2007 Volkswagen Beetle Review

The stylish Volkswagen New Beetle is now only available in a single, well-equipped trim level for 2007. All New Beetles have a 150-horsepower 2.5L in-line five-cylinder engine that is hooked up to a five-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic with Tiptronic. With the automatic transmission, the Beetle is quite frugal, with an estimated 23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway.

New Beetles have a number of standard safety features, including front-seat head/thorax side air bags, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, and the electronic stabilization program (ESP).

The New Beetle convertible has a three-layer cloth soft top with a heated rear glass window. Convertibles also add the active rollover support system, which quickly deploys two spring-loaded posts behind the rear-seat headrests to add safety in a rollover situation. A semi-automatic roof system is optional; a wind blocker for reduced highway turbulence is also available. Also on convertibles, an extra switch allows the driver to raise or lower all of the windows simultaneously.

Standard features on all New Beetles include height-adjustable front seats, a telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, speed-sensitive intermittent wipers, power windows, locks, and mirrors, and a ten-speaker MP3-compatible and satellite radio ready sound system.

Options include perforated leather upholstery and leather trim, heated front seats and windshield washer nozzles, several flashier 17-inch alloy wheel designs, fog lamps, and Sirius satellite radio.

The New Beetle also benefits from VW's four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty and five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
For 2007, the Volkswagen New Beetle gets a number of minor changes to its features and options. There's also a new finish offered on the 16-inch alloy wheels. The leatherette seating has been revised for a new look, and the auxiliary input jack for the sound system has been relocated.

Two new colors are available with the convertible: Laser Blue, Black, Sunflower, and Gecko Green. see less