2010 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 Hatchback

2010 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5 Hatchback

Overview
The first retro styled VW Beetle was offered by the carmaker in 1998. The vehicle has remained popular for a decade with only minor enhancements to its curved, two door, front drive configuration. Rumor has it that the VW Beetle will be redesigned soon. Right now, the 2010 VW Beetle has awesome features and a spectacular design.

Despite its age, the VW Beetle is an exceptional value and it still competes with the Mini Cooper. Flaws in the vehicle include the diminished cargo and rear seating leg and headroom, but
these same problems are in the competing vehicles too. The Cooper and the Beetle sport a retro look as well, so it is really a matter of taste.

When a consumer gets a Beetle there is not a lot to consider. It is offered as a coupe or convertible. The consumer will have to choose between the six speed automatic tranny and the five speed manual tranny. The car buyer also has a choice of getting 17-inch wheels on the convertible variant or a sunroof installed on the coupe configuration.

The Range
Bodystyles: Coupe, convertible
Engines: 2.5L I-5
Transmissions: 5-speed manual (coupe only), 6-speed automatic

What's New
Two special edition packages are on offer for 2010 to send the model out with a bang. The Final Edition coupe and convertible will feature unique two-tone white and blue paint schemes, sports suspension, and 17-inch wheels. Just 750 Red Rocks edition New Beetles will be sold with a two-tone red and black paint scheme and a black interior.

Exterior
‘Cute' still sums up the New Beetle perfectly, just as it did more than a decade ago. Some might consider its retro-style kitschy, but there's no denying the convertible's fun-in-the-sun appeal with its vintage-style stacked folding roof.

Interior
Large, arching A-pillars and a long-reaching dash can be disconcerting, but are more than balanced out with solid build materials and standard air conditioning, satellite radio, heated front seats, cruise control and a folding rear seat.

Performance & Handling
Three years ago, the New Beetle received its biggest update yet, trading its 1.8T engine for VW's 2.5-liter five-cylinder and gaining some much-needed torque in the process. With 150 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque available, the New Beetle is peppy enough around town with a sporty ride to match. More enthusiastic drivers will want to stick to the manual gearbox, however.

Safety
Driver and front passenger front airbags and head/thorax side airbags are standard equipment. ASR traction control and ESP stability control programs are also standard, as is Engine Brake Assist (EBR) for slippery conditions.

EPA Fuel Economy
20 mpg city/29 mpg highway (28 mpg highway, manual)

You'll Like

Fun styling
Reasonable fuel economy
Sporty nature
Build quality

You Won't Like

Uninspired five-cylinder engine
Macho? Hardly…
Irregular cargo space
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