2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Road Test Ratings

Retro-styling and a roomy interior are the New Beetle's main selling points.

Not much to talk about in the engine department. The chassis is tuned rather conservatively.

Ride comfort is better than class average. Copious front headroom and a good driving position, but rear seat occupants have limited head clearance.

The basic control layout is good, but certain gauges, like the tach, are dwarfed by the oversized speedometer.

Retro-styling works well enough for those who like that sort of thing, but perhaps the novelty has worn off.