The Turbo S looks similar to the other New Beetles, but aerodynamic enhancements give it a hunkered-down German turbo look. Smoothed-out wheel wells and revised bumpers give it a seamless, aerodynamic appearance. Double exhaust pipes hint of compressed aspiration under the hood, while special 17-inch alloy wheels and tires indicate a sports suspension. A subtle Turbo S badge, styled after Porsche badging, adorns the back hatch on which sits a rear valance. Beetle Turbo S is available in three basic colors: black, red and silver. The metallic silver is available at no extra charge, and a dark platinum gray will be added to the palette early in 2003.

New colors for the rest of the Beetle line include Platinum Grey, Snap Orange, and Riviera Blue. Marlin Blue will replace Batik Blue; Blue Lagoon will replace Techno Blue; Double Yellow will replace Yellow; and Reflex Silver will replace Silver Arrow.

All Beetles look creative and distinctive and spare. Quality is excellent. Gaps between doors, fenders and other body panels are some of the tightest we've seen.

2002 Beetle GL and GLS models get a new wheel cover design. New 16-inch six-spoke wheels are available for GLS models. For 2002, 1.8 T models get the turbo badge and new 16-inch alloy wheels.

The New Beetle has distinguished itself being among the safest of small cars. It has well-engineered crumple zones, dual frontal and side-impact airbags, and antilock brakes.