The sweeping roofline creates tremendous front-seat headroom. That same roofline cramps people in back, however. Outside mirrors are mounted well forward of the driver, a better position than that of many other cars which mount them too close to the driver. Beefy front A-pillars (the post between the windshield and side window) impede vision in tight corners.
For some of us, it takes some adjustment to get used to the seating position and general ergonomics. Volkswagen uses a unique set of seat adjustments that use a small jack-like handle to adjust height and an awkward knob to adjust the rake, but they work well once you've grown accustomed to them. Available seat heaters are adjustable and are a great feature.
A myriad of materials is used to give the Beetle a high-tech look. The upper dash uses coarse, hard materials accented by smoother, softer surfaces elsewhere. Curved, dimpled door handles look ultra-modern. Upper door panels use a matte version of the car's exterior paint. The steering wheel features brushed aluminum spokes and carbon-fiber-looking handgrips. A small bud vase keeps a small flower looking fresh or holds a plastic daisy.
Drivers will have few choices to make on the dealer lot, because Beetles come loaded with air conditioning, power windows and sunroof, eight-speaker CD stereo system, power outlets for phones and laptops, and remote locking system. One of the few options is a dealer-installed smoker's package including ashtrays and lighter. A cruise control indicator light has been added for 2002. Also, the quality of the leatherette has been improved and can be added as a no-cost option.
A big speedometer and tiny tachometer are in a circular gauge panel that glows indigo at night. The gauges are attractive, but somewhat small and difficult to read. Red lighting is used for the stereo and heating/air conditioning controls to minimize glare at night. It also looks neat. Sleek radio and heater controls are within easy reach. The stereo sounds good.
The glove box looks impressive, but its massive door belies the tiny, awkwardly shaped compartment. Other storage options are available, however: nets on the doors, a sunglasses compartment. One-touch power windows are a nice luxury feature, particularly at toll booths. But the rear windows do not open, so back-seat passengers can feel a little claustrophobic on summer days. Dual 12-volt power outlets and three cup holders make living with the New Beetle convenient.
Turbo S comes with special interior trim. The heated sport seats with leather trim and gray inserts are comfortable, though spare. Stainless steel pedals are perforated for a high-performance look and feel, and brushed-metal accents adorn the stick shift, steering wheel and glove box.
The bud vase, a now-classic sight in the Beetle, has been updated for high-speed flower power in the turbo version where the vase is brushed steel. The upper dash, or cowl, uses coarse, hard materials accented by smoother, softer surfaces elsewhere. Curved, dimpled door handles look ultra-modern. Upper door panels use a matte version of the car's exterior paint. Next Page