Wednesday, February 07, 2007

New Beetle Convertible receives Intellichoice Award

The 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible was chosen "Best Overall Value of the Year - 2007" by Intellichoice. No specific reason was really given (not that I'm complaining) other than the standard "we look at value" spiel.

Jump in to read the press release.

Source: Volkswagen of America.
IntelliChoice award for convertible class value leadership made during the 2007 Chicago Auto Show

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc announced today that the 2007 New Beetle convertible was chosen as IntelliChoice’s “Best Overall Value of the Year – 2007.” The annual award acknowledges automakers for producing a vehicle, whose cost of ownership is considerably lower than its counterpart models, therefore helping consumers make smarter purchasing decisions. The models that are honored for best overall value are top-ranked vehicles in their relevant categories.

IntelliChoice analyzes value and ownership cost in more than 1,800 vehicles to determine the automotive market's best values for the consumer. Some techniques used to identify a vehicle as having the most value are determined by title verification, roadside assistance, special financing, certification inspection process, manufacturer warranties, return/ exchange policies and much more.

“We are delighted to receive this important award from IntelliChoice,” says David Goggins, director of product marketing and strategy at Volkswagen of America, Inc. “It is particularly satisfying to be recognized for value and low ownership costs, both core values for Volkswagen. Since its introduction in the U.S., over 83,000 customers have chosen the New Beetle Convertible for its winning combination of value, fun and charm and it continues to maintain an enduring appeal.”

The 2007 New Beetle convertible feature many of the most popular comfort and convenience features as standard, including fully reclining, height adjustable front seats, a height adjustable and telescoping three-spoke padded steering wheel, and a 10-speaker premium in-dash CD/MP3/satellite-ready stereo.

The model offers Volkswagen’s 2.5-liter, in-line, five-cylinder gasoline engine. The 2.5 L engine delivers 150 horsepower at 5,000 revolutions per minute and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm.

The automatic transmission achieves an EPA-estimated fuel efficiency of up to 32 miles per gallon in highway driving and 23 mpg in city driving. With a manual transmission, the EPA estimates are 31 mpg highway and 22 city.

The 2007 New Beetle convertible is available at Volkswagen dealers with a starting price of $17,180.

For more information on the 2007 New Beetle convertible, as well as all other Volkswagen models and products, log on to www.media.vw.com. Registration is required.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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 sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

About IntelliChoice
Part of PRIMEDIA Enthusiast Media, IntelliChoice is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis and in automotive leasing cost analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is the most authoritative provider of independent automobile pricing, specifications, ownership cost and leasing data. Offering proprietary ownership cost and value information, IntelliChoice also publishes the IntelliChoice Buyer’s Guide, a quarterly magazine for consumers featuring the nation's most trusted automotive cost and value data, as well as the award winning annuals, The Complete Car Cost Guide™ and The Complete Small Truck Cost Guide™