With its distinctive, even iconic, shape, the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, like its predecessors, is instantly recognizable. This year's model, offered in two trims and a convertible version, retains many of the features from last year's edition, while sporting new names for the trim levels. Instead of the base and 2.5L designations, we now have the S and SE.
2009 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE SE HATCHBACK
All versions of the 2009 Beetle have the same power train configuration: a front-mounted 2.5 liter, 150 horsepower, 5- cylinder engine that provides 170 pounds/feet of torque, mated to the standard five-speed manual transmission, though there is an optional six-speed automatic transmission that comes with the Porsche-developed "Tiptronic" quasi-manual shifting functionality, as well. All Beetles are front-wheel drive.
2009 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE CONVERTIBLE
Aside from the obvious feature, the convertible's soft top, both versions of the 2009 Volkswagen Beetle have essentially the same exterior features. The dome-shaped roof is one of them, of course, but other details include turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, and a power sunroof is available as an option on the SE. Based on the same platform used for the Volkswagen Golf, the Beetle's standard wheels are 16-inch alloy, with 17-inch wheels available on the SE.
