2009 Volkswagen Beetle

Description

From the time it was first introduced in 1938 until its departure in 2003 - a temporary departure, of course - the noble Volkswagen Beetle (aka The Bug) was heralded as the ultimate symbol of dependable, no-frills transportation. The model would go on to have quite a history and eventually become synonymous with a growing counterculture here in the United States - that's certainly a claim not many cars can match. Sporting an appearance that draws plenty of inspiration from its ancestor, this 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is a great representative of the Beetle in its modern, reincarnated form. Lightly driven and looking good both inside and out, it offers plenty of vintage charm, combined with all the modern comfort and convenience you'd want for a nice driving experience.

The form of this Beetle is unmistakable. It didn't look like any other car on the road when it was first released some 85 years ago, and it still doesn't now. Its updated appearance dates back to the 1994 North American International Auto Show, where VW unveiled its Concept One retro-themed concept car that bore an intentional resemblance to the original Beetle. The positive reaction from the car-buying public was immediate, and just a few years later, VW put the new Beetle back into production. As you'd probably expect, it's noticeably longer and stouter than its iconic forefathers with a much broader cabin - we do value our cabin space, after all - a wider wheelbase and more subdued fenders both fore and aft, but the resemblance remains strong. The eye-catching yellow paint this 2009 wears still presents nicely, with no major dings in sight, and the black accents that surround the side windows still look pretty fresh.

Those aforementioned modifications to the original Beetle design yielded a surprisingly roomy cabin. Space may have been at a premium back when the Beetle first roamed the highways, but it's not an issue here - it doesn't take any imagination to picture four adults sitting comfortably. Everything looks neat and clean inside the doors, with the black leather bucket seats not showing much wear and a center console that's been treated with respect. Despite VW's austere heritage, there are plenty of comfort and convenience features on board here, including air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, door locks and mirrors, heated seats, a rear window defogger and a tilt column. Side airbags are a welcome safety feature, and this Beetle also features an anti-theft system to ensure it doesn't leave your possession unintentionally. An AM/FM/CD stereo stands ready to tend to your audio needs.

While the original Beetle was designed to venture onto the Autobahn if called upon to do so, its compact engine and limited power no doubt relegated it to the slow lane. That won't be an issue with this one. Sitting under the hood - now at the front of the car - is a fuel-injected, 2.5-liter DOHC 5-cylinder engine that offers enough power and dependability for worry-free driving. It's paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission that's shifting nicely. Power steering makes for low-effort, smooth navigation, while anti-lock disc brakes are at all four corners to bring the 16" wheels to a stop.

With its distinctively appealing, vintage-influenced appearance, storied heritage and modern-day driving convenience, this 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be a great acquisition for someone who appreciates automotive history but also wants a nice, comfortable experience behind the wheel. Call today!