time Magazine's The Best of 1998 Design, Business Week's Best New Products, African American on Wheels Urban Car of the Year, Popular Science's Best of What's New for 1998, and many others.

The New Beetle uses front-wheel-drive and is equipped with a long list of standard items, including CFC-free air conditioning, four-wheel disc ABS brakes; a pollen and odor filter; a six-speaker stereo with CD-control capability; beverage holders; an anti-theft alarm system; clear lens halogen projector headlamps; and a central locking system with remote. New in 2000, the New Beetle now offers a string attachment on the fuel cap. Sliding covers have been added for the standard lighted vanity mirrors (running change).

The GLS trim level adds power one-touch windows, cruise control, fog lamps, and a folding center armrest. Options on the New Beetle in GLS trim include 16-inch alloy wheels; leather seating with heatable front seats; a three-spoke leather covered steering wheel; and heated windshield washer nozzles. Leatherette is a no-cost option.

The higher output 1.8 T engine is available in a GLS or GLX trim level. The top-of-the line New Beetle GLX (1.8 T only) comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, a speed-activated rear spoiler (also on GLS 1.8 Ts), leather seating with heatable front seats, and a power glass sunroof.

As a priority in its development, the New Beetle's advanced occupant safety system includes energy absorbing crush zones, pretensioning front safety belts, front and rear headrests, daytime running lights, dual airbags, and front seat-mounted side airbags.

Based on Volkswagen's new Golf chassis-Europe's number-one selling car-the New Beetle is built to the highest standards. This is clearly expressed in its solid, one-piece appearance, which results from narrow panel gap tolerances in production. And, by using state-of-the-art production techniques like laser welding, Volkswagen has given the New Beetle unmatched torsional and body rigidity.

Its fully galvanized body allows for a 12-year warranty against corrosion perforation.

True to the original concept it's based on, the New Beetle's charm begins with its eye-catching, but brilliantly simple and honest styling. Its silhouette is instantly recognizable; its overall shape thoroughly modern-a harmonious convergence of smooth lines and pleasing geometric arches. The result is an unconventional visual statement of optimism, fun, and individuality.

The smooth surfaces and strong lines of the New Beetle are not disturbed by the fenders and bumpers, which are built with a special dent resistant plastic, and are color-keyed, along with the mirror housings and door handles. A three-door hatch, the New Beetle's trunk lock is also cleverly disguised behind a chrome VW logo that swivels for unlocking and offers an integrated handle.

The New Beetle can be ordered in four non-metallic colors: White, Red, Black and Yellow. No charge metallic options are Silver, Bright Blue, Green, and Dark Blue.

The dimensions of the New Beetle prove it is no small car. It is 161.1 inches in length and 67.9 inches wide with a wheelbase of 98.9 inches.

Inside, 97 cubic feet of total interior volume can be found. Front occupants enjoy massive headroom and legroom, and easy entry to the rear seating is helped by the design of the front seats, which automatically spring forward, up, and out of the way when the folding lever is lifted. At 12 cubic feet, trunk volume can be expanded by using the New Beetle's folding rear seat.

With a strong orientation to the future, the New Beetle's interior places its occupants comfortably in the 21st century. It is at once original, fun, and cutting-edge-an environment creatively sculpted from high quality textured plastics and textiles.

In a playful nod to the past, the New Beetle interior offers a large assist handle above the glove compartment and retains two assist straps above the rear seats.

From the driver's view, a round instrument gauge displays the speed, rev counter, and fuel gauge. All displays are illuminated by a glowing indigo blue; against this backdrop, red indicator needles on the gauges create a vibrant aura.

An especially original touch is the distinctive use of a brushed aluminum finish on the steering wheel, gear shift, automatic shift knob and handbrake; as a cheerful accent, there is a standard bud vase on the dash.

In keeping with the contoured exterior, ventilation outlets are smooth and round, as are console controls for the tailor-made stereo and temperature settings. Throughout the cabin, controls are illuminated in blue and red.

Seats in the New Beetle are in keeping with Volkswagen's reputation for offering supportive and generously adjustable seating with headrests for all. Both driver and passenger can adjust for height with an ingenious ratcheting pump handle. The driver position is optimized with a standard tilt and telescoping steering wheel. Aside from a high quality cloth, seats can be ordered with optional leather or no-cost optional leatherette.

Other details inside in the New Beetle include lighted vanity mirrors, carpeted floor mats, a remote fuel filler and hatch release, electronic side mirror adjustments (on GLS and GLX), tinted glass, heated side mirrors, and door storage nets.

Like the original, the New Beetle's driving experience is unlike anything else on the road. But driving the New Beetle is a new and invigorating experience, one that is a product of Volkswagen's most advanced technology. The result is a car that rewards its driver with the performance and fun expected in a modern German-engineered car.

Like most of today's Volkswagens, the New Beetle uses a front-wheel-drive layout and a transverse engine design located in the front.

Performance in the New Beetle comes by way of three advanced powertrain options: a 115 horsepower, 2.0 liter four-cylinder overhead cam gasoline engine, a high-tech Turbo Direct Injection (TDI) diesel and a sporty 150-horsepower 1.8 T.

The New Beetle 1.8 T is a technically advanced small car, employing Volkswagen's revolutionary five-valve per cylinder engine technology. Providing a substantial, six-cylinder-like power delivery and performance, the New Beetle's 1.8 T is remarkably efficient, using a turbocharger and an intercooler for cool, high-density intake air-a basic ingredient of power. Of course, its five-valves per cylinder provide for excellent top-end breathing, and the double overhead camshafts provide for optimal valve control. All of this is built into a compact and efficient long-stroke 1.8 liter four-cylinder package. The result: 150 horsepower at 5,800 revolutions per minute and 162 ft. lbs. of torque all the way from 2,200 to 4,200 rpm-an extraordinarily flat torque curve that provides plenty of pulling power from the low end through the top.

As an engine option, the New Beetle's TDI engine offers remarkable performance and unmatched economy. It utilizes a major advance in diesel technology where fuel is injected and ignited directly in the engine's cylinder head. This is accomplished by the use of an advanced electronic diesel control. In simple terms, it can be said the TDI engine is a "drive by wire" with no mechanical controls from fuel pedal to fuel injection.

The result is a 90 horsepower diesel engine that provides a wealth of low-end torque (155 ft. lbs. at 1,900 rpm), exceptional fuel figures and exhaust emissions that meet the stringent standards in the U.S. and Europe. In fact, the super efficient 1.9 liter TDI emits 20 percent less carbon dioxide than a comparable gasoline engine.

Mated to these powerplants is a standard five-speed manual with hydraulic clutch or an optional four-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission.

Like all of today's Volkswagens, the New Beetle expresses the German engineering passion of designing and building cars with exceptional road-holding qualities.

It begins with an extra rigid body structure and four-wheel independent suspension system, both of which help give the New Beetle a rock-solid feel.The front suspension uses a McPherson strut design with control arms, stabilizer bar and coil spring struts. The rear suspension employs a "V" profile independent torsion beam axle with integral sway bar and trailing arms. The torsion beam axle is mounted to the vehicle with Volkswagen's unique track-correcting bushings-a feature designed to minimize unwanted steering effects. Active safety in the New Beetle comes from its precise handling, the security of front-wheel-drive, advanced braking, and other accident avoidance aids like daytime running lights (DRL).

For protection when an accident can't be avoided, the New Beetle offers a highly advanced passive safety system that comprises a multitude of state-of-the-art safety features and structural elements designed to work together to help protect its occupants.

This system begins with the New Beetle's exceptionally rigid body structure that includes energy absorbing crumple zones. In a severe crash, these deformation zones sacrifice themselves in an accordion-like fashion, absorbing the energy to help spare the critical central structure.

This system works in concert with an advanced supplemental restraint system. In addition to front driver and passenger airbags, the New Beetle uses a new safety belt tensioning system that tightens and optimally positions the front belts within milliseconds of a severe crash. These three-point safety belts are also equipped with shoulder height adjustments. To help secure a child safety seat, which should only be used in the rear seats, automatic locking retractors (ALR) and emergency locking retractors (ELR) are provided.

The New Beetle also utilizes side airbags for front seat occupants.This system is integrated into the front seats for good reason: no matter where the front occupant adjusts his or her seat position, the airbag maintains its protective relationship. This cannot always be assured if the side airbag is installed in the door or the roof pillar. Side protection is further enhanced by special reinforcements and structural members, including anti-intrusion tubes and foam padding in the doors.

Additional frontal impact protection comes from the steering system via a collapsible steering column and a steering wheel specially cushioned and designed to manage impact energy.

Further details of how the New Beetle interior provides occupant protection are found in the absence of sharp interior edges, the recessed handles and control switches, crushable sun visors, a foldable rearview mirror, and non-override door locks.

Protection Plus

Standard on the 2000 New Beetle is one of the most comprehensive customer care owner protection plans available to new car buyers. Volkswagen's Protection Plus includes a two-year/24,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty and the industry's best manufacturer's limited powertrain warranty at ten years/100,000 miles. Now, with the fully galvanized New Beetle, the Protection Plus package includes an outstanding limited corrosion warranty of 12 years with no mileage restrictions.

In addition to the extensive warranties, Volkswagen dealers will perform all scheduled maintenance at no charge for two years or 24,000 miles. Roadside assistance is also provided for two years with no mileage restrictions.

© Copyright 2000 Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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Page Updated Mon Mar 6, 2000 9:43pm EST