VW captured major attention and significant sales when it brought out its New Beetle in 1998. As the Bug’s popularity
began to flag, new versions such as the Turbo S were unveiled. But what could generate renewed interest more than a
convertible model? When the droptop Bug hit the streets in 2002, heads were turning and wallets were being reached for
once again. The Beetle convertible comes in GL and GLS trim levels. As with other VWs, the GLX model has been
discontinued for 2004. The GL and GLS can be equipped with a 115-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 150-hp, 1.8-liter
turbocharged inline four. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic is optional. New color
combinations are added for 2004-along with new wheels-and a Monsoon audio system is now standard on the GLS. The
power top comes down in 13 seconds.
After a mostly fallow 2005, VW is on a new-model rush, starting with a sixth-generation Passat. The redesigned and restyled
car’s standard engine is a 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a 280-hp, 3.6-liter VR6 is optional. The turbo four
becomes standard on the Jetta GLI and optional on the Jetta. The New Beetle gets a mild redesign and a new standard
engine, a 150-hp, 2.5-liter five-cylinder with either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The current
GTI carries on without the optional VR6 until an all-new version, based on the Audi A3, debuts. The Phaeton W-12 engine’s
output is raised to 444 horses. The Golf range is diminished by the elimination of the two-door GL and four-door GL turbo-
diesel. The Touareg gains a new standard engine, a 3.6-liter VR6 with direct injection and 276 horsepower, 36 more than
the last VR6.
Future: The next generation of the New Beetle and Golf to be launched late this year and in 2006. A Passat four-door
“coupe” in 2008.

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