Volkswagen New Beetle reviews

2000 Volkswagen New Beetle Interior Features

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.