A newcomer for 1998 was the all-new retro-styled Volkswagen New Beetle, which got a lot of attention. Production of the New Beetle began December 1997 at Volkswagen’s plant in Puebla, Mexico, the sole source. Based on Volkswagen’s Golf chassis, it was scheduled to be on sale in the United States by the end of March 1998. Exports to Europe were scheduled for Fall 1998, and the rest of the world in 1999. Based on the Volkswagen Concept 1 that was presented at the 1994 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The base model starts at $15,700 with a 115-horsepower 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. A 90-horsepower 1.9-liter 4-cylinder Turbo Direct Injection diesel engine was also available, starting at $16,975. A 150-horsepower turbocharged 1.8-liter engine would become available in the fall of 1998. Unlike Volkswagen’s original Beetle, which featured an air-cooled, rear-mounted engine, the New Beetle is front wheel drive with water-cooled engines mounted in the front. With a wheelbase of 98.9 inches, the New Beetle is 161.1 inches long and 67.9 inches wide. Standard features include a fully galvanized body for rust protection, dual front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags, four-wheel disc brakes, pretensioning front safety belts, front and rear headrests, halogen projector-beam headlights, daytime running lights, air conditioning, pollen and odor filter, six speaker stereo, beverage holders, antitheft alarm system, central locking system with remote, and even a bud vase. Available options included anti-lock brakes, alloy wheels, cruise control, leather upholstery, fog lamps, heated front seats, and power windows.
