2009 Volkswagen New Beetle

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
• Safety
• Reliability
• Prices
• Photo Gallery

Safety - What the Auto Press Says

The New Beetle's safety scores are mediocre. Though it does well in frontal impact testing, its scores for side impact crashes are mixed. In addition, several reviewers note poor visibility due to the coupe and convertible's unique shape.

Crash Tests

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives the 2009 New Beetle coupe four out of a possible five stars for front crashes, five stars for the driver's protection in side crashes, and three out of five stars for the rear passengers protection in side crashes. The convertible earns four stars for frontal impact crashes. Both convertible and coupe earn a four-star rollover rating.
• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2009 New Beetle a "Good" rating for frontal offset tests, but the lowest possible rating, "Poor," for side impact tests.

Safety Features

The VW New Beetle's standard features include four-wheel anti-lock brakes and stability control. The car is fitted with front seat safety belt pretentioners, and has side air bags for front occupants, as well as full-length head curtain air bags and active front head restraints. The steering wheel is collapsible in the event of an impact. 

• "In order to create the New Beetle's shape, the windshield and dashboard have been partially extended over the engine compartment, creating a tremendously deep dash and a large blind spot where the front pillar meets the side mirror." -- Kelley Blue Book