1999 Volkswagen Beetle Compact Car Reviews & Ratings

That techno-styling is even more apparent inside. Except for the delightful little bud vase, the interior of the New Beetle is anything but retro. Nor is it spartan. While cars in this price class tend to have plain vanilla interiors, the new Bug's look is rich and surprisingly sophisticated, almost a work of art.

Brushed aluminum spokes and carbon-fiber-looking handgrips give the steering wheel a high-tech look and the theme is carried sparingly throughout. Creative, though controversial, upper door panels use a matte version of the car's exterior paint. A red interior strip on our fire-red Beetle provided a striking contrast to cream seats and black carbon fiber trim.

Speedometer and other gauges are clustered to make them easily readable between the steering wheel spokes. Somehow they seem a step forward into the past-a sort of retro/techno design.

Ergonomics were a top design priority throughout. Sleek radio and heater/AC controls are within easy reach of the driver in a center console that sweeps out of the instrument panel. Seats are far more comfortable than those in the Beetle of old. Adjustment controls work well except for an awkwardly placed recliner knob.

A sweeping roofline creates tremendous front-seat headroom, though it cramps people in back. In the old Beetle, the windshield was right in front of your face. Now the windshield is steeply raked and has been moved several feet forward. Beefy front A-pillars aren't as easy to see around, but there is so much glass in the New Beetle that it is not a serious obstacle.

Small features like dual 12-volt power outlets and four cupholders make living with the New Beetle more convenient. The trunk can be opened by key or with a remote electric switch located near the driver. The glovebox looks impressive, but its massive door belies the tiny, awkwardly shaped compartment. One-touch power windows are useful. But the rear windows do not open, so rear-seat passengers might feel a little claustrophobic on summer days.

Driving is where the difference between the old and New Beetle is really evident.

Step on the accelerator and, well, there's acceleration. The New Beetle may not qualify for pocket rocket status, but it's no sloth, either. Torque from the base 2.0-liter engine comes on at relatively low revs and makes the car feel quite sprightly around town. You won't leave a trail of rubber taking off from a stoplight, but it will keep up with most of the cars in its class.

Playing off of the famous Volkswagen ads of the '60s, one of the new ads cheerfully acknowledges the New Beetle is no hot rod: "0 to 60? Yes."

That familiar exhaust note and the metallic sound of those solid lifters has been replaced by an incredibly quiet car. Wind noise is surprisingly low at cruising speeds, only making itself apparent at 80 mph.

For maximum sports appeal, we recommend the 5-speed manual over the optional 4-speed automatic. It's more fun to drive. The automatic works well enough, but it gives up a little low-end acceleration and makes the car seem thrashy on pedal-to-the-metal standing starts.

Tight, linear, responsive steering with a solid, on-center feel and a smooth, sporty ride replaces that loose feeling we remember in the original Beetle. Its four-wheel independent suspension, provides ride and handling that suggests a much more expensive automobile.