2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Coupe

NEW FOR 2009:

- No changes

For 2009, the Volkswagen New Beetle and New Beetle Convertible are unchanged. Prices drop from the 2008 levels.

Both the coupe and convertible use a 2.5-litre inline five-cylinder engine, with five-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic with manual shift mode. Each is available in Trendline, Comfortline or Highline trim.

Features on the Trendline Coupe include 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, variable intermittent wipers, heated washer nozzles, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, anti-theft alarm, cruise control, floor mats, power locks with keyless entry, illuminated vanity mirrors, flower vase, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, heated "leatherette" seats, exterior temperature display, tilt and telescopic wheel, folding rear seat, and power windows with auto up/down.

The Comfortline adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and power sunroof.

The Highline adds leather-wrapped wheel and leather seats.

Features on the Trendline Convertible include 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, manually-operated roof, heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, variable intermittent wipers, heated washer nozzles, anti-theft alarm, cruise control, floor mats, power locks with keyless entry, illuminated vanity mirrors, flower vase, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, fixed rear seat with locking pass-through, leather-wrapped wheel, heated "leatherette" seats, and power windows with auto up/down.

The Comfortline adds 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, and semi-automatic power-folding roof.

The Highline adds a ski sack and leather seats.

Fun to drive, the New Beetle is instantly recognizable; it offers surefooted handling and supportive seats that supply long-distant comfort usually only found in cars costing four times as much. Front-seat room is exceptional, but very tall passengers may smack their heads on the coupe's sloped rear window. Children in the back seat should be old enough to buckle their own belts, as it's difficult to reach them, even with the easy-entry front seats. The Comfortline Convertible's semi-automatic power roof just needs a latch to be manually undone, and then the roof folds down by itself. It doesn't fold completely flat, but rearward visibility still isn't too bad, and this is a fun little car when the top is down.