Everybody instantly recognizes the cute bug, aka the VW Beetle. For 2001, the front wheel drive Beetle wraps up a few new nuances: 17-inch alloy wheels are optional for GLS 1.8T and GLX trims; 8-speaker Monsoon stereo is optional on GLS and standard on GLX; high intensity lights optional on GLS and GLX; and bigger-sized side mirrors for all trims. The bubble car is so different than the original Beetle that it’s easy to see why people are so enamored with it. Anyone who drove (or rode) in an original Beetle knows that 60 mph speed and passing power were not the car’s strong suit. Volkswagen’s New Beetle has ample power, especially true for the turbocharged 150 horsepower 4-cylinder GLX 1.8 T.

Beetle’s charm overcomes any fleeting irritations – such as adjusting to the seemingly steamer trunk-sized dashboard to windshield distance. A driver finds instant comfort behind the tilt/telescoping steering wheel. Nice-fitting seats – good for short and tall people – put everything in easy reach: from the lighted vanity mirrors to the golf ball-sized, brushed aluminum 5-speed manual shifter. Beetle’s upside-down U-shape provides an enormous amount of headroom for all passengers. And, there’s plenty of trunk space, which can increase by folding down the rear seat. Suggested price on the GLX turbo is $21,175. With manual transmission and turbo 4-cylinder engine, New Beetle grabs mileage counts of 25 city/31 highway.
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