2005 Volkswagen Beetle Review Summary & Specs
GL TDI Hatchback
More standard features plus a new diesel engine.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The Volkswagen Beetle feels tight and responsive. Its ride is smooth and sporty. Handling and braking are excellent. The standard 2.0-liter engine is smooth and quiet, fine for most people, but driving enthusiasts will find its acceleration performance lacking. The GLS 1.8 T is fun to drive. Its mild manners make for a pleasant ride around town, while its acceleration performance gives it sports appeal.
New Car Test Drive editor Mitch McCullough is based in Southern California.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Compact Cars |
| Editor |
Mitch McCullough |
| Model Lineup |
Volkswagen Beetle GL ($16,570); GLS ($18,770); GLS 1.8T ($20,940); GLS TDI-PD ($20,010); GL convertible ($21,290); GLS convertible ($18,770); GLS 1.8T convertible ($20,940) |
| Engines (standard) |
2.0-liter sohc 8-valve inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
5-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) |
115-hp 2.0-liter sohc 8-valve inline-4; 150-hp 1.8-liter dohc 20-valve turbocharged inline-4; 180-hp 1.8-liter dohc 20-valve turbocharged inline-4; 100-hp 1.9-liter sohc 8-valve turbocharged diesel inline-4 |
| Transmissions (optional) |
5-speed manual; 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
dual front airbags with dual-stage activation; dual side-impact airbags with head/thorax protection; active head restraints; safety-belt tensioning and load-limiting; rear-seat LATCH system tether anchor points for child safety seat; ABS |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
electronic stability control; traction control |
| Basic Warranty |
4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Puebla, Mexico |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-DRIVE-VW |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.vw.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$16,570 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
Volkswagen Beetle Convertible GLS ($23,040) |
| Standard Equipment |
air conditioning, Monsoon premium AM/FM/cassette stereo with ten 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) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Layout |
front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested |
$25,045 |
| Horse Power |
115 @ 5400 |
| Torque |
125 @ 3200 |
| Fuel Economy |
24/30 |
| Wheelbase |
98.8 |
| Length/Width/Height |
161.1/67.9/59.1 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| 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 |
| Trunk Volume |
5 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
|
| Front Suspension |
independent, MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear Suspension |
semi-independent, torsion-beam axle, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
| Ground Clearance |
4.7 |
| Curb Weight |
3082 |
| Stock Tires |
205/55HR16 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity |
14.5 14.5 |