Volkswagen's too-cute coupe has a circular profile with round wheelwells and a stubby nose and tail. The design, so sleek and smooth and simple, catches the eye and stands apart from the shape of any other vehicle on a street.
The interior matches the smooth look of the exterior. Layout consists of 2+2 seating, with front buckets and a small bench in the rear.
For power, the standard gasoline-powered 2.0-liter, in-line-four achieves 115-hp. An optional direct-injection 1.9-liter, turbo-diesel nets 90-hp and earns high fuel economy figures, while the 1.8T turbo kicks to 180-hp.
Models consist of Beetle 2.0L GL, 2.0L GLS, GLS TDI, GLS 1.8T, GLX 1.8T plus the Turbo S that uses the turbo plant with a six-speed manual. Turbo S wears unique fascia front and rear with foglamps and blinker lights plus side markers.
Side mirrors with integrated turn signals become a standard item for all Beetles in 2003, while GL adds power windows and cruise control to the standard list and offers the 1.8T or 1.9TDI engine optionally, plus a Monsoon audio.
Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) vehicle controls, a stock safety item for Turbo S, becomes a new option for GL, GLS and GLX.
