The second engine choice makes even those figures seem indulgent. VW's 1.9-liter Turbo Direct Injection diesel, employing drive-by-wire technology, delivers a miserly 41 mpg in the city and an astonishing 49 mpg on the highway. This translates to almost 700 miles between fill-ups. With direct injection, the diesel fuel is shot straight into the combustion chambers, making the engine significantly more efficient. This optimizes power and economy, while slashing emissions. In fact, the TDI exhales 20 percent less carbon dioxide than a comparable gas engine and is one of only two diesel engines to be 50-state legal (the other is Mercedes-Benz' 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline six). This motor delivers peak output of 90 horsepower and a hearty 149 pound-feet of torque at a low 1900 rpm. And forget what you remember about diesels of yesteryear; this one is as quiet and civil as a typical gasoline engine.
In addition to these two, there'll be a third powerplant to be offered later this year: A 1.8-liter/150-horsepower DOHC 20-valve turbocharged inline four will be available in a Sport version (along with a tauter suspension, speed-activated rear spoiler, six-spoke alloy wheels, and leather treatment), which should bring considerably more zip to the party.
Either of the two current engines can be matched to a nice-shifting five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic that uses adaptive learning to adjust its shift pattern to fit an individual's driving style. For 2000, there's possible availability of an all-wheel-drive system, as well as a Tiptronic-style automatic that allows clutchless manual shifting.
The Inner Workings Of A Modern LegendThe New Beetle's freshness and innovation doesn't stop at the body shape. Inside, the links to the original Bug are more understated, but the cockpit's fun and futuristic appeal remains high. The interior's simple and uncluttered treatment mixes strategic brightwork and textured plastic to create a high-tech environment that looks like it's been pulled right off the drawing board for a future-car project. The overall ambience is of a car costing between $23,000 and $26,000; definitely not $16,000.
Reminiscent of the old Beetle, a single instrument pod contains a large, easy-to-read speedometer, along with a tachometer plus fuel and engine temperature gauges. Nondescript by day, these gauges take on vibrant new life when the sun goes down. With the lights on, the gauge cluster glows with retro-looking bright indigo blue numbers and searing red needles. In the center of the dash, beneath prominently stylized air vents, are the controls for the six-speaker AM/FM/cassette audio system and climate control system. Likewise, the center-dash controls pierce the darkness with red illumination surrounding a blue audio display-colors straight out of a comic book, and all part of the Beetle fun.
Between the gauge cluster and the center pod sits the now famous flower vase, fixed to the dash and awaiting a daily bud to bring an earthy warmth to the cool, space-age interior. Below the center pod, meanwhile, are three cupholders that work better as design elements than as functional conveniences, especially when rowing through the gears of the manual transmission. In fact, one of the few criticisms we have of the New Beetle is its ergonomics in this area. The radio buttons are small, requiring good finger aim, and the protruding center dash pod is easy to hit when shifting; one tester found he'd occasionally turn on the hazard lights with his knuckles during shifts into reverse. Behold the compromises for art.