All Beetles are well equipped. Base GL models come with air conditioning with an integrated pollen filter; a six-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo (ten-speaker on convertibles); central locking with keyless remote; anti-theft system; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; tilt/telescoping steering column; clear-lens halogen projector headlamps; heated power exterior mirrors; cruise control; power windows; and 205/55 all-season tires on 16-inch steel wheels. Options include a six-disc CD changer and electronic stability program (ESP). Leatherette upholstery is available as a no-cost option on coupes, and is standard on the convertible.
GLS adds front fog lamps, 16-inch aluminum wheels, power sunroof, eight-speaker AM/FM/cassette Monsoon audio system, and a center armrest with storage box. And the option list expands to include leather-trimmed seating surfaces; heated front seats; a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel; leather-wrapped shift knob and handbrake grip; heated windshield washer nozzles; and Xenon HID headlamps.
GLS 1.8T adds a speed-activated spoiler at the top of the rear window, an electronic locking differential, traction control and, on the convertible, ESP. Seventeen-inch aluminum wheels with 225/45 all-season tires are optional.
Turbo S comes with all the same luxury and go-fast goodies as the GLS 1.8T, plus leather, sport seats with heaters, and a Cold Weather package. ESP and 225/45 tires on 17-inch alloys are also standard.
The convertible is available with a manual or semi-automatic cloth-lined top that features three layers to ensure excellent insulation and appearance. Volkswagen's standard Automatic Rollover Supports deploy automatically behind the rear seats to provide added protection in the unlikely event of a rollover, whether the convertible top is up or down. The exclusive system works in conjunction with the New Beetle's active head restraints.
Standard safety equipment on all New Beetles includes driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags mounted in the seatbacks, a safety-belt tensioning and load-limiting system, and rear-seat tether anchorage points (LATCH system) for securing a child safety seat. The side-impact airbags have been enhanced for 2004; Volkswagen says the New Beetle is one of the few small cars with side-impact bags designed to protect the driver's and front-seat passenger's head and thorax. Dual-stage frontal airbags will be phased in during the '04 model year. Next Page