Description: Compact Coupe
Base MSRP Range: $17,180 - $23,195
Invoice Price Range: $16,107 - $21,769
Where built: Mexico

VW's compact two-door coupe and convertible show styling changes for 2006 featuring revised fascias, fenders and side sills with keen lines drawn around wheel wells and a bold face set with large oval headlamps and a mesh grille.

The standard engine this year is also new -- a 2.5-liter five-cylinder rig which achieves 150 hp through a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic shifter. Equipment upgrades consist of a traction control system (TCS) with ESP added to all models.

New Beetle Cabriolet amounts to a convertible conversion worked out by Karmann Coachworks in Germany. The fabric-lined top has three layers for insulation plus a rear window constructed from glass and imbedded with a defroster element. The top opens and closes by manual mode or optional semi-automatic power controls.

Gecko Green and Salsa Red are fresh paint shades for New Beetle in 2006.