Friday, December 02, 2005

Kiplinger's Names New Beetle "Best in Class"

Text from Volkswagen of America.
New engine, stability control contribute to high mark

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle has been named the best car under $18,000 by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance. The car, which was refreshed for 2006, received the top scores in its class, and the magazine acknowledged the enhanced engine and standard stability control.

The 2006 New Beetle comes standard with a more powerful new 2.5 liter, five-cylinder engine that creates 150 horsepower. Another significant technical update is standard traction control with Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP).

Styling changes for the 2006 New Beetle include bolder, slightly sharper bodylines, especially at the wheel wells and bumpers that are tailored for a more modern overall impression. New details include a larger, more oval headlight treatment, new taillights, and new bumper designs; inside, the freshening involves a new instrument cluster design with chrome applications to the instruments and also the air vents.

The New Beetle evokes times past yet remains timeless, still stirring the emotions and communicating with owners, drivers and everyone who sees it. The 2006 New Beetle remains distinctive, unique and recognizable, but with a more powerful appearance and a more powerful base engine.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.