2002 Volkswagen New Beetle Turbo S

Exploding onto the automotive scene in mid-1998, Volkswagen's New Beetle has firmly established itself as an unqualified success story. But like so many things in this increasingly competitive car world, keeping the flame of its new-generation icon burning brightly in the minds of potential Bug buyers has required constant twists and tweaks.

The new Turbo S retains most of the current New Beetle's bodylines. However, front and rear bumpers are more aggressive, a small spoiler deploys from the decklid at 45 mph and 17-inch tires/wheels are standard.

Although VW has graced the New Beetle with a host of fresh designer colors and personalization options for 2002, by far the biggest news this year involves the debut of the hottest version yet to be sold in America. Following up on the first turbocharged GLS 1.8T variant, the new Turbo S matches extra muscle and enhanced handling prowess with a grab-bag of modest upgrades inside and out.


In keeping with its mission, the Turbo S boasts a bolder, more purposeful appearance. The visual transformation starts with an aggressively styled front fascia replete with a deeper air dam, integrated fog lamps, and revised turn signals and marker lights. Similar changes are found in the aft section of the car, where a bolder bumper treatment is counterpointed by special Turbo S badging on the decklid and a pair of chromed exhaust tips exiting out the driver's side. While sitting quietly in its "parked position" at low speeds, a subtle spoiler deploys from the trailing edge of the roof when the Turbo S exceeds 45 mph.


Initially, three model-specific colors are available: Red, Black and a special Reflex Silver metallic. Later in the year, Platinum Gray also joins that trio. Finishing things off is a unique wheel/tire package that matches 225/45HR17 performance rubber on distinctive 5-spoke alloy wheels.

VW's 180-hp 1.8T turbocharged inline four also appears in the Golf GTI, Jetta GLS and Audi TT.

Pumping up the volume in the new Turbo S is a 180-horsepower version of the current 150-horse 1.8-liter T-charged engine. Shared with the 2002 Golf GTI and Jetta GLS 1.8T as well as the front-drive Audi TT in which it was introduced, this 20-valve DOHC four not only offers a 20 percent bump in pony count but a 13 percent gain in peak torque output, which rises from 162 to 173 lb.-ft. Even more important, it hits that max twist number at just 1,950 rpm and holds it dead flat until the tach needle sweeps by the 5,000 mark.