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Nov 13 2003

2004 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible: Delivering even more safety and fun

Posted by: kak in Volkswagen

Now entering its second model year, the Volkswagen New Beetle convertible still inspires smiles. In 2004, the New Beetle convertible gets important safety advancements and upgrades that are sure to please New Beetle convertible shoppers even more. The Volkswagen New Beetle convertible is among the first in its small car segment to offer side-impact airbags that extend protection to the head and thorax area of the driver and front passenger. This advanced airbag supplemental restraint system is mounted in the sides of the front seats. For even more protection, front seats now include active restraint headrests.

For improved listening pleasure, a premium 10-speaker Monsoon® Sound System is now standard on the GLS, and comes with amplifier, theft-deterrent light/coding, and control capability for a six-disc CD-changer available as an option. Strategic placement of the speakers maintains the high quality stereo sound even with the top down. Volkswagen plans to offer a Premium 5.5 in-dash single CD/AM/FM radio with MP3-format capability as standard equipment across the New Beetle convertible lineup later in the model year.

As it was in late 2003, the New Beetle convertible is available in GL and GLS models with the sturdy Volkswagen 2.0L in-line four-cylinder engine with 115 horsepower. The GLS model also is available with the acclaimed Volkswagen 1.8 T turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine tuned to 150 hp.

The 2004 New Beetle convertible GLS 1.8 T sports newly styled, exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment, with newly designed 17-inch alloy wheels available as an option. The GLS 2.0L has newly designed 16-inch alloy wheels and the GL 2.0L gets new 16-inch wheel covers on steel wheels as standard equipment.

For 2004, the New Beetle convertible features new interior and exterior color choices and combinations. Fresh exterior color offerings include two new roof colors, Gray and Cream, and exterior/interior color combinations including: Uni-Red accented by a black roof and black and cream interior; Platinum Gray complimented by a black roof and black and gray interior; and Cyber Green highlighting a black roof and black and cream interior. New color combinations this year include Aquarius Blue with a black top and gray interior and Sundown Orange with a black top and cream interior.

Characteristic of Volkswagen value, the New Beetle convertible offers many standard features found in the world’s best convertibles, including: CFC-free air conditioning and integrated pollen and dust filter; rear-seat air and heat vents; power side mirrors with defrost/defog; a glass rear window with defroster; power locks and power windows with pinch protection, one-touch up/down switches and a driver’s door single-switch for simultaneous operation of all the windows; a central remote locking system; height adjustable, telescoping steering column; cruise control; and illuminated, covered vanity mirrors.

Options available on the New Beetle convertible GLS include the Cold Weather Package with heatable front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles; the Leather Package comes with a three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather seating surfaces, and leather shift knob and handbrake grip; and the ultimate Leather Sport Seats Package (optional on GLS 1.8 T) featuring leather sport seats with driver and front passenger adjustable lumbar support.

Going from a covered coupe to a top-down tourer is quick and easy with the semi-automatic top release that is standard equipment on the New Beetle GLS convertible and available as an option on the GL. The power top opens and closes in about 13 seconds - simply by unhooking the latch and pushing the power button. When folded down and stowed, the effect is much like the classic top-down look of the original Beetle convertible. For increased comfort during top-down motoring, a windblocker is available as an option on the GLS.

The front-wheel drive New Beetle convertible continues to offer two popular engine choices. The 1.8 T engine added to the lineup in summer of 2003 is a technically advanced 1.8-liter engine available in the GLS. The compact four-cylinder uses five-valve-per-cylinder engine technology plus a turbocharger and intercooler to optimize intake air volume and temperature to make six-cylinder-like power of 150 hp at 5,800 revolutions per minute and 162 lbs. ft. of torque, from 2,200 to 4,200 rpm.

The GLS is also available with the steadfast Volkswagen 2.0L engine that is offered as well in the New Beetle convertible GL. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder generates 115 hp at 5,400 rpm and maximum torque of 125 lbs. ft. at 3,200 rpm. A multi-path intake manifold makes the 2.0L a powerful, smooth engine.

The 2004 New Beetle convertibles feature a standard five-speed manual transmission and an optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic®. With six forward gears, the transmission keeps the engine rpm in the power band for increased performance.

For performance and handling, the tuned suspension of the 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle convertible includes independent McPherson struts and a stabilizer bar up front and an independent track correcting torsion beam axle and stabilizer bar in the rear. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering delivers precise and responsive control.

The GLS 1.8 T comes standard-equipped with an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP®), Electronic Differential Locks (EDL) and Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR). The systems automatically assist when the vehicle is operated at its performance limits. ESP is available as an option on GLS 2.0 models.

Safety is a primary design factor in the New Beetle convertible. Standard equipment includes Automatic Rollover Supports™ in the rear that use electronic “smart” sensors to pop-up in the event of a rollover to bridge support to the front windshield.

As stated, airbag supplemental restraints now include the head/thorax airbags in the sides of the front seats with active restraint headrests, plus driver and front-passenger front airbags.

Later in the year, front airbags will feature dual-stage deployment by advanced sensors.

Front-seat three-point safety belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters and three-point safety belts in the rear outboard seating positions provide primary protection. The LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tether for CHildren) in the rear outboard seating positions aids proper installation of child seats.

Volkswagen has added two new warning lights to the instrument panel. A new seatbelt reminder alerts if a seatbelt has not been fastened. A fuel cap-seal light warns if there is a potential loss of vacuum pressure in the fuel delivery system.

On the outside, the New Beetle convertible is distinguished by chrome accent surround, side mirrors with integrated turn signals and redesigned rear trunk lid with integrated third brake light. Projector-lens halogen headlights present a modern front. The GLS also sports front fog lamps and offers optional High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights. Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are standard on all models.

Inside, the novel dome-shape architecture gives the New Beetle convertible spacious front headroom and contributes to the generous 78 cu. ft. of passenger volume and five cu. ft. of trunk space. A lockable armrest pass-through is convenient for carrying long objects, such as skis.

Three 12-volt power points - two in the center console and one in the trunk - along with a center console redesigned last year help make the New Beetle convertible a truly convenient car for drivers and passengers. The center console features an armrest and lockable storage compartment to secure items even if the top is down. Standard leatherette upholstery helps make the interior easy to clean and maintain - particularly desirable for seating exposed to outdoor elements.

The New Beetle convertible has Volkswagen’s four-year/50,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper warranty; it covers wear-and-tear items and adjustments during the initial 12 months or 12,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first.

Additional coverage includes a five-year/60,000-mile fully transferable powertrain warranty, corrosion perforation coverage for 12 years with unlimited mileage and the added security of four years/50,000 miles of 24-hour roadside assistance.