2007 Volkswagen Beetle Review

The New Beetle and New Beetle convertible have always been real head-turners, whether they were seen as hardtop or convertible - top up or down. The 2007 Beetle is more eye-catching than ever, in vibrant new hues.

The New Beetle sedan is available in two additional exterior colors: a new Black and Laser Blue. The New Beetle convertible adds to the outside color palate with Sunflower and Gecko Green, along with the new Black and Laser Blue. On all 2007 Beetles, there’s a new finish to available 16-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, revised stitching on the leatherette seating results in a new look. Leather seating is also available. In a nod to the importance that New Beetle and New Beetle convertible drivers place on their music, Volkswagen designers put the auxiliary input jack in a more visible location.

The 2007 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible are available at Volkswagen dealers now, with a starting price of $17,180 for the hard-top and $22,120 for the soft-top.
From the sides, a character line plays off the fenders and a relatively flat mid-body, and presents a “hunkered down” look. Black roof trim now frames the familiar silhouette.

As you would expect from Volkswagen, the interior of the car has been given thorough attention. The newest interpretation of the iconic interior includes single-bezel instrument cluster
housing a large, easy-to-read, 140 mile-per-hour speedometer and a smaller tachometer and fuel gauge. Chrome accents enhance the instrument cluster and the dashboard air vents.

A two-speed windshield wiper system with a four-speed intermittent wipe feature is speed-sensitive, adapting the pause interval to any change in rate of vehicle travel. A large assist handle across the instrument panel above the glove box and two rear-passenger assist straps located on the B-pillar on hardtop models ensure interior comfort.

The 2007 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible are offered with the advanced Volkswagen 2.5-liter, in-line, five-cylinder gasoline engine. The 2.5 L engine delivers 150 horsepower at 5,000 revolutions per minute and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm.

With four valves per cylinder, aluminum alloy cross flow heads and double overhead camshafts, the engine is strong, quiet, and efficient. Hydraulic lifters are maintenance-free. Digital electronic ignition and Motronic sequential multi-point fuel injection help allow the engine to operate on regular unleaded gasoline.

Power is delivered to the front wheels using one of two transmissions. A five-speed manual transmission operates smoothly with a hydraulic clutch. An available six-speed transmission with Tiptronic allows for both automatic and driver-selected gear changes using the gear selector. The 2007 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible with automatic transmission achieve an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of up to 32 miles per gallon in highway driving and 23 mpg in city driving. With a manual transmission, the EPA estimates are 31 mpg highway and 22 on the city cycle.

Independent front McPherson struts, a torsion beam rear axle and front and rear stabilizer bars combine for a comfortable ride and excellent handling. Power-assisted rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes increase control—not to mention pure driving pleasure.

For four-season fun, the New Beetle convertible features a three-layer cloth top with a heated glass rear window. An extra window switch on convertible models allows the driver to lower and raise all of the side windows simultaneously.

The modern top helps keep road noise out in the “up” or closed position. Lowering the top is easy, and it piles neatly behind the rear seat in original Beetle fashion.

A comprehensive package of safety features that are standard equipment includes an advanced driver and front passenger front airbag supplemental restraint system and driver and front passenger head/thorax side airbag supplemental restraint system. The latest version Anti-lock Braking System is also standard, as is an advanced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) with brake assist and traction control including Anti-Slip Regulation.

The New Beetle convertible also includes an Active Rollover Support system that “pops up” two spring-loaded aluminum posts in 0.25 seconds from behind the rear seat headrests. For soft-top models, available options include a semi-automatic roof and a wind blocker.

The 2007 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible boast many of the most popular comfort and convenience luxuries as standard features, including fully reclining, height- adjustable front seats, a height-adjustable and telescoping three-spoke padded steering wheel, and a 10-speaker premium in-dash CD/MP3/satellite-ready stereo.

All New Beetle and New Beetle convertibles offer perforated leather seating surfaces and select leather trim as options. Also available are heatable front seats and windshield washer nozzles, and satellite radio with SIRIUS™ satellite service.

Owners can select option packages that include such features as model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires, fog lights, and HomeLink.
For owner peace of mind, all new Volkswagens are covered with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years with unlimited mileage, plus a New Car Warranty that includes:

•  Five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
•  Four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty with wear and tear items and adjustments excluded after the initial 12 months/12,000 miles
• 12 year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation.

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