2005 Volkswagen New Beetle Review

Specifications

Style Does Come at a Price

Something always happens to me health-wise when I know that I will be testing the Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible. For instance, back in 2003 (I was testing the 2004 model), I eagerly counted down the days until I would be behind the wheel of the quirky but cute convertible. The countdown finally ended, and low and behold, that very Monday, only a few hours after I picked it up, I was hospitalized with a serious virus. I was out for the whole week, and then some.

This time around, my editor announced that I would be testing the Beetle and I replied, “I bet you anything Im going to get sick.” I was right. I came down with a throat virus and a really bad runny nose. And no, its not allergies. Although I was not bed-ridden like before, I was feeling quite under the weather. Coincidence? Psychosomatics? Who knows! But luckily, the week I thought I had the Beetle was a week premature, so in the end, I beat the bug before my week with the Bug. Hopefully the curse has been broken!

I wasnt completely recovered from my coughing and wheezing by the time the Sundown Orange Beetle was in my hands, but its infectious personality definitely helped me forget my blahs. The top-line GLX comes equipped with a 1.8L, turbocharged I-4 engine that produces 150 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 162 lb-ft of torque between 2,200-4,200 rpm which further accelerated my healing process. Speaking of acceleration, this convertible goes from 0-60 mph is 9.0 seconds with the 5-speed manual transmission, the same transmission my tester was equipped with (0-60 mph is 9.5 seconds with the automatic transmission). While the Beetle is not the class leader with regards to horsepower, it sure flies when finally at speed.

Its been a while since I last drove a Beetle Convertible but as I recall, I wasnt super impressed with its handling. Although there havent been any upgrades chassis-wise or suspension-wise since 2004, I was most impressed this time around. I admit, at the beginning of my test week I was a little apprehensive to push the 4-wheel independent suspension equipped Bug in tight turns. However, I was proven very wrong. The 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel coupled with the power rack-and-pinion steering system, made my city and highway driving comfortable and convenient. Whats more, the stability of the Convertible has at highway speeds was quite surprising and when I turned hard at a fast clip, the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) wasnt going off like I remember last time. Again, I wouldnt say the Beetle Convertible has class-leading handling, but it is up there.

Also, the aid of a good set of rubber, P225/45R17 all-season tires on 17-inch alloy rims, definitely helped grip the roads and increase stability. But when there was no need for speed, the front ventilated and rear solid disc brakes with ABS were there to squish the Bugs flying capabilities fast.

The cabin noise when the top was up was limited. It didnt feel like I was driving a convertible since it was so quite. All did change, however when the top was down. Its windy and noisy, just like most convertibles in its class including the MINI Convertible and the Mazda Miata. The only entry level drop top that I can think of which has an amazing wind funneling system is the PT Cruiser. Its stabilizer bar acts as a wind tunnel which diverts much of the air that flows through the cabin, making it ideal for engaging in conversations and listening to music.

I think Ill continue with the healing theme when I say, the 10-speaker premium Monsoon Sound System was musical therapy. I am so glad that for the 2005 model year, VW got their musical act together and put a CD player in as a standard feature. Now I can finally let the fact go that the previous model year only came with a tape player. I promise, this is the last anyone will ever hear about that beef. But on the down side, the system wasnt all that great. I found that the right-hand speakers rattled when the bass was any higher than level 2. This is quite unfortunate because when Im driving a hot car, on a hot day, around hot guys (sorry gentlemen) with the top down, the last thing I want to do is embarrass myself by blasting hot tunes on a not so hot, rattling stereo system. On the bright side, I didnt hear the rattling when I was driving on the highway because the wind drowned it out. I guess you cant win them all.

Generally, I didnt have a problem staying warm when the top was down. Its August, of course, and the West Coast weather is at its best. Although lately, when night time comes, its been getting a bit chilly. Even with the standard leather seating surfaces with some of the best butt warmers in the industry, I was still cold. But for those who know me, I dont have the best circulation and am frequently chilled.

You might ask why I would be driving around town at 11pm with the top down, and I would say, good question. A friend was visiting from out of town and I went over and hung out with her until the wee hours of the night, thats about 11pm for me! I was going over to her place straight from work and since it was a pleasant evening, I dropped the top. And since there was no sign of rain clouds in the sky, I left the top off for the duration of my stay. When I was leaving, I decided I didnt want to brave the 61 degrees Fahrenheit outside temperature with the top down. But my attempt to put the top back up became interesting. The hooks just wouldnt go in. This was not the first time I had attempted to put the top up, I had done it at least 10 times before with no problems at all. After fiddling for at least 5 or 6 minutes I gave up and drove home with the top down, shivering, but with an excellent view of the stars mind you. Finally, I managed to hook it back in at home and my angst was calmed. I noticed that the semi-automatic roof was fussy at times but only when hooking it back up. Dropping it was never a problem. Still, for the price VW charges it should be much easier to operate. Even worse is securing the tonneau over the top opening when down. Lets just say its not worth the bother. I think Id need to carry around two strong guys in the back (hmmm…) just to fasten it in place, because the last time I tried it took just that many, and they were cursing under their breath during the entire, very long process.

Other than not bothering with the tonneau and not being able to latch the roof on properly that one time, I had minimal quibbles. But what I can complain about was the cupholders. Can you say useless? Now I know that German engineers might not find cupholders to be an essential part of the driving experience, but as a North American, I need a good set of cupholders. I might be generalizing when I say, people need to have their Starbucks and drink it too. The placement of the cupholders is ridiculous; they are located just beneath the center instrument stack, so that gives it maybe enough room to squeeze in a tall cup of steamed milk, maybe. Ive said it before, but I am a busy woman, much like many other women out there and I need to be able to drink on the run. On a hot day, like a few of the days I experienced with the convertible, I want to be able to go to Starbucks, order a Venti half-sweetened Passion Tea Lemonade and not have to worry if it will fit into my car (it just barely made it). Call me crazy, but if the cupholders arent functional, whats the point in even putting them in. In addition, there really wasnt anywhere else I could put a drink.

There was, however, the center console, which, came apart very easily and Im pretty sure it wasnt supposed to. The lining of the console just popped right out when I couldnt fit my bottle of Perrier in the cupholders. While having a removable console lining could be ideal if perhaps the drink would spill in it, it is not ideal if the drink spills over and into the exposed wiring underneath. Perhaps the assembly man at the assembly plant in Puebla, Mexico forgot the sealing agent. I know Volkswagen can do better than that and hopefully my removable console was an isolated case. Although, my colleagues girlfriend has a New Beetle coupe, and after all the trouble theyve had with it theyre pretty well ready to turn the entire car into a flower planter, and not just the cute little vase attached to the dash.

Furthermore, visibility out of the rear hasnt changed, its still challenging to see out of, but its been like that since the first VW Beetle Cabriolets began to hit the roads in Germany in the mid to late 1940s. The toneau cover is still a hassle, but when wont it be?

In all honesty, the 2005 VW New Beetle Convertible is merely alright, which isnt good enough considering how much it costs. There are a number of details that could be improved on, but with the 2006 New Beetle Convertible on its way, maybe holding out to see if the glitches have been worked out would be worth the wait. Perhaps functional cupholders will be a part of the new agenda… and maybe even a top that closes easier, and a tonneau that is possible for one person to clip on? I can only hope.