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2003 Volkswagen Beetle Review
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2003 Beetle Review Summary & Specifications
Volkswagen excels at engineering and the Beetle is a fine example of that. Beetle feels tight and responsive. The ride is smooth and sporty. Handling and braking are excellent. It rides well and there's little undue noise from the road or engine compartment.With a price starting at $20,450 for the GL, Volkswagen aims for the New Beetle convertible to be the highest-volume, lowest-priced European convertible in North America. That should be an easy goal, especially since the Golf Cabrio is now gone. The standard 2.0-liter engine is smooth and quiet, fine for most people, but driving enthusiasts will find its acceleration performance lacking. Beetle 1.8 T is fun to drive. Its mild manners make for a pleasant ride around town, while its acceleration performance give it sports appeal. It's best with a manual. Turbo S is for enthusiasts who want sporty handling and performance.
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| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief |
| Model Lineup | GL 2.0 ($15,950); GLS 2.0 ($17,815); GL TDI ($17,195); GLS TDI ($18,995); GLS 1.8 T ($19,855); GLX 1.8 T ($21,640); Turbo S ($23,540); Convertible GL 2.0 ($20,450); Convertible GLS 2.0 ($21,850); Convertible GLS 1.8 T ($24,100); Convertible GLX 1.8 T ($25,550) |
| Engines (standard) | 2.0-liter sohc 8-valve inline-4 |
| Engines (optional) | 115-hp 2.0-liter dohc inline 4-cylinder; 150-hp 1.8-liter dohc 20v turbocharged inline-4; 180-hp 1.8-liter dohc 20v turbocharged inline-4; 90-horsepower 1.9-liter, inline-4 turbocharged diesel (TDI) |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 6-speed manual |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual frontal airbags; side-impact airbags mounted in the seatbacks; safety-belt tensioning system; rear-seat tether anchor points for child safety seat; ABS |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | ESP |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Puebla, Mexico |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-DRIVE-VW |
| Manufacturer URL | http://www.vw.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 15950 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Volkswagen Beetle Convertible GLS ($21,850) |
| Standard Equipment | ABS, traction control, electronic differential lock, air conditioning, AM/FM/cassette stereo with six speakers, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks with keyless remote control, cruise control, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, anti-theft alarm system, rear window defroster, pollen/odor filter, bud vase, plastic daisy, front center armrest; power top |
| Destination Charge | 575 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Leather Package ($900) includes partial leather seating surfaces, leather steering wheel, shift knob and grip, heated front seats and heated washer nozzles; wind blocker ($250); ESP Electronic Stability Program ($280); Monsoon sound system ($325) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 24180 |
| Horse Power | 115 @ 5200 |
| Torque | 122 @ 2600 |
| Fuel Economy | 24/31 |
| Wheelbase | 98.7 |
| Length/Width/Height | 161.1/67.9/59.1 |
| Track Front/Rear | 59.3/58.5 |
| Turning Radius | 35.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.7/NA/39.4 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.2/NA/31.5 in. |
| Trunk Volume | 5 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | 4.7 |
| Curb Weight | 3082 |
| Stock Tires | 205/55HR16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.5 |
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