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Driving off in iconic, head-turning vehicles like the 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible just got easier with new option packages from Volkswagen. The New Beetle sedan now is available in a well-equipped base model “S” as well as the “SE” model with premium sound, heated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles.

The New Beetle convertible is available in Black, Laser Blue, Gecko Green, Salsa Red, Harvest Moon and Sunflower Yellow. The sedan also is available in Platinum Gray and Reflex Silver. New 16-inch alloy wheels are available on the “S,” and 17-inch alloy wheels are available on the “SE.”


The 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible are available at Volkswagen dealers now, with a starting price of $17,365 for the hard-top and $23,125 for the soft-top. From the sides, a character line plays off the fenders and a relatively flat mid-body and presents a “hunkered down” look. Black roof trim now frames the familiar silhouette.

As you would expect from Volkswagen, the interior of the car has been given thorough attention. The newest interpretation of the iconic interior includes a single-bezel instrument cluster housing a large, easy-to-read, 140 mile-per-hour speedometer and a smaller tachometer and fuel gauge. Chrome accents enhance the instrument cluster and the dashboard air vents.

Revised stitching on the V-Tex seating results in a new look. In a nod to the importance that New Beetle and New Beetle convertible drivers place on their music, Volkswagen designers have placed the auxiliary input jack in a more visible location in the center console.



A two-speed windshield wiper system features a four-speed intermittent wipe feature. A large assist handle across the instrument panel above the glove box and two rear-passenger assist straps located on the B-pillar on hardtop models ensure interior comfort.

The 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible are offered with the advanced Volkswagen 2.5-liter, in-line, five-cylinder gasoline engine. The 2.5 L engine delivers 150 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm.

With four valves per cylinder, aluminum alloy cross flow heads and double overhead camshafts, the engine is strong, quiet, and efficient. Hydraulic lifters are maintenance-free. Digital electronic ignition and Motronic sequential multi-point fuel injection help the engine to operate on regular unleaded gasoline.

Power is delivered to the front wheels with two types of transmissions. A fivespeed manual transmission operates smoothly with a hydraulic clutch. An available sixspeed transmission with Tiptronic® allows for both automatic and driver-selected gear changes using the gear selector. The 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible with automatic transmission achieve an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of up to 29 miles per gallon in highway driving and 20 mpg in city driving. With a manual transmission, the EPA estimates are 28 mpg highway and 20 on the city cycle.

Independent front McPherson struts, a torsion beam rear axle and front and rear stabilizer bars combine for a comfortable ride and excellent handling. Power-assisted rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes increase control—not to mention pure driving pleasure.

For four-season fun, the New Beetle convertible features a three-layer cloth top with a heated glass rear window. An extra window switch on convertible models allows the driver to lower and raise all of the side windows simultaneously. The modern top helps keep road noise out in the “up” or closed position. Lowering the top is easy, and it piles neatly behind the rear seat in original Beetle fashion.




A comprehensive package of safety features that are standard equipment includes an advanced driver and front passenger front airbag supplemental restraint system and driver and front passenger head/thorax side airbag supplemental restraint system. The latest version Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) also is standard, as is an advanced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) with brake assist and traction control including Anti-Slip Regulation. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) now is standard as well.

The New Beetle convertible also includes an Active Rollover Support™ system that “pops up” two spring-loaded aluminum posts in 0.25 seconds from behind the rear seat headrests. For soft-top models, available options include a semi-automatic roof and a wind blocker.

The 2008 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible boast many of the most popular comfort and convenience luxuries as standard features, including fully reclining, height-adjustable front seats, a height-adjustable and telescoping three-spoke padded steering wheel. A 10-speaker premium in-dash CD/MP3/satellite-ready stereo is available in the convertible.


All New Beetle and New Beetle convertibles offer select leather trim as options. Also available are heatable front seats and windshield washer nozzles as well as SIRIUS™ satellite radio.

Owners can select option packages that include features such as model-specific 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires.


Pricing:


2008 Volkswagen Beetle S - five speed manual - $17,365
2008 Volkswagen Beetle S - 6-speed tiptronic - $18,440
2008 Volkswagen Beetle SE - 6-speed tiptronic - $20,440
2008 Volkswagen Beetle Triple White Sedan - 6-speed tiptronic - $20,990