Volkswagen dares ultimate teasing with the next New Beetle
Manufacturers have used to a certain degree of creativity in teasing. But none of them dared go as far as what Volkswagen has done in the United States.
As we know, the German carmaker is preparing to replace its compact design retro, the New Beetle . The replacement has already been observed several times in the course of its development , it goes on sale next spring.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen has launched a communication impressive silhouette of the future New Beetle was shown as part of a famous American talk show, Oprah Winfrey. And as a result, the wealthy presenter announced for spectators on the set that each key would receive a copy of this future model for its release in May 2011. Because they were several hundred, you can imagine the budget for this operation.
There was the Beetle, the NewBeetle , he will call the successor of the latter New New Beetle? Probably not. Still, the prototype seen recently is back on the road and shamelessly reveals the silhouette of the new album from what we call in our Beetle.
Obviously, Volkswagen has decided to test its next Beetle without incurring to hide. The prototype is walking without any cover, sticker or no protection, thus leaving us to admire his reworked volumes, his stature râblée much more than before. Wider, lower, larger, this new New Beetle should carry a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder models on U.S. base and turbocharged versions probably more upscale versions.
Apart from a few stickers on the lenses and shields hiding some minor details, you’ve got the new Beetle, which it is therefore understood, offer more comfort and space but a design quite similar. For now, no one knows whether the car will be in Geneva.
She’s cute! It is irresistible! Most of its users say they are enchanted by its beauty that recalls a very clever unforgettable silhouette of his illustrious predecessor, the Beetle, al car built most of all time! And it benefits from its strong capital seduction to sell at prices often quaint pus. Its retro look and fun do not forget that this is a real car, not a cheap toy. It was designed with serious … even if some points of reliability are questionable.
What you can try
Her look: crisp. This modern reinterpretation of the legendary Beetle delighting audiences. Strong power of seduction.
Its equipment: complete at launch. Front and side airbags, ABS with brakeforce distribution, ESP stability control, air conditioning manual at least.
Comfort: satisfactory. Engine noise low on petrol versions.
Its front seats: welcoming, with the added benefit of a substantial headroom, which increases the feeling of space.
Its driving qualities: more than correct.
What may make you hesitate
The scarcity of well-motorized versions: the 1.8 turbo and V5 (5 rolls) were very few sold and found only rare. Too bad!
His power window buttons: remarkably poorly placed vertically on the door-cons.
Way to the rear leg really limited. In addition, the inclination of the rear interfere necessarily those over 1.70 to 1.75 m.
The bench: padding a bit short, too stiff.
Access to the rear, too type freestyle years.
His chest: a rather large glove box … The volume is very small and, moreover, its tortured forms make loading easy bit.
The driving position: it needs to be done and usually comes fairly quickly. But you can be very uncomfortable, at least initially, by the very remote location of the front seats from the boundaries of the body. The driver’s back is half the body length, with a dashboard that enters fully into the cabin and has at its center, not less than 90 cm deep. In fact, whatever your size and settings you will be operating at the wheel, you will not see the front bodywork.
Its upholstery fabrics: looks a bit dull.
Its soundproofing diesel TDI is sound, it would have been better to isolate them
Buy / Quote
Price never wasted, but it is not overheating or speculation as to the early days of marketing model.Moreover, as the supply has greatly expanded the market, prices are negotiable benefit.
Consumption
Well overall, except for the initial model gasoline, the 2.0, who admits to a taste for service stations.Diesels drink very little, especially the 100/105 hp.
Insurance
Higher rates than average for a car of this price category.
Parts prices
Relative expensiveness overall. Some obvious excesses for certain mechanical parts and body shop.
Maintenance
Maintenance visits every 15 000 to 30 000 km (and every year more than if the mileage limit has been reached). Timing belt replacement every 60,000 km (TDI version of some years) to 180 000 km.
Description
The excellent reputation attached to the brand is just as good for this model exclusively built in Mexico.Nevertheless, based on a technical basis for Golf 4, it retrieves the most typical concerns, and could also not immune to some weaknesses that have been characterized those of all Volkswagen models during the years 2000 to 2003. Since the models are clearly out of line most successful and could be recommended on occasion. However, its quality of construction, it was very good from the start, and household good aging eye.
Heavy breakdowns and immobilizing
Petrol engines 1.4 and 1.6. On some cars built before 2003, few cases of accidental breakage of the timing belt have been identified. Caused by the weakness of the cleat drive. May cause damage to the valves, cylinder head, even necessitate a complete exchange engine. Partially supported by Volkswagen repair, depending on the age and mileage of the car.
Petrol Engines 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 T and V5. For models manufactured between January 2001 and January 2003, possible failure of ignition coils. Replacing partially supported by Volkswagen or totally, by age and mileage of the car.
Other failures or weaknesses:
1.4 engine. On models manufactured until 2005, the idle problem. Caused by the unit butterfly motorhome.
1.6 engine. On models manufactured until 2002, operational irregularities: in fits and starts accelerating to less than 2500 rpm, due to engine management or, sometimes, the Lambda sensor. Partial improvement in the factory in March 2001, completely resolved in late 2002.
Engine 1.8 T. Of the 1.8 T, could leak water pump from 70-80 000 km.
Engine 2.0. Lambda probe worries, some cases of blowing the head gasket to 100,000 km. Were also identified some – rare – cases of engine failure from 80 000 km.
TDI 90. Possible difficulty growing hot start.
TDI 90. TDI on until spring 2003, some cases of progressive loss of power. caused by fouling the air flow meter
Gearbox. Incidents, particularly on 2.0, and some cases of breakage. No more problems since 2002.
Gearbox. On models manufactured until November 2002, difficulty to move or disengage the reverse.
Nosewheel. On models manufactured until 2001, appearance of noise from 70 000 km. Caused by the sway bar links.
External appearance
Front light. On models manufactured until May 1999, condensation in the main optical globes.
Front fog. On models manufactured until 2002, condensing into fog.
Tailgate. On models manufactured until 2002, difficulty Opening the tailgate does not open, or it just pops up a notch. Caused by the lock has been assembled incorrectly at the factory.
Fuel door. On models manufactured until May 1999 issue of openness, due to the electric motor (to replace in case of failure). On models manufactured until 2004 (and especially until 2002), mechanism of opening and closing the fuel door sometimes ineffective. Symptoms: unlocking impossible (for fouling mechanism due to the TDI diesel or binds upstream cable) or closing prevented.
Interior Finish:
Finish aging. On models manufactured until November 2000, the gray coating on the surface of the interior plastics tends to peel after 2-3 years.
Counters. Clear plastic protective vulnerable to scratches, which become very visible if this element has been repeatedly cleaned with a soft cloth slightly; tend to become opaque.
Front seats. A few squeaks on the top of files, sometimes also on the foundation. Caused by the plates; partial improvement made in the factory since February 2001.
Front seats. Handle failover cases sometimes loose: it may come off.
Rearview mirror. On models manufactured until the summer of 2003, disruption of the mirror when the driver passed the day position in the night position.
Malfunctioning electronic / functions on
Central locking. Especially on models until 2002, occasional malfunction.
Power windows. Especially on models until 2002, malfunction or failure: engine problem and / or mechanism and bad contacts.
Air conditioning. On 1999 models, malfunction or failure. Often caused by a leak in the circuit, especially on the hose of the condenser.
Instrumentation / control. On models manufactured until February 2000, some random firing warning lights. Requires complete replacement of the handset. Still some cases for models until 2004.
Warning button. On models manufactured until 2003, the button can get stuck in the slot.
Reminder and correction concession
TDI 100. For models manufactured between March and August 2004, possible failure of the injection pump so-called “tandem” (pump upstream of the injectors): risk of leakage, caused by a screw. Control and, if necessary, replace the screw concerned. Recall the end of 2004.
