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Photo of a Volkswagen New Beetle

Volkswagen New Beetle

Beetle curves, Golf IV bones, and a 250-car RSi with a 3.2 L VR6 and all-wheel drive.12

Researched October 26, 2026 from 38 sources

Also called

  • BugAn informal name also used for the Turbo S.3
  • Über-New BeetleUsed for the RSi, the 250-car special with a 3.2 L VR6.2

At a glance

0150300
74–221 hpPower
07.515
6.4–14.6 s0–100 km/h
0125250
161–225 km/hTop speed
0200400
126–320 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,182–1,515 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.16

Engine
1.4–2.5 L I4/I5/VR5 gasoline; 3.2 L VR6 (RSi); 1.9 L TDI diesel I41
Layout
Front engine, FWD; RSi: 4Motion AWD1
Gearbox
5/6-speed manual; 4/6-speed automatic, including Tiptronic1
Built at
VW Puebla factory, Mexico1
Units built
Almost 1.2 million2

The story

Public enthusiasm for the 1994 Concept 1 put J Mays and Freeman Thomas's California design into production. Golf IV/PQ34 foundations brought a water-cooled front engine, reversing the original Beetle's rear-engine layout.124

1994: Concept 1 wins its production future19941997: Puebla starts; Detroit debut follows19971999: 1.8T arrives with 150 hp19992001: RSi: 250 cars, VR6 and all-wheel drive20012002: Turbo S: 180 hp, 6-speed manual20022003: Cabriolet: roof down in 13 seconds20032005: Ragster roof chop and a fresh face20052006: U.S. switch to a 150-hp 5-cylinder20062010: Final Edition, then July shutdown2010 Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1): 1938–2003Type 1Volkswagen Concept 1: 1994 conceptVolkswagen Concept 1Volkswagen New Beetle (9C / 1C / 1Y): 1997–20109C / 1C / 1YVolkswagen Beetle (A5) (A5): 2011–2019A5 194019501960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones12681718
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1938–2003Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1)
1994 conceptVolkswagen Concept 1
1997–2010Volkswagen New Beetle (9C / 1C / 1Y)
2011–2019Volkswagen Beetle (A5) (A5)
1994Concept 1 wins its production future
1997Puebla starts; Detroit debut follows
19991.8T arrives with 150 hp
2001RSi: 250 cars, VR6 and all-wheel drive
2002Turbo S: 180 hp, 6-speed manual
2003Cabriolet: roof down in 13 seconds
2005Ragster roof chop and a fresh face
2006U.S. switch to a 150-hp 5-cylinder
2010Final Edition, then July shutdown
  1. 1994

    Concept 1 wins its production future

    J Mays and Freeman Thomas's California study gets such an enthusiastic reception that Volkswagen approves a production car.2

  2. 1997

    Puebla starts; Detroit debut follows

    Production starts in Puebla, Mexico, on October 1, 1997; the official world premiere follows at Detroit on January 5, 1998.2

  3. 1999

    1.8T arrives with 150 hp

    The GLS 1.8T records 7.3 seconds to 60 mph and 0.81 g in testing, matching the Integra GS-R's grip and beating the PT Cruiser's sprint.15

  4. 2001

    RSi: 250 cars, VR6 and all-wheel drive

    A 3.2 L VR6, 6-speed manual and Haldex all-wheel drive make the RSi a 250-car flagship.26

  5. 2002

    Turbo S: 180 hp, 6-speed manual

    The U.S. Turbo S gets 180 hp from its 1.8 L turbo engine and a 6-speed manual; its estimated 0–60 mph time is 6.5 seconds.13

  6. 2003

    Cabriolet: roof down in 13 seconds

    The reinforced Cabriolet gets an optional 13-second power top that stacks behind the rear seats, plus rollover bars that deploy if a tipover looms.78

  7. 2005

    Ragster roof chop and a fresh face

    The Ragster concept lowers the Convertible's roofline; the production facelift reshapes fenders, bumpers, headlights and taillights.12

  8. 2006

    U.S. switch to a 150-hp 5-cylinder

    The 2.5 L 5-cylinder replaces the 115-hp 2.0 and 150-hp 1.8T in the U.S.; the 100-hp TDI hatchback stays for its last model year.19

  9. 2010

    Final Edition, then July shutdown

    Final Edition caps the run with 1,500 coupes and 1,500 convertibles, all with a 150-hp 2.5 L engine. Production ends in July after almost 1.2 million cars.210

Every generation

  • Volkswagen Beetle
    Type 11938–2003
  • Volkswagen New Beetle
    9C / 1C / 1Y1997–2010
  • Volkswagen Beetle (A5)
    A52011–2019

Power over the years

From 89 hp to 221 hp in 3 years.

0100200300 19982000200220042006 hp 1998 · 89 hp · 1.9 TDI (90 PS)1998 · 115 hp · 2.0 base (U.S.)1999 · 100 hp · 1.6 AWH (101 PS)1999 · 150 hp · GLS 1.8T2000 · 100 hp · 1.9 TDI pump-injector (101 PS)2000 · 101 hp · 1.6 update (102 PS)2000 · 168 hp · 2.3 VR5 (170 PS)2001 · 74 hp · 1.4 16V (75 PS)2001 · 221 hp · RSi 3.2 VR6 (224 PS)2002 · 180 hp · Turbo S 1.8T2005 · 104 hp · 1.9 TDI pump-injector (105 PS)2006 · 150 hp · 2.5 5-cylinder (U.S.) 221 hp RSi 3.2 VR6 (224 PS) 89 hp 1.9 TDI (90 PS)
1258
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1998891.9 TDI (90 PS)
19981152.0 base (U.S.)
19991001.6 AWH (101 PS)
1999150GLS 1.8T
20001001.9 TDI pump-injector (101 PS)
20001011.6 update (102 PS)
20001682.3 VR5 (170 PS)
2001741.4 16V (75 PS)
2001221RSi 3.2 VR6 (224 PS)
2002180Turbo S 1.8T
20051041.9 TDI pump-injector (105 PS)
20061502.5 5-cylinder (U.S.)

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • GL / GLS / GLX / Sport (U.S.)

    Standard

    GL / GLS / GLX / Sport (U.S.)

  • Base / 2.5 / S / SE

    Standard

    Base / 2.5 / S / SE

    2006–2010

    150 hp
  • Turbo S

    Performance

    Turbo S

    2002–2004

    180 hp

  • Performance

    Sport Edition

  • Special

    Ikon / Sunshine / Miami

  • Limited

    BlackOrange

    2010

  • Limited

    Vapor Blue / Reflex Yellow

    2000

  • Blush Convertible

    Limited

    Blush Convertible

    2009

    150 hp

    1,500 built

  • Limited

    Dark Flint

    2005

How to spot one

Look for

  • The side profile resembles three interlocking semicircles.2
  • Separate, freestanding fenders.2
  • Early cars have round headlights; facelift lenses are oval.26
  • Large, round taillights.1

Year by year

  1. 1999

    GLX introduced a speed-activated rear spoiler and wider alloy wheels.8

  2. 2002–2004

    Turbo S wears revised bumpers, a speed-activated roof spoiler, rear-hatch badging and two polished exhaust outlets.111

  3. 2003

    Cabriolet arrives with a fabric roof that folds behind the rear seats, above the trunk lid.7

  4. 2004

    Restyled wheels arrived; xenon headlights became optional.8

  5. Before the 2005 facelift

    Side repeaters moved into the mirror housings; gray/chrome VW badges replaced blue/white/chrome emblems.6

  6. 2005; U.S. 2006 model year

    Facelift brings flatter fenders, reshaped bumpers, oval clear-lens headlights, slimmer front indicators and two-tone taillights.16

Don’t confuse it with

Against its rivals

  • Acura Integra GS-R

    New Beetle vs Acura Integra GS-R

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    New Beetle7.3 s
    Acura Integra GS-R7.2 s
    5
  • Chrysler PT Cruiser

    New Beetle vs Chrysler PT Cruiser

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    New Beetle7.3 s
    Chrysler PT Cruiser8.5 s
    5
  • MINI Cooper

    New Beetle vs MINI Cooper

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    New Beetle10.6 s
    MINI Cooper8.4 s
    19

Prices

Value today $2.2K–$18.2K89

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $2,200–$18,200 2002 · $23,950 · US base, Turbo S2009 · $26,990 · US base, Blush convertible2010 · $20,000 · US base, Final Edition hardtop2010 · $27,000 · US base, Final Edition convertible 1998 · $15,200 · US base price, 1998 model year 2024 · $10,003 · 2003 GLS Convertible 5-speed, 37k miles, BaT2025 · $17,500 · 2010 Final Edition Convertible, 45k miles, BaT2025 · $5,600 · 2003 GLS 5-speed, 48k miles, BaT2025 · $8,888 · 2002 Turbo S 6-speed, 46k miles, BaT2026 · $9,200 · 2004 Turbo S 6-speed, 42k miles, BaT2026 · $7,000 · 1998 modified 5-speed, 10k mi; mileage flagged, BaT2026 · $10,501 · 2003 GLS convertible automatic, 30k miles, BaT2026 · $7,500 · 1999 modified Japanese-market, 40k miles, BaT2026 · $15,500 · 2008 New Beetle, 6k miles, BaT2026 · $14,000 · 2010 Convertible, 22k miles, BaT $17.5K BaT, 2025
13410111627303132333435363738
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1998Launch price$15,200US base price, 1998 model year
2002Price when new$23,950US base, Turbo S
2009Price when new$26,990US base, Blush convertible
2010Price when new$20,000US base, Final Edition hardtop
2010Price when new$27,000US base, Final Edition convertible
2024Auction sale$10,0032003 GLS Convertible 5-speed, 37k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$17,5002010 Final Edition Convertible, 45k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$5,6002003 GLS 5-speed, 48k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$8,8882002 Turbo S 6-speed, 46k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$9,2002004 Turbo S 6-speed, 42k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$7,0001998 modified 5-speed, 10k mi; mileage flagged, BaT
2026Auction sale$10,5012003 GLS convertible automatic, 30k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$7,5001999 modified Japanese-market, 40k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,5002008 New Beetle, 6k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$14,0002010 Convertible, 22k miles, BaT
2026Value today$2,200–$18,200

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “40 Cup racers and a 1999 champion”
    • “Suzuka victory by 3.947 seconds”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 38 sources
  1. Volkswagen New Beetle - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. New Beetle (1997–2010) | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  3. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S caranddriver.com
  4. The Beetles: Yesterday And Today - Roadtest - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  5. 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 1.8T caranddriver.com
  6. VW New Beetle – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  7. New Beetle Cabriolet (2003–2010) | Volkswagen Newsroom volkswagen-newsroom.com
  8. 1998-05 Volkswagen New Beetle | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  9. 2006-10 Volkswagen New Beetle | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  10. 2009 LA Show: 'Final edition' of the VW New Beetle - paultan.org paultan.org
  11. No Reserve: 42k-Mile 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,200 on January 12, 2026 (Lot #226,214) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  12. Buying a used Volkswagen New Beetle (2000-2005) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  13. 2003 Volkswagen Beetle GLS Turbo | German Cars For Sale Blog germancarsforsaleblog.com
  14. Special Edition - New Volkswagen Beetle BlackOrange theautochannel.com
  15. VW offers special-color New Beetles via Internet only autoweek.com
  16. Volkswagen Beetle | OneShift by Carousell oneshift.com
  17. Volkswagen Beetle - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  18. Freeman Thomas - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  19. MINI Cooper vs VW Beetle: modern classic head-to-head | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  20. 2. Lauf Volkswagen New Beetle Cup - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  21. SUZUKA CIRCUIT | RESULTS | FORMULA NIPPON suzukacircuit.jp
  22. Beetle Adventure Racing! - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. Fight Club - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. 20 Things You Didn't Know About Fight Club – Page 13 whatculture.com
  25. Volkswagen New Beetle RSi Was One Juiced-Up Bug caranddriver.com
  26. Volkswagen Beetle | Encyclopedia.com encyclopedia.com
  27. Volkswagen New Beetle (1998-2010) For Sale - BaT Auctions bringatrailer.com
  28. Gebrauchtwagen-Test: VW New Beetle - AUTO BILD autobild.de
  29. Bien acheter une Volkswagen New Beetle (1998-2011) autoplus.fr
  30. No Reserve: Modified, 10k-Mile 1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,000 on February 17, 2026 (Lot #230,390) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 30k-Mile 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,501 on May 7, 2026 (Lot #241,418) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: Modified, Japanese-Market 1999 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,500 on October 21, 2026 (Lot #269,685) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 6k-Mile 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,500 on October 16, 2026 (Lot #268,858) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 22k-Mile 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,000 on September 29, 2026 (Lot #265,730) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 45k-Mile 2010 Volkswagen New Beetle Final Edition Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,500 on September 16, 2025 (Lot #210,120) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 48k-Mile 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,600 on July 5, 2025 (Lot #199,240) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 46k-Mile 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,888 on January 30, 2025 (Lot #178,774) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 37k-Mile 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle GLS Convertible 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,003 on June 8, 2024 (Lot #149,877) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • volkswagen-newsroom.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • consumerguide.com
  • paultan.org
  • bringatrailer.com
  • carsales.com.au
  • germancarsforsaleblog.com
  • theautochannel.com
  • autoweek.com
  • oneshift.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk

Photo credits

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