The other engine now featured in the New Beetle is a 2.5-litre inline-five. From a global perspective, this isn't the first inline five to be wedged under the Beetle's hood; European models were available with an odd 2.3- litre V5 (no, don't ask) that produced up to 170 horses. It was kind of a redundant model, given the Turbonium-infused 1.8T produced the same amount of power and torque, but it existed nevertheless. The inline-five is completely new, and shares some of its DNA with the V10 engine in its second cousin, twice removed, the Lamborghini Gallardo (no, really, that's what a VW salesman told me...).

Though the journey from Sant'Agata to Wolfsburg seems to have lost

2.5 litre inline-five has 170 lb-ft of torque. It's smooth and surprisingly zippy. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

some 350-horsepower and various key elements to the Gallardo's outstanding performance, nevertheless the 2.5-litre I-5 found under the New Beetle's hood is a sweet-sounding motor. It's quiet, smooth and despite only having 150-hp, it zips about with 170 lb-ft of torque - almost as much as the TDI. From the driver's seat, the gas-powered New Beetle is brisk, speed piles on quite quickly and the slick five-speed gearbox encourages acceleration, unlike the Jetta, which has a significant disadvantage over the lighter bug. But, nevertheless, as the standard engine, this is a huge step forward from the previous 2.0-litre, 8-valve motor. A six-speed automatic gearbox is available as an option for those who wish not to shift for themselves.

Dynamically, for 2006 the New Beetle goes vastly unchanged which is just fine by me. While other members of the compact VW family have moved on (or will be moving on shortly), the New Beetle sticks to the Mk.IV chassis that dates back to 1998. As with the 2006 Jetta Wagon

Base 2.5 model is well-equipped. It's also great to drive, even though its chassis is in its twilight years. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

and current Golf/GTI, the Bug rides on struts in front and a semi-independent torsion beam in back. Given that it's mechanically identical to other vehicles produced at the Puebla, Mexico plant, I can't imagine why people might think that it drives like a clown car. Take it down any winding road, and I assure you it's as much a Volkswagen as is a Golf or Jetta.

It may take a bit of time to get used to the oversized three-spoke steering wheel, but steering feel is well-weighted and linear. It's less sharp than previous generation compact VWs, blunted mostly by the large and heavy engines hanging over the nose, but it's much better in terms of feedback and communication than other vehicles in its class, particularly those equipped with electrical power steering (or just plain power steering that's often far overboosted). Instead the Beetle will win hearts for its smoothness and ability to flow from corner to corner. New 205-width Michelin all-season tires wrap around larger 16-inch wheels, providing healthy amounts of grip - even in sleet and slush.