Approx. 4.4 liters (4.7 US quarts) with filter change
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (01M)
Features
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, Tiptronic (optional)
Fluid Specification Manual
Fluid Type:
G 005 000 (VW Manual Gearbox Oil)
Fluid Specification Automatic
Fluid Type:
G 052 162 A2 (VW ATF)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4089 mm (161.0 inches)
Width:
1700 mm (66.9 inches)
Height:
1570 mm (61.8 inches)
Wheelbase:
2507 mm (98.7 inches)
Interior
Front Headroom:
Approx. 1000 mm (39.4 inches)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 950 mm (37.4 inches)
Cargo
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 201 liters (7.1 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 310 liters (10.9 cu ft) to parcel shelf
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1250 - 1300 kg (2756 - 2866 lbs) depending on transmission and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1720 kg (3792 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
★★★★ (4-star driver), ★★★★ (4-star passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (Traction Control System - TCS)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and front passenger airbags)
Airbags Side:
Optional (Front side-impact airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, optional premium sound system
Navigation:
Not typically factory-installed on base 2003 models; aftermarket options available.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Available on some trims
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Typically not standard; aftermarket solutions exist.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 20,000 miles (32,000 km), replace as needed or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Replace every 20,000 miles (32,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Ignition coils with long-life spark plugs: approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable for 2.0L SOHC engine (uses a timing chain)
Fluid Specifications
Coolant Type:
G 12 Plus (VW TL 774 F) - Pink colored antifreeze/coolant
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 liters (7.4 US quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Coil packs, ignition wires, suspension bushings, catalytic converter (pre-mature failure reported by some owners), window regulators, door lock actuators.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can occur due to aging wiring or module failures; the manual's wiring diagrams are crucial for diagnosis.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Legacy:
Volkswagen, established 1937, known for 'people's car' ethos and iconic models like the Beetle and Golf.
Model Evolution
New Beetle Introduction:
The 'New Beetle' was introduced in 1997 (as a 1998 model year) as a spiritual successor to the original Type 1 Beetle, but built on modern Volkswagen platforms.
2003 Model Year Updates:
The 2003 model year saw minor refinements and packaging updates. The iconic shape remained consistent with the initial New Beetle design.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Puebla, Mexico
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Journalism Awards:
While the New Beetle received acclaim for its styling, specific awards for the 2003 model year are general to the model's design and concept.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed to Average for this generation, typical for German cars of the era; manual is vital for maintenance.
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