Next to the steering wheel sits a bud vase, a homey touch standard on early Beetles. Otherwise, the interior looks anything but old fashioned. In contrast, the steering wheel and hand brake sport high-tech, aluminum accents. The front seats are roomy and comfortable - much more so than the old Beetle. Front seat belts adjust to the passenger height, with seats that ratchet up and down and offer the first standard side air bags in the class.
Rear passengers are less fortunate - maybe even more cramped than in the old car.
An arching roof line collides even with the heads of shorter passengers. Legroom is generous for a small two-door, but the back is best for kids. That likely will dissuade few customers, however. In this age of aerodynamically sculpted look-alikes, this one looks like nothing else. Passersby stop, poke, prod, and reminisce about the Beetle's quirky, adorable charm.